Types of Horse Grooming

Horses must be regularly groomed to keep their skin and coat healthy, decrease chance of skin problems and diseases and allow the groomer to check for signs of disease and other problems. Grooming also increases circulation and muscle tone, and keeps the horse looking good. A regular schedule of grooming is especially important for show horses, but also helps any owner or handler develop a deep bond with her horse.

  1. Significance

    • Horsemen may body clip their horses during the winter to help a working horse cool down effectively without developing a chill (horse blankets often replace the animal's natural coat for warmth in those cases.) When grooming, it is also common to trim the bridle path, face, ears and legs.

    Function

    • Bathing a horse control odor, removes hardened mud and muck and helps the horse cool down after strenuous exercise. Horses can be kept clean after their bath by wearing a horse blanket or sheet.

    Types

    • A curry comb, used daily, removes dirt, loose hair and other debris from the coat. A dandy brush removes the debris loosened by the curry comb. A hoofpick removes muck and debris from the horse's hooves, while moistened sponges clean the eyes, nose and lips.

    Effects

    • Brushing the tail removes debris and tangles, or styled in a variety of ways. Tail thinning, banging, docking, braiding and setting are common in various fields of horsemanship.

    Warning

    • If the hooves are not properly cared for, the horse's short- and long-term health may at risk. Clean the hooves daily, especially after a ride. Once you have picked the hooves clean, you can check the horse's feet for punctures and other problems.