What Are the Names of Grooming Tools for Horses?

Hoof pick

• A hoof pick is usually made of metal and consists of a handle and a blunt, hooked tip. Having picked up your horse's foot (by running your hand down the leg and squeezing the fetlock, then cradling the hoof from underneath), use the hoof pick, scraping away from you, to remove any mud and stones from the underside of the hoof. Pay particular attention to the grooves on either side of the "frog" (the raised, triangular part that runs from the heel to mid-way down the sole), but avoid using on the frog itself, as this can be sensitive.

Shedding blade

• Despite its rather scary name, a shedding blade can prove invaluable in tackling heavy deposits of mud that can adhere to your horse's coat. This is a particular problem during the winter months when horses develop their longer winter coats. Either with a straight or curved edge made of plastic or metal, the shedding blade should be dragged using very gentle pressure in the direction of the horse's hair. Do not use on the mane or tail as it it is likely to pull hair out in those areas. A shedding blade is also useful for cleaning hair from between the bristles of your other brushes. If your horse is not too muddy you can forgo using the shedding blade.

Curry comb

• A curry comb is usually made of rubber, including the bristles, and is oval in shape, although recently a gel type has been developed that molds to the shape of your hand. It is designed to be used in circular motions as you move backward from the neck. The purpose of the curry comb is to dislodge dirt that has become lodged under the horse's hair. Your horse may enjoy the "massage" that the curry comb gives, but do not use it on the animal's face or legs as these are more sensitive, being covered with very short hair. Care must also be taken around the more bony areas of the horse's body, such as the shoulders and back.

Dandy brush

• A dandy brush is the brush with the stiffest bristle and is intended to remove the dirt that has been dislodged by the curry comb. To do this, use a flicking motion to brush the dirt away from your horse. You should see a puff of dust with each flick. When the dust is less apparent, move on to the next tool.

Body brush

• The body brush has softer bristles than the dandy and is designed to smooth down the hair that has been ruffled by the curry comb and the dandy brush. Use long, smooth strokes over the horse's coat. As long as the previous tools have been used in the right order, once you have gone over your horse with the body brush, it should look clean and shiny.

Mane comb

• With your horse's body now clean, use the mane comb to comb through the horse's mane. Start near the ears and move backward, ridding the mane of any tangles. Place your free hand on the mane where it joins the horse's neck at the top of each section you comb. This will help you feel if you are pulling too hard (although your horse will probably let you know). With stubborn knots, hold the mane above the knot so pressure is not put on the roots. Do the same for the tail, but use the dandy brush, as this tends to result in fewer broken hairs.

Towel or cloth

• With everything else completed, all that is left to do is to give your horse's body a rub with a towel or cloth. This will bring out the natural shine in its coat.