How to Groom Your Horse

his ears or swishing his tail in agitation he is telling you that the brushing is too vigorous.
While currying look for any skin lesions or wounds. If you find anything assess the injury to decide if you want to treat it yourself or if you need a veterinarian.
Comb out the Tangles
A flowing shiny mane and tail are a joy to behold. Get that full healthy look by being gentle and patient as you groom your horses mane or tail.
Start with a mane comb or brush at the bottom of the strands and brush downward in sections until you can smoothly comb from the top to the bottom. When brushing the tail stand to one side and pull the tail gently over to you making sure you are out of the way should the horse kick.
A grooming spray that detangles hair is nice to have as it makes brushing out the long strands easier while cleaning shining and protecting the hair. A grooming spray may also help prevent the hairs from tangling too much between groomings.
Use the Body Brush to Whisk Away Dirt
After currying the body to get rid of the coarser dirt its time to go to work with a body brush. This longerbristled stiff brush will get rid of what the curry comb missed.
With the body brush whisk out the dirt brought to the surface. Start on one side and move around the horse brushing in sweeping strokes following the direction of the hair growth. Some people find the body brush is more useful for cleaning the legs than the curry comb. This is a good time to check for lesions and skin irritations on the legs knees and pasterns like small cuts and nicks or perhaps even problems like grease heel.
Use the Finishing Brush
A finishing brush which has shorter softer bristles helps to bring out the shine on your horses coat and can be used on your horses or ponys face if you dont have a special brush just for that.
Gently whisk away dust from the broader areas on your horses face ears and throat. With sweeping strokes whisk away any dust missed by the body brush. The finer bristles help smooth out the body hair and leave your horse looking more finished and glossy.
When you think you are done apply a grooming spray. Depending on the type these can provide sun protection and add shine to your
horses coat but they arent necessary.
Clean the Ears Eyes Muzzle and Dock Area
So far you have cleaned up your horses body mane and tailnow its time for detailing. With a damp sponge or soft cloth wipe around the horses eyes and muzzle and clean away any dirt or chaff. You may prefer a soft cloth as it can be more easily laundered between uses.
At this point check your horses eyes. A bit of tearing at the corner of the eye is not uncommon but take note of excess tearing redness or swelling. Eye infections need to be treated promptly.
Check ears for lodged seed heads or dirt. Some horses are fussy about having their ears handled so go slowly and be careful not to pinch or pull hairs. Eventually your horse may come to love having its ears groomed. When you are done with the face use the cloth to wipe around the dock and tail head.