How to use Horse Grooming Tools

Grooming is an essential part of horse care. If you do not groom your horse properly, you run the risk of having saddle sores develop from dirt trapped under the saddle or girth as well as lameness caused by rocks stuck in your horse's feet. There are all kinds of specialized grooming tools available for horses, but most of them fall into basic categories. The most important thing about grooming tools is that they do the job, getting your horse clean and ready to ride.

Things You'll Need

  • Curry comb
  • Body brush (hard and soft)
  • Face brush
  • Hoof Pick
  • Mane/Tail comb
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use your curry comb. The curry comb is a nubby rubber or plastic circular grooming tool that you rub against your horse in counter-clockwise circular motions from the top part of its neck to its hindquarters. The curry comb dislodges dirt and grime from the horse's coat.

    • 2

      Use the hard-bristled body brush to remove the dirt and hair you loosened with the curry comb. The hard-bristled body brush should be used between the horse's neck and hindquarters. Use the soft bristled body brush for sensitive places on the horse's body, such as the chest, lower legs and belly. Always brush with the grain of the hair (front to back).

    • 3

      Lift up each of the horse's hooves and use the hoof pick to remove dirt, manure and debris from the inside area on the sole of the hoof. You should have the pick-end of the hoof pick pointing away from you. Work downward with it in a V pattern, staying away from the inside of the hoof where the sensitive hoof frog is located.

    • 4

      Brush the horse's face gently with the soft-bristled face brush to remove any dirt. Be gentle around the horse's eyes.

    • 5

      Use the mane and tail comb to pick knots out of the horse's mane and tail. Do not stand directly behind the horse while brushing its tail, you should pull the tail over to the side of the hindquarters slightly. If the horse is a kicker, or you do not know if the horse kicks, do not attempt to brush the tail.