rooming your horse is an essential part of any horse’s routine. Not only is it important for his physical health, but the quality time you spend grooming will cause the bond between you to increase and will benefit his emotional well-being. His mood can be partially assessed during the grooming session and may give you insights on how your training day will proceed.  His physical condition can be observed during grooming to determine any wounds, stiffness, skin problems, etc. Many problems can be detected and treated early to avoid more serious difficulties. Basic grooming is a consistent routine but bathing and shampooing should be done on a regular basis as well.

The (5) five basics for a  grooming kit contain:

1. Hoof Pick, Currycomb (Rubber or plastic)   2. Dandy Brush (Stiff bristle brush)   3. Body Brush (Soft bristle brush) 4. Rub Rags  5.Mane and Tail Combs

Picking the Feet: The horse’s hooves are of paramount importance to pay attention to. Failure can result in costly lameness. Your horse needs to be trained to stand quietly while standing on three legs and the groomer needs to have an education in safe methods. Starting with the near front foot, stand next to the shoulder facing the rear, run your hand down his leg and ask for the leg to be lifted. A helpful word command such as “foot” or “pick” will soon teach your horse what you want of him; however, pressure may be applied to the chestnut or tendons to prod the horse if need be. Begin picking the debris out from heel to toe with the hoof pick and particularly clean the area around the frog. Gently set the foot down and step to the near hind and proceed as before. Let the hind leg rest supportively on your left thigh and pick heel to toe. Repeat on the offside. Check the condition of the shoes and overall health of the feet at this time.

Use of Currycombs: United States Pony Club only recommends using a metal currycomb to clean the bristle brushes and never on the horse. Rubber or plastic curries are preferred to loosen dirt and massage the large muscle groups. Begin at the top of the neck, brushing in circular motions, to the hindquarters. Currycombs are used only where there is a muscle “cushion” therefore they are not used on the face or below the knee and hock. This step in grooming is important to circulate the blood and show where any soreness may be present.

Use of the Dandy Brush: This stiff bristle brush will reach to the skin and the dirt brought up by the currycomb can be whisked away. It also brings the horses natural oils to the surface. Starting at the top of the neck, brush in the direction of the hair using a bit of elbow grease. At the start of the motion, press firmly down, and then flick up and away in short strokes. Observe the dirt and dust coming out of the hair. This brush can be used on the legs but is not recommended for the face.

Use of the Body Brush: This soft bristle brush is the polishing step in the grooming routine. The oils brought up by the dandy brush can now be smoothed evenly over the entire coat to bring out the luster and shine. It is soft enough to carefully brush the horses ears and face.  I keep two body brushes in my kit: one brush for the body and one brush to wet the mane to train it to stay on one side.

Use of the Rub Rag: Rags are always helpful around horses. A clean rag can be used to gently clean out ears and nostrils. It also is used to give a final polish over the entire coat where the body brush may have missed. Use a rag for a final dusting of tack and boots before riding.

Use of the Mane and Tail Comb: The horse’s mane and tail are one of his most beautiful assets so the mane and tail comb will aid in keeping it clean and tangle free.  To avoid any loss of mane, start at the bottom in small sections and work your way up to the crest. I like to start at the withers and end up at the bridle path. When combing the tail, stand to the side and take small sections, again starting at the bottom, and work your way up.

Keeping your grooming tools clean will make sure your horse stays clean. Wash all brushes and combs and allow to dry thoroughly before using again. I try to wash my grooming tools whenever I bathe my horse. There are a myriad of grooming tools and kits on the market today, but this simple kit is time honored and proven to be suitable. There are also many tricks of the trade that can be learned from experienced horsemen and women to give you that grooming edge in the show ring or on the trail. Be attentive to your horse’s reactions during grooming. He will teach you where his sensitive or ticklish spots are so that you learn when to ease up the pressure. This is the sort of communication between horse and owner that creates a very happy, well-groomed steed!

Jeanne Adams (HA Pony Club Graduate)