Suggested Daily Grooming

Daily Grooming is paramount in keeping your horse's skin healthy and free of infection and saddle sores. It is also a good time to observe your horse and see if any medical issues such as infected bites or rolled ankles may have surfaced. Daily grooming makes your horse look great, as well as stimulates his skin and muscles, and helps to make him feel great as well.

Supplies

•  Rag or Old Face Cloth

•  Rubber or Plastic Curry Comb

•  Long, Stiff-Bristled Dandy Brush

•  Fine, Soft-Bristled Body Brush

•  Mane Comb

•  Sponge and Warm Water

•  Hoof Pick

•  Baby Oil

•  Lanolin or Hoof Dressing

To begin, use the Stable Rag to remove any visible dirt from the horses face. Shake the rag to remove dirt, as opposed to snapping the rag, which may frighten the horse. Make sure to wipe under his mouth and around his ears.

Next, rub the Curry Comb in a circular motion, beginning ar the top, left side of the neck. Continue down the neck, chest, shoulder, forearm, withers, back, side, belly, rump, and the outside of the gaskin. Do not use curry on bony areas or the flank, as many horses are ticklish in these areas and may kick. Repeat on the right side.

After you have finished with the curry, use the Stiff Dandy and Soft Brushes. Begin brushing the face with the Soft Brush , following the direction of the hair. Be sure to brush the forehead and areas covered by the halter. Brush forelock as well, working bristle into roots with gentle side-to-side motion to dislodge any dirt or dandruff. Brush away any dirt or hair accumulated on the body with the Stiff Brush , following with the Soft Brush in the same area. Rub the bristles of each brush together to dislodge any dirt contained in the brush. Be sure to do this away from the horse, near the floor, to keep from startling him. Also, be careful to brush in the direction of the hair over the flank. Repeat on the right side of the horse. Also, be sure to brush the mane with the Stiff, Dandy Brush , as well as the underside of the mane.

When grooming the legs, face the read of the horse and brush the legs thoroughly with the Stiff Brush on the outside, and the Soft Brush on the inside of the leg.

The mane should be combed daily with the Mane Comb to thin the hair and keep appearance tidy. Do not groom the tail everyday, as the tail hairs break easily. Instead, simply untangle with your fingers.

To use the Sponge , saturate in clean, warm water and squeeze away excess. Begin by wiping face and eyes with the sponge. Wipe down over the upper lid of the eye to remove dirt from the corners. Rinse sponge and wipe out each of the horse's nostrils. On the right side of the horse, wipe down the mane with a downward motion, rinsing the sponge periodically. Move to the near side of the horse, lift the tail, and wipe down the anal area, underside of the tail, and between the thighs.

Use a clean, dry rub rag all over the horse's body to polish the coat. Begin at the head, and rub coat briskly. Rub in the direction of the hair growth, especially near the flanks. For a little extra sparkle, lightly saturate the rub rag in baby oil and repeat the rub down.

To clean the hooves, stand facing the tail with your left shoulder nest to the horse's left shoulder. Run hand down the leg and grasp the fetlock with your right hand. Lean slightly against the horse's shoulder, at the same time lightly squeezing the fetlock. When the horse raises his foot, grasp with your left hand under the front of the hoof.

With your right hand, begin cleaning with the Hoof Pick at the bulb of the foot. Carefully and thoroughly remove all dirt from the frog. Clean around the hoof where the hoof wall and sole meet. Move to the left rear hoof and repeat this process with your hand on the horse's rump. Repeat on the horse's other side. During dry times, apply a lanolin-based hoof conditioner to prevent cracking and promote even and healthy hoof growth.

Following these guidelines will help to keep you horse's skin healthy and your horse happy.