Grooming your horse is important both for everyday hygiene and to get her coat and mane in tip-top condition if you are entering a horse show or competition.
In order to groom your horse effectively, you'll need to invest in a few horse grooming supplies that are specially designed for the job.
Curry Comb - The curry comb is the first tool you'll use in everyday grooming. It is a brush that slips over your hand and has plastic or rubber teeth that are used to loosen hairs and dirt from the horse's coat. This tool should be used by brushing in vigorous circular motions all over the horse's body
Dandy Brush - A dandy brush is used to remove all the loose hairs and dirt that were dislodged by the curry comb. This is a hard-bristled brush that can be used on the body but it is too harsh for the face and legs. You should brush in short strokes, in the direction the fur grows.
Body Brush - The third and final brush is a soft brush that is used to remove fine particles and add shine to the coat. You can use this brush all over the horse's body but be careful around the eyes and muzzle.
Grooming Rag - A rag or towel made from terrycloth or similar material can be used damp to clean the horse's face and dry to add extra shine to the coat.
Mane comb - After you have cleaned and brushed the horse's coat, her mane and tail should be combed through with a wide-toothed comb. The tail should be brushed in small sections to avoid tangling.
Hoof Pick - Stones, nails, and other foreign objects that get caught in the horse's hooves can cause lameness. A hoof pick is used to remove them and clean out dirt and other debris. Hoof picking is especially important for horses wearing shoes.
Shedding Blade - Winter hair and dried mud can be removed with a special metal tool called a shedding blade. This type of tool can cause irritation and should be used with care.
Sweat Scraper - A sweat scraper can be used to remove excess water from the horse's coat after bathing. This also helps the horse to cool down quickly and effectively.
Scissors and Clippers - Scissors can be used to trim long hairs and to cut the tail if necessary. Electric clippers are very helpful to remove a horse's thick winter coat and small clippers can be used from trimming the ears and legs.
Hoof Dressing and Polish - Hoof dressing is a protective coating that can be applied to the hooves to prevent them from dying out and cracking. Hoof polish in clear or black colors is used to improve the look of the hooves before a show or competition.
Horses usually enjoy grooming, though it is important to stand in a position to avoid being kicked and avoid grooming sensitive areas too vigorously. Horses may also nip while being groomed. This is not an aggressive gesture, rather a social grooming technique that would normally be used with other horses.
