How To Groom A Horse And Identify The

By Lauren Ross and Mindy Thorpe

How to Groom a Horse and Identify the Parts of

the Hoof

Besides keeping the horse clean and comfortable, grooming alsohelps distribute the horse’s

natural skin oil (sebum) over the coat (this helps repel water and prevent dry skin)

improves circulationpromotes healthy hair growthallows for a good way to

examine the horse closely is good training in obedience

and manners

Why do we groom?

Some Common Grooming Supplies

Curry combDandy brushBody brushHoof pickMane and tail

comb/brush

The Curry Comb

round brush made of rubber or plastic

has small nubs on one side

used in a circular motion to loosen large amounts of dirt and loose hair

is never used on the face or legs!

The Dandy/Hard Brushhas stiff bristles which

are often plastic and colorful

used in short strokes following the direction of the hair to remove loose hair and dirt

is not used on the face or legs

be careful at the flank(the hair grows in another direction)

The Body/Soft Brushhas softer bristles

which are normally black or natural colors

used in smooth strokes following the direction of the hair to remove finer particles

can be used anywhere on the body

The Mane and Tail Combscome in a variety of

shapes and sizesused to brush knots

and tangled material out of the forelock, mane, and tail

if the hair is tangled, it’s best to start at the bottom and work up (just like brushing your own hair)

The Hoofpick

has a short metal hook and possibly stiff bristles opposite

hook used to clear out dirt and debris from hoof

stiff brush used to remove dirt from the outer hoof

Step One: Confine Your Horse

It is best to put your horse in cross ties.

However, if none are available and you trust

your horse, you may choose to just put

them in a stall or use a slip-release knot(as

shown).

Step Two: Pick Out the Hoof

Start standing beside the leg you want to pick up, facing the

horse’s rear.


Put your shoulder against the horse’s shoulder to provide

support while running your hand down his leg, starting at the

knee.


When you reach the fetlock, squeeze lightly. The horse

should then pick up his foot.


Hold the hoof in one hand while picking out the dirt and debris in

the hoof with the other.


You should pick from heel to toe, making

sure to avoid the frog.

Structure of the Hoof

http://www.miniaturesforu.com/mechelle.htm#articles

http://www.barefoothorse.com/barefoot_HoofShape.html

A Clean Hoof!

Step Three: Use Curry Comb

In small, circular motions brush the

horse all over the neck and body. You should

see loose hair and dirt where you have

brushed.

Step Four: Use Dandy/Hard Brush

In short strokes following the pattern of hair growth, brush

loose hair and dirt from the neck and

body.

Step Five: Use Body/Soft Brush

Following the direction of the hair,

use smooth strokes to brush any remaining dirt from the coat. This is where your horse should really start to look glossy! Don’t forget you can now also brush the

legs and face.

Step Six: Comb ManeBrush the mane and forelock just like you

would brush your own hair.

If there are tangles, it is best to brush them out from the bottom and work up. If there are no tangles, you

can brush with long, smooth strokes.

Step Seven: Pick Out TailWhen picking out the

tail, it is important never to stand directly

behind the horse. Instead, pull the tail to the side of the horse and use your fingers

to gently remove foreign matter and

untangle knots. It may be helpful to separate the tail into smaller sections and work

each portion by itself.

Step Eight: Clean with Rag

Finish up by using a soft rag or sponge to

clean around your horse’s eyes, nose, and dock. You may also choose to use

another rag to go over your horse’s body and

really get him to shine!

ReferencesCopper, Marcia. Take Care of your Horse. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1974. Print.

Harris, Susan. Grooming to Win. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1977. Print.

May, Chris. The Horse Care Manual. London: Quarto Publishing plc, 1987. Print.

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How To Groom A Horse And Identify The