How to Keep a Horse Calm While Grooming

Grooming your horse is an important part of horse ownership. However, some horses tend to get a bit antsy, particularly when you begin to groom the tail. If your horse gets nervous during grooming, never fear, it can be an enjoyable experience for both of you. A few simple tricks can help keep you and your horse calm when you pull out the grooming gear.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Remain calm and confident while grooming your horse, as horses are intelligent animals and will sense your tension. If you are nervous, your horse will be, too. As you are grooming, pay attention to your horse's ears and nostrils. If he begins to breath heavy out the nose or pulls his ears back, he is agitated. Take a break and allow him to calm down.

2. Allow your horse to smell all of your grooming supplies before you begin using them. If your horse is familiar with the brush you are using on her back and tail, she will be less nervous and more likely to allow you to proceed. Again, if she begins to show signs of irritation, allow her to smell your tools.

3. Caress your horse around the head and neck. This simple gesture not only helps you to bond with your horse, it lets him know that you would do nothing to harm him and that there is nothing to fear. You may consider keeping some treats nearby, such as apples or carrots. When your horse needs a moment to calm, return to the head, feed him a treat and wait for the nervousness to pass before continuing.

4. Keep one empty hand on your horse at all times. Massage her body as you work with the brush. While the sensation of the brush on the skin isn't necessarily uncomfortable, it may be a bit foreign to your horse. By keeping a soothing hand on her body at all times, you will help to calm her nerves.

5. Take extra caution when working on your horse's backside and tail. Horses tend to get nervous when a person is working near their body and out of their field of vision. Keep a hand high up on the hips when working around the back so he knows where you are at all times. When grooming the tail, stand to the side of your horse, bringing the tail to you instead of standing directly behind him where you can easily get kicked.

6. Caress your horse again once you have finished grooming and give her treats for her good behavior. Beginning and ending with a cuddle session will help to calm your horse a bit more with every grooming.

[JenJarMac]

on 1/6/2009 Lets just hope all the horses that need to get groomed at horse shows stay calm outside the ingate ;)