Beginner Grooming

It's spring! Woohoo! Except that with horses Spring = Mud. hmmmm less good. So what are you going to do about it? First step, get out your grooming kit:



1. Dandy brush: aka the hard brush. This along with the curry comb (see 9) are what is going to get most of the mud off. Used in a short flicking motion in the direction of the coat, this brush is used on the well-padded areas of the horse (neck, back, barrel, hindquarters, etc. Not legs/face.)

2. Sponges: just normal every-day sponges. You don't need the tack-store (read expensive!) version. Used for cleaning the nostrils and under the tail/between the hind legs (best if you have two separate sponges!) Giant-sized sponges used for bathing.

3. Mane comb: really, I think it's pretty self explanatory :)

4. Hoof oil: there are varying beliefs on how useful this is. Certainly makes the hooves look good right before you go in the ring, but for daily use most farriers I've spoken to do not recommend it. Various types advertise strengthening factors while others suggest moisturizing. If you're trying to encourage growth, Cornucrescine would be a better plan. Also not an every day thing though -- follow instructions carefully!

5. Body brush: aka soft brush. This is used in slightly longer flicks after you're done with the dandy brush. Helps get out that last layer of dust and oil and leaves the horse shiny. The body brush can be used on the face and legs as well.

6. Towel: traditionally anyways, but I gotta tell ya, dry Swiffers are amazing for this :) Used after the body brush to add a last shine. Particularly if it's a hot, dusty show day and you're on a black horse that shows every speck of dust.

7. Cactus cloth: absolutely amazing for getting sweat stains out! These are often sold now in a mitt with fleece on the other side. Favourite "extra" grooming tool ever. Use the cactus cloth then turn over and the fleece works like the swiffer :)

8. Hoof pick: should be used first. Before any brushes. If your horse has a stone in his shoe it's far more important to get that out then to get some mud off. After all, she went to a lot of effort to get that mud ON, let her enjoy it a moment later :)

9. Curry comb: comes in rubber or metal -- metal curries are too harsh for the horse, so make sure you've got a rubber one. The rubber curry is what's going to help you tackle the mud! Used in small circles against the direction of the hair it is used first and breaks up the much and raises the hair, so the dandy brush can do its job. This is not for use on the face or the legs and be considerate in the sensitive areas!

There are, of course, lots of variations on all of the above :) Otherwise it'd be boring. Now the order makes a huge difference:

• hoof pick - pick out all four feet :) You should make sure to pick from heel to toe - always away from you -- if you pick towards you you run the risk of digging any stone in deeper or digging into the frog or heels. Avoid picking the frog. Get somebody who knows what they're doing to show you how to do this properly.
  
• curry comb - small circles with some strength behind them to raise the dirt and hair.
  
• dandy brush - short flicks in the direction of the hair to remove the hair and dirt you just raised :)
  
• body brush - longer flicks in the direction of the hair to remove any leftover dust and raise the oil - makes the horse shiny. Don't use this on an outdoor horse because they need the natural oil for protection.
  
• sponge - in the nostrils and under the tail
  

If your horse has sweat marks that won't come out with the curry comb give the cactus cloth a go. Have fun!

Keep in mind that even when your horse isn't obviously muddy, you should still groom. Why?

• to make her look good :) Cause that's important of course
  
• to condition the skin and make the coat shine
  
• to prevent sores from dirt rubbing under the saddle or girth areas
  
• to check for injuries or skin problems (esp important around the legs)
  
• to promote good circulation

Note that the best time for a thorough grooming is AFTER you ride as the pores will be more open after he's warmed up and he's likely to be more relaxed.