How to Brush a Horse

There is a great deal of satisfaction and fulfillment that comes from interacting with horses, even something as simple as a brushing session. Whether you have a horse, want a horse, spend any amount of time with horses or just wonder how tending them is done, this article explains the steps of keeping those majestic beauties looking sleek, gorgeous and clean.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Curry comb
• Body brush
• Face and legs brush
• Main and tail comb

1. It is always a good idea to tether a horse before beginning to brush it. There are several reasons for this but the main purpose is to keep the horse in one place; it also gives the horse an opportunity to practice obedience.

2. Begin brushing with the curry comb. The coarse teeth help loosen dirt that is embedded in the horse's coat. Brush in circles all over the body from tail to base of neck and from top of back to edge of belly. Take care not to brush the underbelly with the curry comb, as the skin in that area is thin and more sensative than the coat.

3. When the entire coat has been curried, use the body brush to clear away the dirt that is now on the surface. Again, cover the entire coat with deep, deliberate strokes to ensure a thorough dislodging of the dirt. Keep brushing until the surface dirt is gone.

4. Repeat steps two and three with the curry comb and body brush as many times as is necessary for the coat to get completely cleaned.

5. Use the face and legs brush to gently clean away any dirt that has collected on the face, belly and legs. The hair on these parts is much thinner so even with the softer brush care should be taken. It is okay to use the body brush to scrub away any clumps of dirt that have collected at the leg around the hoof.

6. Use the mane and tail comb to gentle remove knots and tangles from the mane and tail. While mane and tail hair is sometimes thick and coarse, it can also be sensative so be careful not to yank and jerk. Move from the bottom up with choppy, gentle strokes and then from top to bottom in long, slow strokes once the tangles are out.

Tips & Warnings

• THIS ACTIVITY SHOULD NOT BE ATTEMPTED WITHOUT APPROPRIATE SUPERVISION.
• Some horses do not like to be brushed; great caution should be used around horses to ensure that no one is bit, kicked, pushed, stepped on, shoved or otherwise injured.
• Always speak to horses when you are approaching them, and in their presence in general; horses sometimes forget that you are there and may accidentally hurt you in a reflexive body movement.
• For extremely tangled manes or tails, use a detangler solution.
• For very dirty horses, it may be necessary to spot clean or even bathe with sponge and water before attempting to brush.
• For horses with sensative eyes, or around wounds, use a damp rag in these areas rather than the appropriate brush.