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Essential Horse Grooming Supplies and ToolsHow to Groom Your Horse to Competition Standard: Step-by-StepYou have bought all the equipment as described in the previous article, now what do you do with it? If you've never groomed a horse before, looking at the pile of mysterious brushes and combs can be quite daunting. How, when and where do you use these tools? Should you start with your horse's mane, tail, body or with his hooves?Step 1: Security Every one grooms their horses differently, but there are some essential steps that have to be included. The first, and most important, step you should take when you are grooming your horse is to be sure he is safely and securely attached, to cross ties if you prefer. Be sure that your horse's halter is properly fastened and hook the halter to both cross ties before you pick up any of the equipment. Accidents happen. The most laid-back horse may injure his groom if suddenly given a fright, without ever meaning to. Step 2: Feet Once your horse is secured, start with the feet. If your horse isn't fond of having his legs picked up, you may want to get the hard part over first, instead of waiting until later, when he will be more impatient. Most horses are cooperative, since they know from experience that you will be able to get rid of all those painful pebbles and heavy mud. If this becomes a problem, call in a natural horsemanship expert. All my horses will "give" their hooves without me having to touch them, never learn on me (Belle now weighs close to a ton) and will allow me to clean the off-side hooves from the nearside. Even the ex-bull-fighter Lusitano. Eventually. Simply stand beside your horse so that you are in line with his left shoulder and are facing his back. Run your hand down his leg and he will lift his foot. Be careful not to bend his leg at an odd angle or too far. Beau has arthritis in his left hind hock and will kick in pain if his hoof is lifted too high. Be aware of your horses peculiarities. Brace the hoof with one hand and use the hoof pick to clean out all of the dirt, pebbles and other debris lodged in the hoof. Remember not to dig the pick into the frog itself (central part), as this part of the hoof is much more tender and sensitive than the other parts.
Step 3: Coat Use a curry comb to remove clods of dirt and loose hair from the horse's body. I use a rubber one, never a metal one. Work in a circular pattern, going from the top of the horse's neck, down to his chest, over his shoulder, along his back, on his stomach, over his rump and down on to the upper part of his back left leg. Be especially careful when you use the curry comb on your horse's sides and stomach. Most horses are very sensitive in these areas. If your horse can't tolerate the curry comb on his sides and stomach, use a dandy brush instead. If your horse has a lot of mud on his legs, go easy with the curry comb. Use the dandy brush on his legs, as well. Once again, be very careful, as the legs of a horse are extremely sensitive and can do a fair amount of damage to your tender anatomy. After the curry comb, use the body brush. Repeat the same pattern you used to move the curry comb over his body, and brush in short, brisk movements, with the grain of the horse's coat. Stop brushing every few strokes to clean the brush with your curry comb. Step 4: Head Once your horse's coat looks sleek and glossy, do the head. Carefully use the damp sponge to wipe his face, including the inside of his nostrils. Most horse owners also groom the horse's head with the body brush. If your horse doesn't like the brush near his head, you can skip this step, as the sponge should keep him clean enough. Finally, you will need to comb out the horse's mane and tail. Remember, you should never stand behind your horse. Always lift his tail to the side to comb it, instead. For all your horse grooming supplies, visit:
Grooming a horse is an art that has to be learned and practiced and shared. Every horse and horse breed is different and need a unique approach. Horses' hooves especially need careful attention if debilitating illnesses like thrush and abcesses are to be avoided. Are you absolutely positive that you are properly caring for your Horse's Hooves? Did you know that a tiny puncture wound can lead to lameness or worse? You want the best for your horse. That is why it is so important that you take the time to read this short report, Healthy Horse's Hooves.
* Do you know what an important role proper nutrition plays in healthy hooves? Why it's not good for your horse to be even a little overweight? * The difference between superficial cracks and cracks that can literally destroy the hooves of your horse? * Puncture wounds are more than just tiny holes? What do you do if something is stuck in the hoof? It may not be what you think! * Do you know how to identify the different types of diseases that can attack the hooves of your horse and how much damage they can do? * Does your horse have shoes? Do horse with shoes require more or less care? * How often should your farrier visit? When do you need to call the veterinarian? In this report you will get the answers to those questions and more.
And get your "From Frogs to Princes" Magical Horse Grooming Report FREE when you subscribe to the twice-weekly Exquisite Equestrian Quotes e-Zine.Subscribe by e-mail:Or by RSS: And whether you shop for supplies online or in your local tack shop, you may want to buy some healthy horse treats. Horse treats can change a grooming session from a battle of wills to a therapy session for both of you. And if you do not want to buy horse treats, you can make them yourself: You'll find the best recipes in:
Easy and irresistible Home Made Horse Treats
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