Comments on: How to Groom a Horse

on 11/22/2005 If you have a light-colored horse, who consistently gets dirty in the same spots (my horse gets bad stains on her rump, hocks and jowls), you can use a spot remover or a dry bath (such as Miracle Groom or Cowboy Magic green spot remover). Once the spot is gone, follow with Show Sheen or any other silicon-based spray. This works to clean the spots, and it also prevents the recurrence of spots, saving valuable grooming time.

on 11/22/2005 Remember, never use a metal curry comb on your horse or pony. These combs are only used for removing hair from the body and dandy brushes. However, you can use a plastic one to remove excess hair.

on 11/22/2005 Everyone fears their horse getting mud rash. Don't just leave it alone and hope it goes away. Check your horse for mud rash every day by running your hands down the horse's legs and looking for scabs. Even if it's only the tiniest bit, deal with it before it is too late. Mud rash can lead to mud fever, and horses have been known to become seriously lame (and much more). If you do find scabs on your horse's legs, use hibbi scrub. The aim is to remove as many scabs as possible. After the hibbi scrub has dried, rub udder cream into the scabs. Your horse may not like it at first, but it will eventually cool the scabs down. If you want to put your horse out, use zinc and castor oil. You can find this in the baby aisle at supermarkets. Never wash the mud off after your horse has been out, as it will encourage the mud rash. Always leave the mud on overnight to dry, and brush it off the next day. It is a good idea to give your horse a check-over every day, to make sure he or she is acting normal.

on 11/22/2005 Put baby oil on the bottom of the tail, so the ice will slip off.

on 11/22/2005 For the neck and saddle areas, I suggest using a moisturizer spray. You can usually get moisturizer sprays at your local tack shop. It works on the mane and tail, too.

on 11/22/2005 If your horse is skittish and very jumpy, you should use a lead rope with a chain. Put the chain over its nose and hook it under the chin on the O hook, so that it goes in a 3/4 circle around. If your horse tries to rear or buck, you will have more control. When they try to buck, you can give it a tug, and they should stop right away. It has worked every time with my horse, and now she doesn't even think about it when the chain goes over her nose.

on 11/22/2005 Avon sells SOS (Skin So Soft). It is a great fly repellant. It also conditions the coat and smells good.

on 11/22/2005 I don't think you should put sequins or glitter in your horse's hooves. It can be dangerous to the horse's health.

on 11/22/2005 1. Clean excess dirt from around the outside of your horse's hoof.
2. Apply hoof oil according to the directions on the container.
3. Press sequins, glitter, etc. Be creative!

on 11/22/2005 When you are grooming your horse, check for stones in his hooves. Having stones when he is being exercised is really bad for your horse.

on 11/22/2005 Do you own that crazy horse who rears and kicks whenever you try and shine him up a little bit? I do! I suggest that instead of continously aggravating the poor guy by spraying it and having him gallop away, simply spray a rag with Show 'n' Sheen or a similar product and let him smell it. Then gently rub the solution over him for a shiny, clean coat. If you have your heart set on getting him sprayed, try T-touch (a gentle massaging to the horses neck and back) and add some Bach Flower Remedies (whickever suits his needs best) to his water. Another trick is to rub powdered lavendar into his coat as a relaxant. I wish you luck!

on 11/22/2005 Just a reminder - pick out your horse's hooves before and after riding. It's very important to keep the hooves healthy and you can make sure there is nothing stuck in the hoof (rocks, woodchips, metal shards).

on 11/22/2005 When your horse has shoes it is helpful to your horse to put hoof dressing on. There hooves this conditions the horses hooves so that they dont crack.

on 11/22/2005 Another helpful thing when grooming is to use cross ties (ties that extend from either side of an aisle in a barn). You simply clip one tie to each side of the horse's halter, rather than tieing the lead anywhere. Just remember not to let the horse turn around in the aisle. Most importantly, if you use cross ties, be sure that they are quick release or break away ties. That way, in an emergency, the horse can break free, rather than hurting itself and startling itself further.

on 11/22/2005 When getting your horse ready for a horse show, to make the white socks on the legs appear whiter, put some cornstarch on them. Or the night before you show, use lime on the socks. Not only do they appear whiter, but the lime cures some leg pain!