How to Train a Horse to Stand Still While Grooming

A horse that refuses to stand while grooming may have several reasons for being jittery, including his age, the frequency he is handled, the method by which he is tied, and his relationship with his groom. Some horses are nervous when tied, move away from the groom, stomp their feet, twitch when touched and some even dance around or rear up, resulting in the grooming experience becoming a stressful one for both horse and handler.



These circumstances can be overcome with patience and by following a daily ritual that, if done routinely, will help to cure the nervous, fidgety horse and turn him into a calm, well-behaved animal.

Things You'll Need

  • Heavy footwear
  • Curry comb
  • Main comb
  • Stiff brush
  • Soft brush
  • Soft cloth
  • Water bucket
  • Lead line
  • Halter
  • Hoof pick
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Instructions

    • 1

      Establish a relationship with your horse based on friendship and mutual trust. This process begins with him wearing a halter and lead line hanging free. Begin this daily grooming routine in a paddock where the horse can move about freely. Speak to your horse calmly as you work with him.

    • 2

      Stroke your horse along his withers, allowing him to turn its head and sniff you. He may walk off, but that's OK. Once he stops, approach him again and scratch his withers, offering him a treat such as a carrot or some sweet feed when he stands for your approach and touch.

    • 3

      Continue scratching the horse, along his spine towards his tail. If he moves away, let him. Again, let him come to a standstill and resume scratching him. After awhile he will stand for the scratching, because it feels good.

    • 4

      Remember to use a calm voice and speak to your horse while touching him. Once the horse learns that your touch means pleasure, he will walk off less frequently, and instead anticipate your touch.

    • 5

      Get a curry comb, and, working in circles, begin rubbing him from his shoulders to his flank, keeping your free hand on him at all times. Speak to him in soothing tones.

    • 6

      Continue currying the horse until he lets you swipe the comb under his belly and up his neck. Once this level of trust is achieved, move on to the stiff brush, then the soft brush. At this point, you should be able to stroke down his legs to his feet, using a cloth for a final touch.