Horse Grooming Tools

Grooming Tools for the Face and Body

• There are some grooming tools that should be in every owner's kit while others can be added as need and funds permit. Two curry combs are among the necessities. One should be metal for removing heavy dirt and mud. Use this one only on the horse's body and never on the lower legs or around the face. The second one should be a small rubber one for sensitive areas and for lighter dirt. Two brushes--a stiffer one for the general grooming and a softer one for finishing touches and use on sensitive areas--are also necessities. Probably the most expensive item will be a pair of clippers to trim the bridle path and hair on lower legs. Cordless clippers with adjustable blades will fit most grooming situations. A final item to include would be a soft hand towel; use this for cleaning eyes and nostrils and giving a final wipe to the coat.

  Other equipment to consider adding to the basics include a shedding blade, sweat scraper, bot knife, grooming block, sponges, and grooming mitt. Shedding blades have serrated teeth used to pull out loose hair in the spring. While a metal curry comb will also do this, the wider area of the shedding blade will make the job easier. A sweat scraper is good for removing excess water after a horse's bath. A bot knife and grooming block are good for removing bot fly eggs that accumulate on a horse's legs during the summer months, especially if the horse is on pasture. Sponges can be used for bathing a horse, removing grass and manure stains, and also for cleaning tack. While a rubber curry comb can be used to scrub the horse during a bath, a grooming mitt will conform more to the horse's body shape, especially on the lower legs.

Grooming Tools for the Mane and Tail

• While the brushes used on the body can also be used on the mane and tail, a few specific tools are needed to keep the mane and tail in good condition. Your grooming kit should include a mane and tail comb; these come in both metal and plastic varieties, but plastic ones usually cause less hair damage. Pulling a mane by hand will give good results, but you can also use scissors to remove tangles and to shorten the mane and tail; be sure to use these in conjunction with thinning scissors to give a more natural look. There are also several brands of detanglers that make grooming manes and tails much easier; however, be careful of using detanglers on the mane if you braid it for competition as it will make the job harder. A mane tamer is also helpful. As the name suggests, it is used to help keep the horse's mane in place and works well to keep a banded mane lying flat before a show.

Grooming Tools for the Hooves

• Don't forget the hooves when grooming your horse. Use a hoof pick to clean out the hooves before and after each ride Some hoof picks come with a small brush attached; this brush is used for cleaning the outside of the hoof. If yours doesn't have one, you should invest in a small one with stiff bristles to clean the hoof walls, an essential step before applying any dressings. A good hoof dressing will not only keep your horse's hooves in good shape by keeping them moist, but some varieties will also provide a finished look for the show pen.

Other Grooming Tools and Supplies

• While not exactly grooming tools, a fly mask will keep the horse's eyes from being irritated during fly season while a fly sheet will protect the body from flies and keep the coat from becoming sunburned. Blankets will help protect the coat during the winter months. There are also numerous brands and types of fly sprays; some are oil based and some contain only natural ingredients. Sunscreen products are especially useful on a horse with a lot of white on the face as this area--especially the muzzle--will burn easily. A variety of equine shampoos are on the market; some even have color enhancers. A variety of coat conditioners will also help keep the coat in optimum condition, although there is no substitute for a thorough brushing.