The summer show circuit is just around the corner.
Hacking trails and outdoor rings will soon be dry and ready to ride. But spring also ushers in a mess no horse owner relishes: The shedding of the horse’s coat.
However, there are simple ways to help transform a horse from a hairy behemoth into a sleek beauty.
Before going to work beautifying the horse, gather all of the horse grooming supplies.
Keep in mind that for health reasons there is a need for a separate horse grooming kit for each animal – that will lessen the risk of spreading disease and infection.
It is also a good idea to keep all supplies in one location so that you’re not scouring the barn or stable in search of every tool (a tote can be quite helpful). Here is a list of grooming supplies that needed to groom a horse in the spring:
– rubber currycomb;
– metal shedding blade;
– dandy brush;
– body brush;
– plastic comb;
– detangler;
– mane tamer;
– soft face brush;
– hoof pick with brush; and
– hoof dressing
When grooming a horse, one should always start at the top of its neck and work to its rear, then switch sides and repeat.
Make sure the horse or pony is safely tied, wearing an appropriate halter, and use quick-release snaps on cross-ties.
Start using the rubber curry. It should be used in a circular motion, to loosen dirt that has settled under the horse’s hair.
Note: be very careful and gentle around bony areas of the horse’s body (such as its back or shoulders).
Do not use a rubber curry on the horse’s legs unless being extremely gentle.
Never use a curry or any stiff brush on the horse’s face; that could hurt it.
Next, use the metal shedding blade.
That tool does have teeth and can be sharp. Use that grooming tool only on meaty parts of the horse and always go gently in the direction of the hair growth.
It is a great tool to remove excess hair easily.
Next, use the dandy brush. The motion for that brush is like the same motion one would use when sweeping a floor. Flick the brush away from the coat so that the dirt comes off.
It is important to use that flicking motion, or the dirt will just get pushed back under the hair.
Then, use the body brush. That body brush is meant to smooth down the hair and to get rid of any traces of left-over dirt after thoroughly using the Dandy Brush.
With the body brush, the groomer does not use a flicking motion; instead, use it flat over the horse’s coat to flatten the hair.
Next, on to the feet.
Use the hoof pick, scraping away from one’s body, as one would with a carrot peeler (for safety).
Be sure to clean the hollow areas on both sides of the frog, and around the sole of the foot.
A hoof dressing might be applied at that time to help the hooves stay healthy.
Next, use the mane comb (or a human hair brush) to gently comb the horse’s mane.
Use the dandy brush to brush the horse’s tail.
Many people use the comb to brush their horses’ tails, but that can breaks the hairs more easily.
Owners who want their horses to grow long, flowing tails, should use the Dandy brush instead.
Our personal preference is to apply a detangler product to help work through the mane and tail – it helps easy brushing now – and over time.
The last step is using the towel.
A plain towel or rag will do; just wipe it over the horse’s coat to bring out the shine.
Then the job is all done, but do not forget about those grooming tools.
Keeping that grooming kit clean is as important as keeping the horse clean.
In order to keep the horse clean, keep the grooming kit clean too. Those who frequently use the curry to remove dust and dirt that might otherwise accumulate in the brushes, won’t have to clean the grooming tools that often.
To clean the brushes, fill a sizeable bucket or container with warm water and a mild soap. Do not use a harsh soap or detergent that might later irritate the horse’s skin. Use a natural soap that is free from dyes and scents. Soak brushes in the mixture until all dirt and build-up is removed or loosened. Then, rinse each brush under clean water to remove leftover debris. Let the brushes dry bristle-side down on a flat surface.
If the brushes are wooden, take care not to completely submerge them in water or to leave them to soak for a prolonged period of time.
Spring is time that birds build nests; so it is nice to hang mane and tail hair on a fence post – it will make a feathered friend.
Wendy Swackhamer is the owner of Cottage Brooke Farm & Equine Education Centre in Orton.
