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For a horse owner, grooming a horse is an essential ritual. It not only benefits the horse, but also creates a bond between owner and animal, allows for a thorough health check-up, and keeps the horse in prime condition by stimulating hair growth and natural oils.
WASHING VS. GROOMING
All horses should be washed regularly. Washing, however, does not serve as a replacement or alternative to grooming. Grooming is a necessary chore. Horses should be washed when their skin or coat appears sweaty or muddy. Follow up washings with a thorough grooming.
TOOLS
Halter or lead rope.
Tie.
Soft-bristled brush.
Medium-bristled brush.
Stiff bristled brush.
Detangler or conditioner.
Hook pick.
Insect repellant.
STEP ONE
The first step is to gather your supplies in one area. You won't want to be fumbling for tools and sprays mid-grooming. You want to make this a pleasant experience for your animal.
STEP TWO
Now it's time to move your horse to the location of grooming. Using a halter or lead rope, bring your horse out of the stall or in from the field, and tie him/her loosely to a fence, railing, or similar area. When tying, always use a quick-release knot. If your horse should get spooked or otherwise panic, this knot will save both of you from injury.
STEP THREE
You'll begin in the face area. During this process, be sure to stay away from your horse's eyes. With a soft-bristled brush, comb through the face and forelock area, using strong, but gentle strokes. Using a soft brush, brush up and down on the inside of your horse's ear to help remove mud, dirt and other debris.
STEP FOUR
Take a moment to check your horses eyes and ears when you're finished with his/her head. Watch for signs of drainage around the eyes, which could indicate infection or other medical problem. Also, make sure your horse's ears of free of debris, inflammation, and redness. Insect bites inside the ear can be treated with a general antibiotic ointment. If cleansing is necessary, dip a cotton rag in warm, soapy water and wipe over the sore or infected area. Follow up with veterinarian approved antibiotic ointment.
Note: Not all horses will stand still for an ear cleaning. Begin slowly, until yours get accustomed to the feel and sound. Absolute beginners can use alcohol soaked cotton balls to remove crusts and flakiness.
STEP FIVE
Using your medium-bristled brush, you'll now work the horses body. Begin around the neck region and work your way toward the tail. Use short, cleansing strokes first, which will help to remove debris that has settled into the coat. Afterward, use long, soothing strokes.
STEP SIX
Check your animal for signs of illness, infection, or accident. As your brushing or immediately after, check the body area for bruises, bumps, or cuts.
STEP SEVEN
Now we'll move to the back of the horse. Many horses startle easily in this area, and will often give a swift kick as a result. To make sure you won't spook your animal, toss your arm up and over his rump area before beginning. This will remind your horse that you're there. Keep talking to him/her during this time, as well. Using the same medium-bristled brush, make short strokes through the back area to remove debris.
STEP EIGHT
Now you'll move to the leg area. Use the same medium-bristled brush and short strokes.
STEP NINE
Check for swelling or injury to your companion's legs and underside. You can do this by slowly and smoothly running your bare hands down the horse's legs.
STEP TEN
Before beginning to tackle the mane area, spray some detangler or mane conditioner on first. It will make your job easier and help calm your animal.
STEP ELEVEN
Using your stiff-bristled brush, work through the mane slowly, until it's completely free of tangles and debris. Follow your short strokes with long, soothing ones.
STEP THIRTEEN
Spray some conditioner or detangler on your animal's tail. Again, be sure to throw an arm up and over your horse to let him know you're bath there. After spraying, use the stiff-bristled brush to thoroughly clean and groom the tail.
STEP FOURTEEN
It's time to move to the hooves. Use your hoof pick and do one leg at a time. While you're working, watch for signs of injury and swelling. Note any abscesses or abnormalities you may see.
STEP FIFTEEN
You'll do a quick health check now. Look for discharge around the eye and nose. Check the color of your horse's gums. They should be pink and free of swelling and redness. Recheck the eyes. Make sure your animal is alert and in his/her usual disposition.
STEP SIXTEEN
Spray an insect repellant over the body area, making sure to stay clear of the eyes and nose. Many like to use basic horse fly repellants, while others use bug sprays or conditioners.
STEP SEVENTEEN
Now that your animal looks and feels great, don't send him back to a dirty stall. Take some time to clean up manure and urine, replace bedding, dry down the stall area, and replace or replenish his water supply. While cleaning, check the urine on the ground and manure for signs of discoloration, thickness, blood, dryness, diarrhea, or other abnormalities. Such concerns should be brought to your veterinarian's attention immediately.
TIPS AND TRICKS
SWEET TALKING your horse can go a long way in helping him/her feel comfortable. Using a soothing, calm voice, give your animal a lot of positive reinforcement throughout the entire procedure.
MITTS are relatively new to the market. Grooming mitts, especially designed for horses, are easier to use with younger animals and those who dislike long grooming routines. Mitts also tend to be more gentle on leg areas.
COMBS If you usually use a metal comb, try a curry comb. They're soft rubbery quality is less irritating to horse's coats and can make your job easier, too.
HORSE VACUUMS are used by many with physical disabilities. The vacuum also reduces barn dust.
BRING HEALTH concerns to your veterinarian immediately. Horse health can decline rapidly.
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