Why Do You Comb a Horse?

Thorough grooming is an essential part of everyday horse care. Grooming includes cleaning the horse's feet to keep them free of dirt and stones, and brushing the coat to keep it looking glossy and healthy. Combing a horse is part of a good routine, but the term "combing" can mean several things, some of which should be carried out regularly and others on an occasional basis. The horse owner should have different types of combs in his equipment box and use them as required.

  1. Rubber Curry Comb

    • Part of the everyday grooming kit, the curry comb is made of rubber. Usually an oval shape, it has short rubber prongs and a handle and is used on the horse's coat in a circular motion. It lifts dirt and grease to the surface of the coat where it can be removed with a brush, and is also useful for removing the remains of a winter coat in the spring. When using a curry comb on a horse (sometimes called "currying"), take particular care around bony areas such as head and legs.

    Plastic and Metal Curry Combs

    • Other types of curry combs are made of plastic and metal. They vary in design, but are primarily used for removing dirt and grease from grooming brushes. The person grooming stands on the near side (left) of the horse with a brush in her left hand and the curry comb in her right. After giving the horse three or four brushes, the groomer should pass the brush over the curry comb to remove accumulated dirt. Every so often the comb should be tapped on the ground to remove the buildup of dirt. Metal and plastic combs can be used on the horse, but only very carefully, because they are much harsher than the rubber version.

    Mane and Tail Comb

    • In everyday grooming, the groomer should use a soft brush on the mane and tail so he doesn't break the hairs. Tails that are overgroomed become thin and straggly at the bottom. Mane and tail combs look like a sturdy conventional comb with thick teeth, and are used for combing through the mane and tail when a little more polish is needed for competitions. Prior to combing, the mane and tail should be washed and sprayed with a conditioning product, or else the comb will damage the hair.

    Pulling Comb

    • Horses' manes are never cut with scissors, because this gives too straight a line and looks unnatural. Instead, the hair is shortened using a process known as "pulling." A pulling comb is the tool for this job; it looks like a mane and tail comb but with much shorter teeth. The groomer combs the mane through to make sure it is lying evenly, then takes the first section in her left hand and the comb in her right. Holding the end of the section of mane, the groomer back-combs it until she is left holding the longest hairs. These are wrapped around the comb and pulled out with a firm movement.