Let's Talk About...

GROOMING.

It's Spring time and as we all know, this is the time of the year every horse in every barn start to shed and they are just itching to get the winter fuzzies off of them. How can you help? Start grooming them in the morning before turnout time and after you feed them in the evening.

Choosing the right brushes. NEVER use a human hair comb or brush on a horse's mane, tail or coat. Their hair isn't like ours, so try not to use your hair brush on Speedy's hair. At your local tack shop, farm shop, or even an online store, you can find horse brushes. Body brushes are typically made out of goat hair, but some are more plastic than goat fur.

Horse combs can be plastic or metal. I typically use a metal brush on Neville's mane, but on his tail (When I want it fluffier and fuller looking) I use a plastic brush becaust the metal doesn't cause as much static in their hair.

Curry combs can range from $2 to up to $14, depending on how well the quality of the brush is. Retractable curry combs are more expensive, but make sure you get a quality comb with strong enough teeth to hold up.

Face brushes are like body brushes, except with softer bristles and are used to brush the horse's face and legs.

Hoof picks are used for...well, picking out your horse's hooves. You can get cheap ones at the tack shop for 97¢ and up. I have two hoof picks, one to keep in my pocket and one with a brush to brush out loose dirt.

Sweat scrapers can look like metal hoops with dull teeth or just plastic rods that you swipe with. I got mine for a dollar at my tack shop.

How to use the brushes.

After riding or exercising, your horse may be sweaty and dirty from arena dust or from being outside in general, you'll need to groom your horse or pony every day.

Body brushes need to be used on the neck and above the knees and hocks on their legs, but don't use them below the knees and hocks because there isn't any muscle between the skin and the bones below. Be careful when brushes your horse's belly when you have him or her tied. She might try to back up, causing you to fall and her to step on you accidently.

Face brushes should be used on the cannon bones on the legs and, well, on the face.

Sweat scrapers are used kind of like windshield wipers, but for your horse, not your car because they are used to remove sweat after riding and when you bathe them, to remove excess water. Always keep a sweat scraper on hand.

Hoof picks are used to pick out the hooves of the horse. Depending on what type (one with or without a brush on it), you'll need to scrape or brush out loose dirt or dust. But all need to be able to dig into mud and remove rocks.

Combs, metal or plastic, are specifically for the mane and tail, so you should only use them there.

Curry combs should be used in a circular motion on the body and neck to remove dirt and sweat.

Why should I groom my horse anyway?

When I hear this question, it makes me want to punch whoever asked it in the face. It's for your horse's own hygeine! ALWAYS groom your horse!

Bathing your horse.

Get your Mane & Tail shampoo and conditioner ready! You'll need the shampoo, conditioner, a bucket (If you don't have a hose) and a car sponge, not a dish sponge.

Wet your horse with a clean sponge and use shampoo on sponge.

Clean your sponge and rinse your horse. Use conditioner.

Rinse and use a sweat scraper to remove ecsess water. Stall your horse for him to dry.

If you groom your horse every day, you'll have a happy, healthy horse.

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