How to Groom a Horse

This article is about how to thoroughly groom a horse. So well groomed that the horse will look like, it has been washed! This technique of thorough grooming does take some time, and is not a quick brush over before a trail ride at home. This is a show quality grooming for the horse.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• hoof pick
• metal curry
• plastic curry
• mane and tail comb
• hard bristle brush
• medium bristle brush
• soft bristle brush
• soft cloth

1. Horses are naturally skittish animals. Be sure to securely tie the horse that is safe for the horse, others, as well as yourself. Let the horse see and sniff each item before using on the horse. This will allow the horse to have a better idea of what is going on with less chance of spooking. Make sure to have your grooming kit box in a safe area, near enough to work but not close enough to hurt the horse if the horse should spook.

2. Take the hoof pick and allow the horse to sniff the item standing beside the horse. Make sure to have the pick in the hand that is going to be using it. The other hand place on the horses neck. Once the horse has sniffed the pick, take the hand on the neck & move it across the horse's body down to the front hoof. Make sure to keep an eye on the horse's head, horses sometimes will try to love nip while you are bent over. Tap on the horse's hoof to signal to the horse to lift that hoof for cleaning. A horse will become trained with this technique to the point that a tap on the hoof or knee, if one does not want to bend over too far, to lift that hoof for cleaning. Hold the hoof just above the hoof for support. Working away from the back of the hoof, clean carefully on both sides of the "v" shaped frog. Be very careful not to hurt or damage the frog, this can cause lameness. Remove all dirt, rocks, etc. Check for tender spots on the bottom of the hoof. If there was any stones, rocks, or sticks..double check those areas for tenderness or cracks. If area is tender, it is most likely bruised. Check with your Ferrier or veterinarian before riding, some which could cause permanent lameness. If you have a hoof brush on the back of your pick, brush the outside of the hoof to clean. Let go of the hoof and place hand on shoulder of horse moving to the rear hoof. Make sure not to rush, this could spook the horse. Repeat the above process, keeping alert by watching the horse's body language. Repeat the process on the opposite side, starting at the horse's head.

3. Take the rubber curry and let the horse sniff the rubber curry. Starting on the left side near the horse's ear rub in small counter clockwise circles. Be sure to add enough pressure to lift dirt from the horse's skin. Lift curry after each counter clockwise circle. Repeat all over the body of the horse. Remember to keep the curry comb teeth clean, otherwise it will not make a difference. Do Not do the horse's ears, face, legs, or sensitive part of their underbelly. This step lifts dirt, loose hair, and other undesirables to the surface where it can be removed from the horse. The horse is supposed to look shaggy at this stage.

4. Take the metal curry and let the horse sniff it. Starting just below the ears on the neck in short strokes move with the hair line. Do not do the face, ears, legs, or sensitive belly area. Go from head to tail on both sides. Repeat step 3 & 4 as necessary.

5. Take the hard bristled brush and let the horse sniff it. Brush the horse in the direction of the hair from head to tail including the legs in short small strokes. Do not do the face. Do both sides. Repeat same process with the medium bristled brush. Then with the soft bristled finishing brush, including the face. Be sure to get the last of the filth left over brushed out. Lastly take the cloth, let the horse sniff it. Wipe the horse's face, ears, body, and legs in the direction of the hair. Touch up the main and tail. This is a professional and show quality grooming.