Steps in Grooming a Horse
Grooming horses is very important to a horse's health. Grooming promotes muscle tone and circulation. Just like us humans need a good rub and groom once in a while - it's the same for animals. You know that when you pet a friendly dog - they look up to you with those eyes and they just fall in love with you, well again, it's the same for horses. Grooming strengthens the bond between the horse and it's owner and also allows the owner to look over the horse to see if it has any injuries and such. Of course, the main reason one would groom a horse would be to basically make it look purty of course!!
The equipment you need to groom a horse are:
- hoof pick
- dandy brush
- rubber curry comb - to clean the dandy brush after use
- plastic curry comb
- body Brush
- metal curry comb
- 2 used cold tea bags (optional)
- stable rubber / tea towel
- strapping pad
- water brush
- clean sponges
- tale bandage
- mane and tale conditioner
- Hoof oil and a brush
Seems like a lot huh - well if done right, it should take you approximately 45 minutes to groom a horse correctly!
The first step is to start cleaning the hooves with the hoof pick. First tie up the horse outside and if the horse is fussy, give him a hay net to play with to distract him. Make sure you clean the hoof from heal to toe.
Next, take the dandy brush to remove any dirt on your horse. It's best to start at the neck and go down the body then down the legs.
Next, remove hair and promote circulation with the rubber curry comb. This is the part of the grooming that promotes circulation - your horse will be very happy when you are doing this!! Avoid the legs during this stage.
Next remove dirt with body brush and metal curry comb. Be firm during this act. Hold the metal curry comb in the other hand and scrape the dirt off so that you can continue cleaning the horse.
Next is the head - remove the head collar and hold the head with the hand you are not going to be grooming with. Use the body brush to clean the head.
Next brush the mane with either your fingers or the body brush. Go here to see some natural products to promote a shiny horse coat and mane. Keeping horses healthy the natural way is always best!!
Don't forget the tale, horse lovers!! Spray some condition and brush that pony tale, pardon the pun!! *** Be careful not to stand directly behind the horse in case the horse kicks**!!
Next, grab the dampened sponge and wipe around the eyes and nose of the horse. Use the tea bag to wipe down the eyes as well, but this is optional.
Next, (this will won't be your favorite part) - but take a different wet sponge and wipe around the horse's bottom area. told you you wouldn't like it! LOL!!
The tale bandage gets wrapped around the tail for a neater appearance when it is removed.
Use the strapping pad to strap the horse. This is a skilled process which I will discuss in later articles. Only if you feel comfortable, this is the time to strap the horse.
Lastly, take a damp towel and wipe down your horse. This will make your horse feel refreshed for sure!!
Actually, one more step - and that is to grease both the inside and outside of the hooves with oil.
That's it. Now you are happy that you have a clean horse and your horse is happy because he just got done with a massage!!
Debbie Drum - The All Natural Pet Helper