How to Wash, Groom & Settle a Horse

Washing, grooming, and settling your horse are the basic steps of caring for your horse for shows or competitions. Following these steps can keep your horse looking healthy and beautiful.

Things You'll Need

  • Warm water
  • Bucket or hose with spray attachment
  • 1 or 2 large sponges
  • Equine shampoo
  • Sweat scraper
  • Towels
  • Mane and tail detangler
  • Comb
  • Hoof pick
  • Hoof conditioner
  • Curry comb
  • Dandy brush
  • Body brush
  • Baby wipes or washcloth
  • Water and feed containers
  • Water
  • Feed or treats
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Instructions

  1. Washing Your Horse

    • 1

      Wet your horse. Your horse's temperament and your access to water hook-ups determine whether you use a bucket and sponge or a hose with spray attachment. Begin at the top of your horse's neck, avoiding the head and face. Wet your horse down front to back and top to bottom. Begin on your horse's left side, then cross in front of your horse and do the right side. Use this order for each step. Use circular motions of the sprayer or the sponge to get the water down to the skin.

    • 2

      Pour equine shampoo onto one sponge. Using circular motions, work shampoo into a lather over the entire coat.

    • 3

      Rinse your horse using either a bucket and the unused sponge, or the hose and spray attachment. Be sure to get the water all the way down to the skin in order to wash off all shampoo residue. If you are using a bucket and sponge, this step may take several passes and water refills.

    • 4

      Scrape off all remaining water with the sweat scraper. You may towel off next, depending on your horse's coat, weather conditions--if it is windy, it is more important to dry your horse fast to avoid over-cooling--and your personal preference.

    • 5

      Allow your horse to dry completely in a sunny, outdoor area.

    Grooming Your Horse

    • 6

      Groom your horse's mane and tail. Spray with mane and tail detangler. Work your fingers through the hair and untangle any large knots, then comb. If your show standard or discipline uses braids, you may install them after this step.

    • 7

      Check your horse's hooves for cracks and loose shoes. Pick the outer edges of the hooves with the hoof pick, avoiding the frog. Wipe the tops of the hooves with a washcloth and warm water. Apply hoof conditioner.

    • 8

      Curry your horse's neck and barrel. Use circular motions for a rubber curry comb, or short, swift, straight strokes for a metal curry comb. This works remaining dirt and loose hair out of the coat.

    • 9

      Brush all loose hair and dirt off of the neck and barrel with the dandy brush (hard-bristled brush).

    • 10

      Brush the neck, barrel and legs with the body brush (soft-bristled brush) until the coat lies flat and has a sheen.

    • 11

      Wash your horse's face gently with a slightly damp washcloth or baby wipes. Wipe near the eyes and inside the nostrils, but avoid getting any fluid into either.

    Settling Your Horse

    • 12
      Settling your horse in makes competition and shows go more smoothly.

      Secure your horse in the pre-show or pre-competition quarters. Avoid loud noises or sudden movements.

    • 13

      Secure water in the horse's quarters. Water and container should be clean and cool.

    • 14

      Present food. Depending on your pre-show or pre-competition procedure, this may be daily diet or a small post-grooming, settling treat.

    • 15

      Help your horse to settle. Depending on your horse's temperament, this may include petting and speaking softly, or simply sitting nearby reading a book for an hour or so.