How To Groom Your Horse – 9 Easy Steps
- Make sure that your horse is properly secured; either tied up or have someone hold them.
- Start with the mane, keep them calm by patting and talking to them. Use a main and tail brush with a mane and tail spray.
- Move to the tail, again using a mane and tail brush with a mane and tail spray.
- Start brushing from the face and move towards the back of the horse.
- Put as much effort into your grooming as possible, especially before a ride.
- Use a ‘stiffer’ brush for the long hair areas or bits that are caked in mud.
- Pick out the hooves, looking for damage or injury.
- Apply hoof dressing to the underside and top of the hoof.
- Gently wipe around the eyes and nostrils with a damp sponge or cloth.
Why do we groom a horse?
Grooming may seem like an exercise in keeping your four legged friend clean, this is partly true but grooming also has many other benefits.
Basic grooming kit
The basic grooming kit is listed below.
Your grooming kit will grow as the needs of you and your horse change. See our recommendations for grooming kit here.
9 Easy Steps to Grooming Your Horse
1. Make sure that your horse is properly secured
Ensure that your horse is properly secured in a halter and either tied or have a helper hold them while you pick out their hooves.
There are horses who have trouble standing still while being groomed. This can make grooming them tricky and time consuming.
Having them secured restricts their movement allowing you to stay close to them. It can be a little embarrassing chasing your horse down the yard with brush in hand!
It takes effort and time to keep your horses’ coat in great condition. Concentrate on the big stuff on a daily basis and work on the details before an event or show.
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2. Start with the mane
The mane and tail are the two areas that seem to grow at a frantic pace! These are also the areas that will become caked in mud during the winter months.
Use a dedicated mane and tail brush for this, as other softer brushes will not have much effect.
Trim or ‘pull’ the mane to keep it to a manageable length.
3. Next, brush the tail
Moving onto the tail, use the same brush as for the mane. While brushing make sure to remove all straw and shavings from the tail.
In addition to the brush use a mane and tail spray, this will help to prevent tangles and reduce the amount of foreign matter that will stick to the hair.
Consistency is the key to maintaining a well groomed horse. Do not let things get out of hand such as manes and tails.
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4. Start brushing the face and move towards the tail
Start the brushing process by using a soft ‘body’ brush which has soft bristles on the face. Most horses enjoy this part of the grooming process.
Whenever grooming a horse always ensure that you are brushing the direction that the hairs grows. It is uncomfortable for the horse when brushing ‘against the grain’ and will cause them to become upset.
5. Put effort into your grooming to increase blood flow to the muscles
Whenever you are grooming do not be reluctant to put some effort behind your brush strokes.
The harder you brush (not hard enough to upset the horse of course) the better the blood flow to the area that your are brushing.
This helps to warm up the muscles before riding, reducing the risk of injury. Also, if the weather is cold this is a good way to warm yourself up too!
Good grooming not only makes your horse look better it makes them feel better too. Take the time to groom well and vigorously whenever you can.
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6. Use a ‘stiffer’ brush for longer hair or matted mud
Many ‘clipped’ horses will have longer hair on their legs where they have not been clipped. These areas, especially around the lower part of the leg are prone to collecting mud.
A soft brush will not be able to remove any dried mud from these areas, use a dandy brush or a curry-comb to remove dried mud from longer hair.
7. Pick out the hooves. Clean from heel to toe and inspect for damage
Cup your hand around the hoof and hold firmly while you clean the hoof. It is important to make sure that all of the accumulated muck and dirt is removed from the hoof, this allows us to see the frog, heel and sole.
If there is any discolouration, heat, discharge or or signs of a puncture wound seek professional help.
See our in depth guide on how to pick out your horses’ hooves here.
A well groomed horse will suffer less from injuries, sores and irritation, will ride better and have a good attitude.
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8. Apply hoof oil and gently lower the foot to the ground. Then repeat x 3
In the UK conditions always seem to be too wet or too dry, either of which can cause harm to horses feet.
An application of some form of ‘hoof-oil’ is the best way to prevent environmental factors from causing harm.
Apply the hoof treatment as you finish picking their feet. Gently guide the foot down to the ground and apply the hoof treatment to the outside of the hoof.
9. Gently wipe around the eye and nostrils with a damp cloth or sponge
Horses eyes are sensitive to irritation, particularly in the summer when the flies are out. A damp sponge or cloth to clear away any encrusted goop will help reduce flies and make your horse more comfortable.
Horses nasal systems are effective at removing irritants, but can leave a discharge around the nostrils. Gently wipe away any discharge or encrusted goop.
Conclusions about grooming your horse
I hope that you can see now that grooming is not just about keeping your horse clean. Grooming is an essential part of the well being of your horse.
A regular grooming routine will improve your horses health, help with bonding to people and highlight any injuries or ailments when they happen.
