How to Groom a Horse

Step 1 How to groom a horse - Good grooming kit
No horse owner can groom their horse well unless they have a properly stocked and maintained grooming kit. Every grooming kit should have at least the following tools; one hard Dandy brush, one medium body brush, one super soft body brush, clean towel, rubber curry comb, mane and tail comb, mane pull comb, hoof pick, hoof care products, anti biotic creams and cleanser, gauze pads, sweat scraper, sponge and one metal curry comb (strictly for cleaning your brushes as you use them, never use this on your horse). While you are grooming your horse use your metal curry comb to clean off your brushes. You should also clean your brushes regularly in order to prevent a build up of dirt; otherwise your grooming efforts will not be as effective.

Step 2 How to groom a horse - Using the curry comb
The only kind of curry comb that you should use on your horse should be a rubber one, never use a metal curry comb on your horse. Begin your horse's grooming routine with a good curry. A curry comb is used for the purpose of loosening up and removing mud and loose hair from your horse. It also acts a massager for your horse and you will probably notice that your horse enjoys this part of the grooming process a great deal. One area horses like to be curried in particular is by their withers. You can even use a rubber curry comb to remove mud from your horse's legs. However you must take extra care when using it on this part of their body and only use it very gently. To use a curry comb use a little bit of pressure and starting at the top of your horse's neck move the curry comb in a circular motion, working around their entire body.

Step 3 How to groom a horse - Using a Dandy brush
A Dandy brush is a tough bristled that is mainly used to remove dry caked on mud. You can use it on most of your horse but avoid sensitive areas as this may be uncomfortable for your horse.

Step 4 How to groom a horse - Using a medium body brush
The medium body brush will probably be your most commonly used bristled brush unless your horse has a particular affinity with getting very muddy. Use this brush on your horse after a curry comb to remove the dirt and hair brought up by the curry comb. It also smoothes the coat back down after using the curry comb. This brush can be used on your entire horse.

Step 5 How to groom a horse - Using a mane and tail comb
Depending on the length of your horse's mane this can be a very easy or a more difficult task. If you keep your horse's mane short by using a pulling comb then it should never have any tangles and need a simple quick comb through to make it look a bit tidier. If it is longer try using a mane and tail conditioner and rub that into the mane before combing. Then use your comb the gentle comb out the mane section by section. Hold each section in your hand and comb from the bottom up, just the same as combing a person's long hair. When you are combing out a horse's tail use a mane and tail conditioner and start at the bottom and work your way up holding the tail in your hand just above the section you are combing. Be careful not to over comb your horse's tail as you don't want to make it thinner.

Step 6 How to groom a horse - Cleaning a horse's feet
It is very important to take proper care of your horse's feet, neglect can lead to lameness and other unwanted problems. Make sure to thoroughly clean out your horse's feet every day and before and after you go riding. Keep a good eye on the feet to make sure they are not getting to soft or dry. If you suspect something don't hesitate to ask someone such as your farrier. Your farrier should be familiar with the best hoof care products for various conditions.

Step 7 How to groom a horse - Final polish
When you have completed all of the previous steps it is time to give your horse a final polish. To do this use your soft bristled brush and brush their entire body. After you have finished with the soft bristled brush use the clean towel and give them a quick wipe.

This how to groom a horse guide should help you keep your horse's coat shiny and healthy. If you groom your horse every day it is not only a quick task but also creates valuable bonding time between you and your horse.