Grooming Your Horse

Grooming is an activity that is enjoyable for both you and your horse. It is a good opportunity to check for injuries and irritations, try to make grooming a daily habit. Horses need a routine of daily grooming to keep their coat condition and keep them healthy, brushing your horse helps their circulation. It is an absolute must before riding; dirt beneath the saddle is uncomfortable and a major cause of sores.

Start with the hooves, using hoof pick to remove the dirt and stones. If your horse gets something stuck in its hoof and is left there it can become infected or cause other problems. Paying attention to your horse's feet is not only important for the health and happiness of your horse, but could also save you having to make a claim on your equine insurance.

There is an array of different brushes on the market and each type of brush has an important function to play in the grooming of your horse. A dandy brush removes the dry surface dirt and it is used on the less sensitive parts of the horse because the bristles are fairly hard. A body brush is softer and removes grease and dust. This brush can be used on more sensitive areas such as the head.

A rubber curry comb can be used for removing mud and loose hair from your horse. You can use a metal curry comb to clean your body brush. A water brush can be used when you are washing your horse. A mane comb is used to comb both the mane and the tail. A stable rubber is used to give the final polish to your horse’s coat.

It important to use good quality brushes, keep them in a protective box and clean them regularly. If you wash your brushes it is best to avoid using detergent because any residue left on the brush will come in contact with your horse’s skin and may irritate it. You can keep your horse healthy and happy by grooming them regularly.