Here you will learn how to groom a horse, which is essential for proper horse care and strengthening the relationship between horse and rider. It would be helpful if you groom your horse regularly and carefully so that it has a healthy and strong coat. This guide includes the basic steps needed to take care of a horse and things to look out for every time you take care of your horse.
Step 1: Use lead rope
Use the rope to keep the horse in place. Before grooming your horse, you must properly secure it with a quick-release tie. Once you are sure the horse is safe, you can start grooming it.
Step 2: Use the currycomb
Use a rubber currycomb to loosen excess dirt and mud.
Hold the curry comb and move in small circular movements. Start with the neck and continue to the sides of the horse. Avoid using the curry comb on your horse’s spine, face, and legs, as these areas are sensitive.
Step 3: Use a stiff brush
Use a stiff brush, touch the entire body of the horse in a circular motion against the direction of hair growth. Start brushing the neck, move towards the back and be careful not to touch the spine area too hard. Paying special attention to where the saddle sits, it is very important to brush the horse in places that may rub while riding, such as behind the front legs. In the same way, continue combing the horse to the knees.
Step 4: Use a soft brush
Comb the horse with a soft brush in straight, long strokes, going over all the places where we brushed the horse with a stiff brush. This brushing aims to remove the dirt, hair and dust that we removed with a stiff brush. In addition, to detect wounds or abrasions, paying attention to all parts of the body when brushing. Using a soft brush, we cleaned sensitive areas that we did not touch with a harder brush, such as the horse’s head, spine, and areas below the knees.
Step 5: Use shampoo
Apply a sufficient of shampoo and massage all over till covered with a layer of rich foam. Rinse well with water. Make sure there is no shampoo residue left.
Step 6: Use a washcloth
Use a washcloth to clean the horse’s face. Gently rub around the horse’s eyes and nose with a washcloth. If you are grooming multiple horses, don’t use the same brush. Each horse should have its own loafer to prevent the spread of bacteria or contamination.
Step 7: Use a wide-tooth comb or comb brush
Use a wide-toothed comb or brush to comb through the mane and tail. Warning: do not stand behind the horse while doing this step! First, run your fingers over the horse’s mane and tail to work out the big knots. Gather the horse’s mane with one hand and gently comb it with the other. At the same time, pet the horse so that he knows that you are here.
Step 8: Use the hoof pick for the hooves
Use the pickaxe to clean the horse’s hooves. First, you need to raise the horse’s hoof. Most horses will raise their hooves after you run your hand over the back of their legs. If your horse doesn’t lift his hoof, you can apply gentle pressure to the back of the leg. It is important not to press too hard, as this can cause damage. With the hooves raised, use a hoof pick to scrape the hooves from heel to toe to remove rocks, dirt, mud, or from your horse’s hoof. Be very careful not to hit the frog. The frog is a susceptible V-shaped area of the hoof, and if scratched, it can lead to lameness.
*It is essential to clean the horse’s hooves before and after riding to avoid injury.
Step 9: Use a fly repellant spray
If necessary, use fly spray to protect the horse. During those months of the year when flies are present, spraying the horse with a fly spray (suitable for horses) at the end of the grooming routine will help protect it from these pesky insects. Follow the instruction on the bottle for proper use. In addition, this spray adds shine to the coat.
Bibliography
https://horseandcountry.tv/en-us/horse-grooming-101-a-guide-for-beginners/
https://www.instructables.com/How-to-Groom-Your-Horse/
