Grooming is a vital operation for a horse, not only because it keeps its coat clean, but also because it makes it shiny and good-looking, contributing to its health and the development of a personal bond between the animal and who it is. takes care of it. Grooming should be done regularly to keep the horse's coat healthy. Unlike cats and dogs, the horse is predisposed to being groomed, which is made even easier by its natural position. Be careful however when moving; when you walk behind the horse you must always keep a hand on its back so that the animal always knows where you are; if it kicks, at worst it will hit your leg and not your head. Never get between the horse and the structure to which it is tied, otherwise you could get stuck.
Steps
Step 1. Secure the horse
While some dogs are used to standing still while groomed, others have a natural need to walk away from you after some time. You can hold it back by tying a rope with a quick release knot to a pole or you can ask a friend / colleague to hold it still.
If you tie the horse to a pole or other structure, always use a quick release knot. Sometimes something could scare the animal that, in an attempt to escape, could get stuck in the knot and injure itself in the neck. However, make sure that the knot is not slack enough for the horse to escape
Step 2. Take the horse's hooves
To do this, pat the animal on the paw and apply some pressure to the fetlock. If he doesn't lift his hoof, lean on his shoulder and lift his paw weight. With the help of a toe cleaner, remove all stones, debris and foreign bodies that are stuck under the hoof, work from the heel towards the tip of the foot. Make sure you clean all the slits on both sides of the frog. The frog (the V-shaped part of the sole of the foot) is very sensitive, so take great care when cleaning it.
- By cleaning the hooves first, you can more easily notice any lameness problems before you complete the grooming. This is an optional step, but highly recommended because it prevents dirt (especially stones) from accumulating in the hooves, which could injure the animal in the long run. Cleaning the hooves removes and prevents thrush, a sticky, black fungus that develops in the frog.
- There is no specific time during grooming dedicated to cleaning the hoof. You can also avoid doing this if, every time you ride, you check and remove dirt from his feet.
Step 3. Use a curry comb to remove loose hair from the horse's coat
The rubber ones are built to loosen the dirt, mud and debris that get trapped on the animal and you have to rub them following the direction of the hair. You should always use them before brushing the horse to get a good result and keep the animal in shape. Curry it with vigorous, short and circular movements in correspondence with the muscles but avoid the areas of the muzzle, the backbone, the legs and the bony ones.
- Standing next to the horse, begin brushing it from the neck to the body and then to the rear. Repeat the procedure on the other side.
- The curry comb should be rubbed with circular movements against the grain. This way you detach loose hair, dirt and all residues that need to be removed.
Step 4. Use a stiff bristle brush
This removes dirt and dead hair raised by the curry comb. Scrub it in short, quick strokes, letting the bristles get into the coat and loosen the dirt. Start at the neck and work towards the tail. Pass the brush even on the legs without fear of hurting the horse.
- Do not brush the muzzle, ears, belly, mane, tail or hairless areas, as this will cause pain and discomfort, stress and frighten the animal.
- If necessary, use a soft cloth for those parts that cannot be brushed.
Step 5. Clean it with a soft brush
Just as the name suggests, the soft brush should be used for those sensitive areas of the horse's body (be very careful near the muzzle). This tool removes surface dust and loose hair. Finish the procedure by brushing his entire body, including his face and belly.
If you want to use a separate brush for the horse's face, get one for it. They are built for this sensitive area and look like soft-bristled mini-brushes
Step 6. Clean his face
Take a damp sponge or cloth and wash the horse's eyes and nose. Use a different sponge / cloth for the undertail area. These are always moist, dirty and mucous areas and must always be clean. But do it gently, they are also very sensitive areas.
Use different cloths and sponges for each horse (if you have to groom different ones) to avoid the spread of disease
Step 7. Comb the tail and mane
Use a wide-toothed comb to remove knots from the tail and mane. Before starting, run your fingers through the strands to separate and loosen the larger tangles. Grab the entire section of the mane / tail with one hand (without jerking) and brush the locks with the other hand. Continue for each strand until you have brushed the entire tail / mane.
- Remember to stand to the side of the horse when brushing the tail. Talk to the animal and maintain physical contact so as not to frighten it.
- If you want to use a hair product, use specific natural sprays for the tail and mane, avoid silicone-based ones. Spray the locks, comb them, remove the knots and moisturize the hair to make the coat very shiny.
Step 8. If it is hot and summer, spray the animal with fly repellent, as they are very annoying and can irritate both the horse and you
When splashing carefully avoid the muzzle.
Advice
- If the horse is full of dust or has dried mud attached to it, brush it deeply. Then take a damp cloth and wipe it over the cloak. You will collect everything that has surfaced.
- Make an effort to clean it properly! Your horse will be beautiful.
- If you notice any scabs or bites, wipe with petroleum jelly. This will heal and prevent other insects from bothering your horse.
- If he is a stallion or gelding you should clean his genitals every six months or so.
- Trust a good farrier. It is necessary to cut the nails on the horse, it is a very important part.
- If your horse has flies, use a specific spray.
- If you are wearing gloves, take them off before brushing your horse so that you can sense any problems.
- Be very careful when brushing sensitive areas such as the belly and waist, the horse may experience discomfort, kick and back away.
- Groom him every day or he'll get sick, he might even get a rash!
Warnings
- If you use baby oil to keep your coat shiny, don't apply it during the hottest hours of the day as it could cause your horse to burn.
- When you raise your hooves or work around the horse it is better to stay close to him. If you are too far it could kick you. Stay close enough and more in the front than the hind legs. If you have to stand behind, keep a hand on one of the hind legs so that the horse understands where you are.
- Don't use too much pressure when brushing your paws. The skin is close to the bone and you could hurt him.
- Do not brush it in the barn so as not to dirty it. If the horse has breathing problems, it is better to do it outside.
- Never clean the muzzle forcefully as you will annoy it. If the horse gets scared every time you touch its muzzle, it will raise its head so high that you will never get there.
- Secure the horse with a strong but not difficult knot to untie in case you quickly let it loose.
