1. By Lauren Ross and Mindy Thorpe

2. Besides keeping the horse clean
and comfortable, grooming also
 helps distribute the horse’s
natural skin oil (sebum) over
the coat (this helps repel water
and prevent dry skin)
 improves circulation
 promotes healthy hair growth
 allows for a good way to
examine the horse closely
 is good training in obedience
and manners

3. Curry comb
Dandy brush
Body brush
Hoof pick
Mane and tail
comb/brush

4. round brush made of
rubber or plastic
has small nubs on one
side
used in a circular motion
to loosen large amounts
of dirt and loose hair
is never used on the face
or legs!

5.  has stiff bristles which are
often plastic and colorful
 used in short strokes
following the direction of
the hair to remove loose
hair and dirt
 is not used on the face or
legs
 be careful at the flank(the
hair grows in another
direction)

6. has softer bristles which
are normally black or
natural colors
used in smooth strokes
following the direction of
the hair to remove finer
particles
can be used anywhere on
the body

7. come in a variety of
shapes and sizes
used to brush knots and
tangled material out of
the forelock, mane, and
tail
if the hair is tangled, it’s
best to start at the
bottom and work up
(just like brushing your
own hair)

8. has a short metal hook
and possibly stiff bristles
opposite
hook used to clear out
dirt and debris from hoof
stiff brush used to
remove dirt from the
outer hoof

9. It is best to put your horse
in cross ties. However, if
none are available and you
trust your horse, you may
choose to just put them in
a stall or use a slip-release
knot(as shown).

10. Start standing beside the
leg you want to pick up,
facing the horse’s rear.

11. Put your shoulder against
the horse’s shoulder to
provide support while
running your hand down
his leg, starting at the
knee.

12. When you reach the
fetlock, squeeze lightly.
The horse should then pick
up his foot.

13. Hold the hoof in one hand
while picking out the dirt
and debris in the hoof with
the other.

14. You should pick from heel
to toe, making sure to
avoid the frog.

15. http://www.miniaturesforu.com/mechelle.htm#articles http://www.barefoothorse.com/barefoot_HoofShape.html

17. In small, circular motions
brush the horse all over the
neck and body. You should
see loose hair and dirt
where you have brushed.

18. In short strokes following
the pattern of hair growth,
brush loose hair and dirt
from the neck and body.

19. Following the direction of
the hair, use smooth
strokes to brush any
remaining dirt from the
coat. This is where your
horse should really start to
look glossy! Don’t forget
you can now also brush the
legs and face.

20. Brush the mane and
forelock just like you
would brush your own hair.
If there are tangles, it is
best to brush them out
from the bottom and work
up. If there are no tangles,
you can brush with long,
smooth strokes.

21. When picking out the tail,
it is important never to
stand directly behind the
horse. Instead, pull the tail
to the side of the horse and
use your fingers to gently
remove foreign matter and
untangle knots. It may be
helpful to separate the tail
into smaller sections and
work each portion by itself.

22. Finish up by using a soft
rag or sponge to clean
around your horse’s eyes,
nose, and dock. You may
also choose to use another
rag to go over your horse’s
body and really get him to
shine!

23. Copper, Marcia. Take Care of your Horse. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1974. Print.
Harris, Susan. Grooming to Win. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1977. Print.
May, Chris. The Horse Care Manual. London: Quarto Publishing plc, 1987. Print.