Grooming your horse

 

Once you have developed some trust with you horse, the next step is brushing the horse.  There are different brushes for different tasks.  A curry comb, is a metal device with serrated edges that is good for getting dried mud and manure off of the horse.  If the mud is really caked on the horse, a bath or spot washing with a bucket might be a better choice than the curry comb because the curry comb could pull clumps of hair out with the mud.  A soft bristle brush is used on his face.  There is a brush for his mane and tail.  It there are burrs and tangles in the mane or tail, using baby oil will help loosen up the burrs or tangles without ripping or cutting them out.  A hard bristle brush can be used on his body.  It is important to use all of these tools each time you plan to ride.  The horse must be clean of mud and manure.  If clumps of dirt are left on the horse, when the saddle is tightened, it could cause the horse pain and make sores on them.  Next you need to make sure the hooves are clean and there are no rocks stuck in their hooves.  This is done with a hoof pick.  It has a hook on one side and a brush on the other side.  The hook is used on the underside of the hoof to free the impacted dirt, manure, and rocks.  The brush is used to get the mud and manure off of the outside of the hooves.  This process may seem like a lot of work, but is necessary to protect the horse and to build the much needed relationship between the horse and rider.  Another way to build trust with a horse is by giving the horse a bath.  There are lots of shampoo and conditioners available.  Most are good for every horse but there are some specialty shampoos as well.  Find one that works for your horse and stick to it.  When giving a horse a bath, always start at the feet and work your way up to the body.  This will allow the horse to adjust to the temperature of the water.  Get the horse wet and then use shampoo to wash them.  Then rinse and apply conditioner to the mane and tail.  Most horses don’t need a lot of conditioner on their body but it is definitely helpful for their mane and tail.  Use a a sweat scrapper to remove as much extra water as possible.  Once they are dry, you can groom them as you normally would. 

 

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