It is beneficial for horses to have grooming done because it cleans their coat and adds beauty to their appearance, as well as promoting healthy emotional bonding and trust between the horse and the person.The grooming of a horse encourages healthy blood circulation and helps to release natural oils into the coat that helps protect him from natural elements such as wind and rain.Stable horses need grooming on a regular basis to keep their coat and skin healthy.In a large pasture, horses groom themselves by rolling and rubbing on trees.Dirt and mud are part of your horse's natural grooming regimen.It is possible to check over your horse's body to make sure that there are no external wounds, especially on parts of the body that will be touched by tack.
Step 1: Make sure your horse is secured.
Although some horses are trained well enough to stand still while grooming, many will feel the need to move their feet and shift around.The lead rope should be tied above the height of the withers.A friend or colleague can hold the rope and secure him to a post.If you're tying your horse to a post, always use a quick-release knot.A horse that scares while he is tied tries to escape by pulling against the rope with all of his strength.This is dangerous for you and the horse.You could be seriously injured if he breaks his neck.You might want to keep a Marlinspike in your grooming kit, which is a tool that can loosen too-tight knots or cut a rope in an emergency.
Step 2: Pick your horse's hooves.
To pick up her foot, run your hand down her leg.If she doesn't lift her foot, lean against her shoulder, squeeze her leg, and use your other hand to grab your horse's hoof.Pick the toe of the foot with a hoof pick and carefully remove all the debris.Make sure to clean the grooves on either side of the frog.You should not dig into the grooves of the horse's frog.If the frog is not healthy, it is very black, squishy, soft and foul-smelling, so be careful with the hoof pick, and have your farrier or veterinarians advise you.By picking out your horse's feet, you can help prevent lameness by removing stones or foreign objects that could pierce the frog.If your horse is wearing shoes, it's important to pick the hooves out before riding.Cleaning a shod foot can make walking more comfortable for a horse.Picking your horse's feet can help remove and prevent thrush.Before and after a ride are the best times to pick your horse's feet.
Step 3: A curry comb can be used to remove hair from a horse.
Dirt, mud, and bits of things caught in your horse's coat can be loosened by rubber curry combs.Before brushing, currying should be done.Use the curry in vigorous, small circular motions over the horse's muscles, and be very careful on the bones.Currying is like a massage for most horses.Work your way from the neck to the rump on one side of the horse.On the other side of the horse, do the same thing.If your horse is a riding horse, you need to brush it well.The curry comb needs to be rubbed in a circular motion.This will remove dirt and hairs that otherwise would be brushed over.He may try to groom you, or he may make a funny face if you find "itchy spots" on your horse.He may try to nip you if he wiggles his nose on you.Your skin is thinner than a horse's, so grooming you could hurt you.If he tries to groom you, just push his nose away and he will enjoy that good scratch.
Step 4: The hard brush is called a dandy brush.
A dandy brush is a hard-bristled brush that can be used to take off dirt and hair.To whisk the dirt out of the coat, brush in short, straight, flicking motions to allow the bristles to get all the way through it.Work towards the tail by starting at the neck.It is not a good idea to use a hard brush on the horse's legs as they are more sensitive than the body.The legs are not comfortable for a horse if they are brushed too hard.Don't use on the face, ears, mane, tail, legs, or any clipped area as this can cause the horse to be in immediate pain.If necessary, use a soft cloth or sponge on any sensitive parts of the horse where the dandy seems to bother or irritate her.
Step 5: The body brush is also known as a soft brush.
The soft brush can be used on any part of the horse.You should still be careful around the eyes, ears, and muzzle.Dust and hair can be removed with the soft brush.You can finish up your body-grooming by brushing the entire body.Use a face brush if you want to use a separate brush for the face.They are designed to clean horses' faces.They are easy to fit on a horse's face.
Step 6: The horse's face needs to be cleaned.
Take a damp sponge or cloth and wipe your horse's eyes and nose.The dock area is under the tail.The areas are moist and need to be cleaned out.These areas are sensitive so always be gentle when doing this.If you are grooming multiple horses, use different brushes, sponges, and cloths.Ringworm can be spread by sharing grooming tools.
Step 7: Remove the mane and tail.
Get tangles out of the mane and tail with a wide-bristled mane comb or brush.To separate the hairs, use your fingers.To brush out the large section of mane, hold it in one hand and brush it out with the other.Take small pieces from the side of the tail.Stand to the side of the horse and brush the tail.If the horse kicks out, you should be in a safer position.To keep the attention of the horse, talk to it and keep your hand on it.If you want to use a hair product, use natural mane/tail sprays that are all-natural rather than Silicone-based.If you want to make the hair look shiny, spray it on and work it in.
Step 8: You might want to spray the horse with fly spray if it is hot.
Flies can be a problem for your horse.Large flies called horse flies can bite and cause pain, and they can build up around the face.The flies will annoy you.Being careful to avoid the face, just spray the solution on the horse.Natural and chemical fly sprays are available.
Step 9: Don't stand behind your horse while grooming.
Stand on one side of the legs.You won't be in danger of being kicked if he kicks or moves.If you have to be behind his back end or hind legs, keep a hand on him and speak to him.You can cross behind him by crossing beyond his legs.Don't cross in front of a horse.If he jumps or moves forward, you can get tangled in his rope, trip or be crushed.
Step 10: At an angle, approach your horse.
There are blind spots in front of her.If you want to avoid surprising her, make sure you approach from an angle or the side so she can see you, and announce your presence in a calm voice.
Step 11: You should move calmly and deliberately.
Your horse will be reassured by slow, deliberate movements.If your horse shows signs of agitated behavior when you touch a specific spot, you know to be more gentle or leave that spot alone.
Step 12: The proper shoes should be worn.
If you are barefoot or wearing sandals, your foot will get crushed if your horse accidentally steps on it.Sturdy boots protect your toes.
Step 13: Be prepared to move.
If your horse is startled or frightened, you need to get out of the way so she won't get scared.It may be difficult for you to move to safety if you sit, kneel, or linger around your horse's feet.If you need to get low on your horse's body, you can crouch, squat, or bend over.