Grooming

Grooming Tools & Order of Grooming

Why Do We Groom Horses?

To check them for injuries or problems
To prevent sores caused from dirt under tack
To condition the horse’s skin and make the coat shiny
To promote good circulation of the blood
It feels good to the horse

Mane Comb

Pick out twigs and hay, and separate the tangles by hand, one section at a time. Use a mane comb, hair brush, plastic comb or dandy brush to remove the tangles. Start at the bottom and work your way up. Try to avoid breaking or pulling the hair. When brushing the tail, always stand to one side, and brush the mane to the right side of the neck.

Pulling Comb

A Pulling Comb is used to pull the mane short. Horses and ponies can be sensitive about mane pulling. Always have an adult help you when pulling the mane.

Grooming Tools

Curry Comb

The purpose of the Curry Comb is to loosen dirt and hair, as well as stimulate the skin to produce natural oils for a healthy coat. It is usually the first tool used when grooming and is rubbed on the horses coat in a circular motion.

Soft Brush

The Soft Brush removes dirt and dust from the coat. It is usually used last on the coat to brush away the dirt and hair that was loosened with the curry comb and hard brush.

Dandy Brush

The Dandy Brush can also be called a Stiff or Hard Brush. It is used on the coat after currying the horse to brush away the loosened dirt and hair. It is also used on the legs to removed dried on mud. Sensitive or thin-skinned horses may find the dandy brush to be too rough and may need a softer bristle.

Hoof Pick

A Hoof Pick is used to pick dirt and rocks from the hooves. It frequently has a small, course brush attached that can help remove dirt and mud from the hoof.

Sweat Scraper

A Sweat Scraper is used to remove excess sweat and water from the pony’s coat. They come in different shapes and sizes. See a couple of examples above.

Shedding Blade

The Shedding Blade is used to remove shedding hair from the coat.

Play the Grooming Tools Memory Game

Click on the cards to turn them over. Match the name of the grooming tool with the correct picture.

The Order of Grooming

1. Tie up your pony with a quick release knot and a breakaway halter.

> Learn how to tie a pony.

2. Pick Hooves

Pick out the hooves and check each shoe to make sure they are on tight. Brush dirt and mud off the exterior of the hooves.

3. Curry Comb

Curry comb the coat in a circular motion to break up mud and loosen dirt from the surface of the skin. Start at the top of the neck and work your way down the body. Do not use the curry comb on the head or lower legs. Metal curry combs are on used on horses. They are for cleaning other brushes.

4. Dandy Brush

The dandy brush, also known as the hard brush, flicks away dirt that the currycomb loosened. Start at the top of the neck and work your way down the rest of the horse. Avoid using on sensitive areas of skin.

5. Body Brush

Cleans away the dust and dirt that was loosened by the dandy brush and curry comb, and is used to keep the horse’s coat clean & shiny. Brush in the direction of the hair and clean the brush after every few strokes. Also known as the soft brush.

6. Mane & Tail

Pick out twigs and hay, and separate the tangles by hand, one section at a time. Use a hair brush, plastic comb or dandy brush to remove the tangles. Start at the bottom and work your way up. Try to avoid breaking or pulling the hair. When brushing the tail, always stand to one side for safety.