A horse make-over should be a daily event! This ensures that you form a close bond with your horse as well as keeping the horse healthy. You could even spot potential health problems early enough to avoid claiming on your horse insurance, simply by taking your time with the horse grooming process.

Grooming a horse should present no problems. What follows are the eight simple steps that will allow you to groom your horse every day in a relaxed way.

Horse Grooming is Easy!

Below is a list of items you will need in order to give your horse a proper grooming.

• Rubber Curry Most rubber curries are either circular or oval.. Its "teeth" are made of soft rubber..

• Dandy Brush. You will have to buy a stiff bristled brush.

• Body Brush. Another essential item is a soft bristled brush usually made of horsehair.

• Hoof Pick/Brush. You will need a hoof pick and brush combo. You can purchase this grooming tool at most tack stores.

• Mane Comb. The preferred material for mane combs is plastic. The risk of damage to the hairs of the horse's mane is reduced if you use a plastic mane comb.

• Towel. This is necessary. This helps remove sweat marks and gives the coat a nice shine after you finish brushing the horse.

The grooming sequence.

1. Steady as she goes. Begin grooming your horse from the top of the horse's neck, then work your way down to the horse's rear. Then, change sides and do the same.

2. Attach the horse. To tie your horse safely make use of a leather halter or 'quick-release' snaps on cross-ties.

3. The rubber curry.Moving the rubber curry in a circular motion will loosen any dirt lying under the horse's hair. Remember to be very careful and gentle around bony areas of your horse's body (back or shoulders). If you can use a rubber curry with extreme gentleness, it can be used on your horse's legs; otherwise avoid its use. You must also make sure that you don't use a rubber

curry or stiff bristled brush on your horse's face. Using a rubber curry or stiff bristled brush on the horse's face could cause a serious eye injury that will require immediate veterinary attention, and probably a claim on your horse insurance policy.

4. The dandy brush. Just as you would sweep a floor so you use the same motion when using this brush. By tapping the brush away and up from the coat you will ensure that no dirt remains on the coat. Each stroke should produce a small cloud of dust. Unless you remove the dirt from the brush after each stroke you will merely be shoving the dirt back under the hair, a process that will irritate the horse's skin. Think about mopping the floor to help you remember. You need to change the water; if you don't, you will be 'washing' the floor with dirty water.

5. The body brush: The purpose of the body brush is to smooth down the hair and to get rid of any traces of leftover dirt after you have given the horse a complete brushing using the dandy brush. With the body brush, you do not have to constantly tap the brush after each complete stroke. As opposed to this, you should flatten the horse's hair by smoothing it flat over its coat. These brushes give the horse's coat a glossy, sparkling clean look. To get the full benefit of grooming it is essential that you use the tools in the correct sequence.

6. Mane comb. Combing the horse's mane requires a very gentle touch. The horse's tail should be brushed with the dandy brush. Using the comb to brush your horse's tail is not recommended; it can damage the hair. If you want the horse to grow a long, flowing tail, you should use the dandy brush instead or do not brush the tail at all. To avoid this, try rinsing the tail with warm water and then applying a tail conditioner or show sheen; this will prevent knots and tangles.

7. Caring for your horse's feet: During grooming you mustn't forget to gently squeeze his fetlock (ankle) after running your hand down his leg. Be sure not to pick up the horse's foot too high because this could cause him to lose balance. Use the hoof pick to scrape the dirt off the hoof, but remember you need to scrape the dirt away from you, just as you would if you were using a

potato peeler. Injury to you and your horse could be caused by the horse suddenly moving or withdrawing his foot. The hollow areas on both sides of the hoof and surrounding the bottom of the foot must be thoroughly cleaned out.

8. The last stage is that of wiping down the entire horse with a plain towel or suitable rag. This will bring out the shine on the horse's coat.

The grooming process is now complete. Now you have successfully given your horse a professional grooming. Remember: a groomed horse is a clean horse, a clean horse is a happy horse and a happy horse is a healthy horse!

The best care possible for your horse is ensured by finding a good horse insurance policy. Take some time to compare horse insurance providers before committing to a purchase. By making a careful comparison you will be able to choose the most appropriate one for you and your horse.