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.
The Order of Grooming
- Tie up your horse with a quick release knot and a breakaway halter.
Quick Release Knot
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Body Brush: Also known as a Soft 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.
- 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. Brush the mane to the right side of the neck.
- Rub the Coat: Use a rag to firmly rub in long strokes in the direction of the hair to make the coat shiny and sleek.
- Clean the Head & Face: Use soft body brush or face brush. Clean around the eyes and nostrils with a rag or sponge.
Grooming Tools Quiz
Take the Grooming Tools Quiz
Leaderboard for Grooming Tools Quiz
1. briony - 80%
2. Miranda - 80%
3. Sarah - 80%
4. Ebeth - 80%
5. Lucinda - 60%