Grooming is a great daily chore and your horse will really appreciate it. Even if you only have time for a quick brush down and hoof check, you will do your horse a lot of good. Grooming can be a quick and easy job, or you can take your time and do a thorough but leisurely job as well. Your horse will most likely doze off if you are through, because grooming is so relaxing to them.

There are two types of currycombs that you can use. Rubber currycombs are good when the horse has a short summer coat. The metal currycombs are great for winter coats that are long and thick. They are also good to use when the horse is shedding. The metal currycomb is good for cleaning brushes as well. You always want to start with the currycomb and rub the horse down from the top of their neck, all around the body and hindquarters, but not on the legs. After you rub the horse down all the way with a currycomb, you will move on to your brushes.

You need two types of brushes. One is a hard-bristled brush, also called a dandy brush. You will use this brush after the currycomb. This brush will get off all the loose hair and dirt that you brought up with the currycomb. You can use this brush on the whole body and legs, except the face. After you go over the horse with this brush you will move on to the soft brush. The soft brush should have long bristles made of horsehair or synthetic horsehair. This brush can be used on the whole body including the legs and the face. This brush will dust away any loose hair or dirt and make the coat shine.

After your brush down the horse’s body you can move onto the mane and tail. A small metal mane comb is perfect for this job. Begin at the top of the mane and work your way down. Comb the same way you would if you had a knot in your hair. If you have to pull really hard, place one hand at the top of the main to stabilize it so that you are not pulling down hard on the crest of the neck, as this can be somewhat uncomfortable for the horse. The same is true for the tail. When combing out a tail it is easier to do it in sections. You will also want to stand somewhat to the side of the horse and not directly behind him unless you are comfortable about being back there and know the horse will not kick if you hit a sensitive spot. Don’t forget to comb out the forelock!

After the mane and tail, you will want to pick the horse’s feet. Clean all of the dirt, rocks and other debris that may be packed in the hoof. Most people start with the left front hoof, then move to the left back, the right back and the right front. Some horses are a little inflexible with their back legs, so you want to be certain that you allow the horse to hold them in a comfortable position for them. After the feet are done you may want to use a small sponge to clean around the eyes and nose and your horse should look a lot cleaner than he did before.

Happy Horsing