Learn the Basics of Horse Grooming

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Horse grooming is extremely important. Daily grooming is a must to ensure a healthy hair coat. Along with a good feeding program your horse can look like a million dollars with a little time and "elbow" grease.

I was taught that horse grooming should be done at least a half and hour before you ride and a half an hour after you ride. This seems like a lot to do, but is worth the effort for a healthy horse.

What tools do I use to groom my horse properly?

When putting a grooming box together here are several tools to be successful.

Start with a rubber curry comb. There are many different styles to meet your horses comfort level as well as your comfort level. The basic curry comb is very inexpensive. I prefer the rubber to the plastic. This can also be used while bathing. They come with different textures of "teeth".

If your horse will tolerate the Grooma long toothed rubber curry, this is my favorite. It will stimulate the oils in the horses coat, and bring dirt to the surface. Horses that are thin skinned may not like the feel of this comb. Grooma also makes a soft multi toothed curry comb. This is great for bathing and great to use on the horses legs. /p>

Generally you do not use a curry on the legs, but this soft toothed curry works great and won't hurt your horse.

Next find a good hard brush. Because there are so many different types , its up to you! The best hard brush for removing dried mud is a rice root brush. Again if your horse is sensitive, find a brush that is made of natural bristles instead of synthetic. They also make medium horse grooming brushes that would work well for a sensitive horse.

Brushes also come with a variety of handles and weights. Decide wich is best for you! If you have smaller hands they now make child size brushes.

Most brand names make brushes, Pessoa, Grooma, Stubben, Oaster, remember you are paying for a name, but they make a good product.

The next brush to add to your grooming box is a soft brush. These are great for the face and legs and also puts a nice finish on your horse. Natural bristles are the best. /p>

Hoof picks are a much needed tool in horse grooming and care. Picking your horses feet when they come in from the pasture is important, or after you ride.

I was told by a very respected farrier that its not necessary to pick your horse feet when he comes out of the stall. Sometimes you Can over pick your horses feet. Be sure to check your horses feet before you ride, but not necessary to pick them out. The hoof pick can be as simple as a piece of metal bent into a hook, to the more fancy hoof pick with a brush attached or a hoof pick with a wooden handle.

Some other tools of the trade to add to your grooming box is a towel or a cactus cloth. These are made in a hand mit, or can be found in a rectangular shaped cloth. These cloths are a great finishing tool and will pick up any loose hairs. The cactus cloth also puts a nice shine on your horse.

Another grooming secret is to use a charcoal block known as slick and easy. Most people associate these blocks with removing bot eggs. They are great for getting the under scurff off your horse. The bricks are fragile so be careful when using them.

Many people use artificial sprays to put a shine on a horse, all these really do is make the horse slippery. Save the grooming sprays such as Show Sheen, Vertoline Shine, Lazer Sheen and other silicone based sprays for the tail. Use these sprays prior to picking out or brushing your horses tail I prefer healthy hair care products, because they are not so slick and actually promote hair growth.

These are the basics needed to put together a basic horse grooming box, tote or bucket. Save the hoof oils, highlighters etc for when you are ready to walk into the show ring. The most important tool in your grooming box is you and your hands. Get to know your horse through grooming. This is a relationship building time for you and your horse.

Hoof oils are over used and if you must buy a hoof oil use it sparingly. Or wait for your farrier to recommend a hoof oil to use and how to use it. Hoof care starts from the inside out.

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