How to Groom a Horse

Grooming your horse before riding should become habitual. The point of grooming right before riding is to loosen potential irritants from the saddle area, while grooming in general is a good health practice and aids in bonding with your animal.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Curry comb your horse. Using a circular curry comb, which is usually metal or rubber, brush the horse using a circular motion. Some groomers brush only with the grain of the hair, but either method works. The point of the curry is to loosen debris and it should be a more vigorous brushing.

2. Using a plain, nylon or similar material horse brush, brush the horse's hair in a downward motion with the grain of the hair. At the end of each stroke, you may want to flick your wrist, which tosses dust and loose hair off of the horse's body.

3. Detangle and comb the horse's main and tail after body brushing. This keeps them in good condition and prevents really large tangles from forming.

4. Clean the horse's hooves and check the ears for debris.

Tips & Warnings

• Most trainers teach horses to favor their left side. Make it a habit to begin everything, including brushing, on the left side.
• Never ride your horse without grooming, or at least checking the barrel area. A burr or other sharp piece of debris in the saddle or cinch area could cause your horse to spook.