How to Groom a Horse as a Beginning Rider
Find or assemble a grooming kit., Begin by using the currycomb., Use the brushes to remove the grime that you worked out of the coat with the currycomb., Using a very gentle brush or face cloth, carefully brush around your horse's face, being...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Find or assemble a grooming kit.
In many stables, each horse has a grooming kit of its own, or in others, brushes are placed in a central location and shared.
Find out how your stable stores its grooming gear, and either take the grooming kit, or get what you'll need
-- at least one currycomb, dandy brush, soft brush, face brush/cloth, hoof pick, and comb. -
Step 2: Begin by using the currycomb.
These come in many different styles, but are essentially a sturdy rubber or plastic brush with little points sticking out.
The purpose of the currycomb is to loosen the dirt and dust in the horse's coat.
To use it, brush the horse's coat in circular motions. , Do this by brushing in the same direction, to smooth out the horse's coat as well.
Start with the dandy brush, which has stiffer bristles, and then clean up with a softer brush.
You can also use the soft brush on the horse's legs, if your instructor gives you permission. ,, Remove the dirt, manure, and other debris that may be stuck in there.
This is done with a tool called a hoof pick, that can come in many different styles, but usually has a pointy end for removing stuff and often a brush as well.
To pick up your horse's foot for picking, run your hand down his leg, squeeze the lower part slightly, lean on his shoulder, and pull up.
Your instructor will help, if necessary.
Then, hold the hoof comfortably and begin cleaning it.
Hoof picking is one of the only parts of grooming that really involves anything besides common sense.
When You pick up the horse's foot, you'll see that's oval-shaped, with a "V" in the middle.
The "V" is called the frog, and it is very sensitive.
Do not touch it with the hoof pick, but clean in the crevice around it.
Carefully dislodge any stones, if you find them, and get all the dirt out. , Use conditioner, if you're having trouble and your instructor suggests it. , You must always do this from the side, so that you'll be less of a target if he kicks. , -
Step 3: Use the brushes to remove the grime that you worked out of the coat with the currycomb.
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Step 4: Using a very gentle brush or face cloth
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Step 5: carefully brush around your horse's face
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Step 6: being certain not to irritate his eyes or nose.
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Step 7: Pick out your horse's feet.
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Step 8: Stand at your horse's head and gently comb out his mane and forelock (the little bit of mane that goes between his ears).
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Step 9: Standing at the side of the horse and facing his tail
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Step 10: gently pull his tail over towards you and comb it out
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Step 11: as well.
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Step 12: Put away your grooming kit
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Step 13: clean and sweep up your grooming area tack up
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Step 14: mount up
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Step 15: and get started with your lesson.
Detailed Guide
In many stables, each horse has a grooming kit of its own, or in others, brushes are placed in a central location and shared.
Find out how your stable stores its grooming gear, and either take the grooming kit, or get what you'll need
-- at least one currycomb, dandy brush, soft brush, face brush/cloth, hoof pick, and comb.
These come in many different styles, but are essentially a sturdy rubber or plastic brush with little points sticking out.
The purpose of the currycomb is to loosen the dirt and dust in the horse's coat.
To use it, brush the horse's coat in circular motions. , Do this by brushing in the same direction, to smooth out the horse's coat as well.
Start with the dandy brush, which has stiffer bristles, and then clean up with a softer brush.
You can also use the soft brush on the horse's legs, if your instructor gives you permission. ,, Remove the dirt, manure, and other debris that may be stuck in there.
This is done with a tool called a hoof pick, that can come in many different styles, but usually has a pointy end for removing stuff and often a brush as well.
To pick up your horse's foot for picking, run your hand down his leg, squeeze the lower part slightly, lean on his shoulder, and pull up.
Your instructor will help, if necessary.
Then, hold the hoof comfortably and begin cleaning it.
Hoof picking is one of the only parts of grooming that really involves anything besides common sense.
When You pick up the horse's foot, you'll see that's oval-shaped, with a "V" in the middle.
The "V" is called the frog, and it is very sensitive.
Do not touch it with the hoof pick, but clean in the crevice around it.
Carefully dislodge any stones, if you find them, and get all the dirt out. , Use conditioner, if you're having trouble and your instructor suggests it. , You must always do this from the side, so that you'll be less of a target if he kicks. ,
About the Author
Sarah Ortiz
Creates helpful guides on pet care to inspire and educate readers.
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