How to Groom & Clip a Show Arabian Hunter

Grooming and clipping your Arabian Hunter is part of preparing him for show day. Apart from your horse's great talent, when he is well-groomed and looking his best, his best features will be highlighted. Grooming and clipping your Arabian hunter will also make your horse stand out to the judges. Grooming can take some time, but you can make it as enjoyable as possible for both of you. With these guidelines, you can give your horse the grooming that he truly deserves.

Things You'll Need

  • Clipper
  • Blades
  • Sandpaper
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Water
  • Rag
  • Towel
  • Curry comb
  • Brush
  • Highlighter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the hair on your Arabian hunter horse's face against the direction of the hair. Use a clipper with a number 10 blade. Cut the outside edges of the ear, making sure to leave a little diamond of long hair at the tip of the ears.

    • 2

      Cut around the muzzle (the snout) and the eyes with a number 40 blade, making sure to avoid cutting the eyelashes. Clip out some of the excess hair from the horse's ear, but leave some to protect the horse's ears from dirt and insects.

    • 3

      Clip the hair around the fetlock joint (the tuft of hair on the back of the leg above the hoof of the horse) for a neater appearance. When cutting the hair, move the clipper the way the hair naturally grows. Inspect your Arabian Hunter's feet for small stones, loose shoes or injuries. Smooth the hooves by rubbing them in a circular motion with sandpaper. Start with a rougher grade sandpaper, then move on to a finer one.

    • 4

      Wash your horse with horse shampoo, conditioner and lukewarm water. Towel dry him, then use a curry comb to comb through the mane and tail to prevent tangles. Brush the tail and mane after combing. Loosely braid the hair to make it have a wavy look when the hair is loosened.

    • 5

      Spray the horse with a body shine and polish the hooves. Use black shoe polish if the horse's hooves are black and clear polish if they are striped or white. Rub off excess polish with a paper towel. Rub highlighter on the horse's face and ears.