by Whimsically, age 14

Grooming a horse is essential. It gets rid of dirt and makes their coat shiny. This not only looks good and makes the horse feel good, but gets rid of any dirt that could get in cuts and hurt the horse. Grooming circulates the blood and the white blood cells, making the horse more healthy. Also, it is a time to see if there are any injuries or anything, and it is a time to get to know your horse’s body.

Grooming can take a lot of work and may seem boring or annoying, but really it can be fun! It is a great time to get to bond with your horse and learn about him or her. First, you need some supplies to groom a horse well:

CURRY COMB. They come in both metal and rubber, however I prefer the rubber. It is more gentle on the horses skin and therefore a larger amount of horses prefer this. A rubber hand version is also available and can be very convenient- they are in the shape of a mitten. This lifts the dirt from the under layers of the coat.

HARD BRUSH. This is a brush whose bristles are stiffer. This really brushes off the dirt.

SOFT BRUSH. This is a brush with soft, gentle bristles. It should be soft enough to use on their face. This smoothes down the fur and really makes the horses coat shiny.

SOFT CURRY. This isn’t required but is helpful to have. It is a softer curry comb- one that is soft enough to use on the legs and the face. If this isn’t used you can use a regular curry comb on the horses face and legs but you MUST be very gentle!

RAGS. Use these to add extra shine to the coat, dry the horse, wipe up things and is overall great to have!

SPONGES. A large one for bathing the horse, and two smaller ones — one for their flank and one for their eyes and nose is good. Make sure to keep these clean. Always clean the eyes first. If you want a separate sponge for the eyes and nose that is great!

HOOF POLISH/CONDITIONER. This keeps the horses hoofs strong and adds a beautiful shine! You can get clear-ish ones or brown ones!

COMB. This is good for brushing the forelock and the mane.

HAIR BRUSH. This is good for brushing the horse’s tail. Make sure to start from the bottom up! (More on this later).

BABY OIL. This isn’t required but is helpful to put on the horses nose to make it nice and soft!

FLY SPRAY. This keeps the flies off of your horse.

SHOW SHEEN. This is great for your horse before a show or everyday. More on this later.

HORSE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER. For the mane and tail.

SWEAT SCRAPER. To remove excess water after washing your horse.

Not all of these are required but they are very helpful! If brushes are expensive you can share them with another friend as long as her horse doesn’t have a skin condition or something that can harm you horse. If you are unsure just ask the vet when she comes to check up on the horses. If you use old brushes, make sure to clean and sterilize them. Some things like sponges and rags can be found around the house.

Other things like rubbing alcohol, baby powder, and more, are good options. Of course, for ointment and medications ask your trainer or vet. There are other things, but these are some of the basics.

In another blog I will give information on how to use these supplies. Please comment on anything I forgot that you feel is essential!