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Information on Horse Grooming Tools
by Jerry Watson
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Overview
Information on Horse Grooming Tools
Proper grooming is a critical component of your horse's health. Grooming your horse not only removes dirt and debris that make your horse uncomfortable, it allows you to inspect your horse for injuries, diseases, and pest infestations. It also is a good bonding activity for you and your horse.
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Tool Types
There are a number of different types of horse grooming tools. The most common are the rubber curry comb, the dandy brush, the body brush, the mane comb, and the hoof pick. Each of these has a well-defined role in properly grooming a horse. The first step in grooming your horse is to bathe him if he is very dirty. Simply use warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush or rag to wash him. Then rinse him thoroughly and dry him off. Not all horses are acclimated to bathing, so go slowly, offering him lots of encouragement, praise, and his favorite treats when he stands quietly for the bath.
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Rubber Curry Comb
Use the rubber curry comb first to begin grooming your horse either before or after riding. The rubber curry is a round or oval-shaped comb that is designed to loosen dirt, mud, and matted hair from your horse's undercoat. Move the rubber curry comb in a circular motion to bring the dirt and debris to the surface of the horse's coat. Do not use the rubber curry on your horse's face or over any bony areas like the legs, the hips, or the shoulders.
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Dandy Brush
Follow the rubber curry comb with the dandy brush. Use this stiff-bristled brush to remove the loosened dirt and debris from your horse's coat. Move the brush in a quick back and forth motion, avoiding the face. The object is to work the brush in a brusque manner, sweeping the dirt and dust up and away from your horse. Go easy when using the dandy brush on your horse's legs, stomach and genitals, hipbones, and flanks. You can easily bruise or injure these sensitive areas.
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Body Brush
Once you have finished removing as much dirt as possible with the dandy brush, it is time to go over your horse with the body brush, which smooths her coat and lays the hair down flat. A vigorous brushing with this grooming tool imparts a shiny quality to your horse's coat.
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Mane Comb
After you are done currying your horse, use the mane comb to straighten the mane and tail. A plastic mane comb is best. Metal combs tend to break the mane or tail hairs. Start the comb at the tips of the mane and tail and work it downward. With each stroke move the mane comb upward slightly toward the root of the mane or tail and comb downward again toward the tips.
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Hoof Pick
Finish grooming your horse by cleaning his hooves. Pick up each hoof in turn by sliding your hand over the shoulder or hip down the leg toward the hoof. When your hand reaches the fetlock (ankle), squeeze gently so the horse will pick up his hoof. Cup the hoof in the palm of one hand while you clean the sole of the hoof with the hoof pick. Scrape the pick on either side of the frog (the center soft portion of the sole) and toward the edge of the hoof. Clean around the edge of the hoof with the pick. Make certain you work out any stones, gravel, or debris that may lodge in the hoof and make the horse lame. While you have your horse's hoof, inspect it for injury, disease, and the possible need for trimming.
