How to Groom Equines

A clean horse is a beautiful sight. From a glossy coat to a smooth mane, the groomed horse indicates a home of quality attention and successful horse keeping. Properly grooming your horse not only keeps it clean but also creates a bond between you and the animal. Grooming requires trust from both you and the horse. Establishing a trusting relationship early on helps create a healthy, lasting relationship down the road.

Things You'll Need

  • Curry comb
  • Dandy brush
  • Body brush
  • Mane comb
  • Hoof pick
  • Water hose
  • Bucket
  • Horse shampoo
  • Large sponge
  • Small, clean towels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush the horse down with the rubber curry brush. Start at one side of the horse. Brush in gentle, circular motions from the top of the neck of the horse to the rear of the horse. Brush the other side of the horse in the same manner. Put the rubber curry brush away. Do not brush the feet, legs or face of the horse with the curry brush.

    • 2

      Flick dirt off the horse's coat with the dandy brush. Begin at the top of the neck. Swiftly brush the coat. Flick the brush up at the end of each stroke. Work toward the tale of the horse. Brush the tale. Repeat the process on the other side of the horse. Put the dandy brush away.

    • 3

      Give the horse a complete brushing with the body brush. Start at the neck and work your way down to the rear of the horse. Firmly yet gently glide the brush over the horse's coat. Put the body brush away.

    • 4

      Detangle the horse's mane with the mane comb. Grasp small sections of the mane in your hand. Start at the end of the mane and work your way toward the roots.

    • 5

      Wipe down the horse's face. Dampen a small towel. Apply a small amount of shampoo to the towel. Gently rub the towel over the horse's face. Avoid getting soap in the eyes, nose and mouth.

    • 6

      Wash the face off. Dampen another small towel with clean water. Gently wipe the soap off of the horse's face. Take care around the eyes, nose and mouth.

    • 7

      Clean the hooves. Run your hand gently down the right front leg of the horse. Squeeze the horse's ankle and slowly lift the leg up. Use the horse pick in the direction away from you. Scrape debris and dirt from the sole of the foot and the inner part of the hoof. Repeat with the front left foot and the back feet.

    • 8

      Wash your horse. Fill the bucket with clean water and horse shampoo. Immerse a large sponge in the bucket. Hose down the horse. Remove the sponge from the water. Soap down the horse from the neck to the rear. Put the sponge back in the bucket. Scrub the horse using the rubber curry comb. Use gentle, circular motions.

    • 9

      Hose the horse down. Eliminate excess water by brushing the horse down with the sweat comb. Towel dry the horse using clean, dry towels.