While many horses may naturally feel the desire to move their feet and shift around, some are trained well enough to stay still while being groomed. By tying the lead rope above the height of your horse’s withers, you can keep him in place. To secure him to a post, tie a quick-release knot, or ask a friend or coworker to hold the rope.

• Always tie your horse up with a quick-release knot when securing it to a post or ring. When a horse spooks while being tethered, he frequently tries to break free by yanking back violently against the rope. You and the horse are both in risk if you do this. He might break his neck, and you might get hurt really bad.
• A Marlinspike, a tool that can cut rope in an emergency or untie too tight knots, may be something you want to carry in your grooming kit.[1]

To gently squeeze her tendon, lift up her foot and slide your hand down her leg. Lean against her shoulder, squeeze her leg, and immediately seize your horse’s hoof with your other hand if she doesn’t lift her foot. Starting at the heel of the foot, gently remove all rocks, mud, and debris using a hoof pick before working forward to the toe. Ensure that the V-shaped portion of the hoof, the grooves on either side of the frog, are clean. You shouldn’t poke too far into the grooves or pick the horse’s frog. Use extreme caution while using the hoof pick and seek advice from your farrier or veterinarian if the frog is unhealthy, that is, if it is particularly black, spongy, soft, and smelly.[2]

• By eliminating any stones or foreign items, such as a nail or screw, that could pierce the frog or result in bleeding, you can prevent lameness in your horse by picking out his or her feet. It’s crucial to remove the hooves before riding, especially if your horse is shoed.
• Cleaning your horse’s shoes can make walking considerably more comfortable for him because shod feet do not naturally clean themselves when a horse moves.
• Thrush, a sticky, black fungus that grows around the frog, can be removed and avoided by picking your horse’s feet.
• The two times before and after a ride are the finest for picking your horse’s feet.

The purpose of rubber curry combs is to remove debris from your horse’s coat, including dirt, mud, and other objects. For the best effects, currying should always be done before brushing. Apply the curry to the horse’s muscles in quick, small circular strokes, being very cautious to avoid the face, spine, and leg bones. Given that currying resembles a massage, most horses find it to be enjoyable.

 

• Work from the horse’s neck all the way down to its rump on one side of the animal. Repeat on the opposite side of the horse after that. If your horse is a riding mount, don’t forget to give the girth area a thorough brushing.
• In the opposite direction to the direction in which the hair grows, the curry comb should be massaged in a circular manner. This will remove debris and loose hairs that would otherwise be brushed over.
• Your horse can pull his nose away from his lips or even try to groom you if you notice “itchy spots” on him. Be careful because he can try to nip you if he wiggles his nose on you like horses do when they groom one another. Your skin is far more delicate than a horse’s, so it is impossible for a horse to comprehend that grooming you could harm you. Simply push his nose away if he attempts to groom you, and know that you located a “itchy spot” and he thoroughly loved that good scratch.

A dandy brush is a brush with firm bristles used to remove dirt and hair that the curry comb has exposed. Brush using quick, straight, flicking motions to let the bristles penetrate the coat completely and remove the debris. Work your way down from the neck toward the tail. Since the horse’s legs are much more sensitive than the rest of its body, it is not advised to use a firm brush on them. Because the legs are bony and small, the horse feels discomfort if the dandy brush is used too vigorously.[3]

• Use should be avoided on the horse’s face, ears, mane, tail, legs, or any other place that has been clipped because it could put the animal in immediate pain.
• as the horse seems bothered or irritated by the treatment, use a soft cloth or sponge to provide pressure as necessary.

The soft brush’s texture allows it to be applied to all regions of the horse, as suggested by its name. Around the face, including the eyes, ears, and muzzle, you should continue to be soft and cautious. Any surface debris and hair are removed by the gentle brush. Brush down your entire body, especially delicate parts like the face and legs, to complete your body grooming.

• Use a face brush if you want to use a different brush just for your face. They are made to clean horses’ faces. They are much simpler to place on a horse’s face and resemble tiny soft brushes.

Use a wet sponge or washcloth to clean your horse’s eyes and nose. For the dock area (under the tail), use a separate sponge, towel, or wipe. These areas need to be cleaned up because dirt and mucus accumulate there from the frequent moisture. Always keep in mind that these places require cautious handling because they are delicate.

• If you are grooming several horses, use several brushes, sponges, and rags. Sharing grooming supplies can result in the spread of infections and skin fungi like ringworm.

To untangle the mane and tail of your horse, use a wide-bristled mane comb or brush. Use your fingers to untangle the hairs that are tangled up in big clumps before you begin.  Up until the tail is completely brushed, keep pulling tiny bits from the side of the tail.

• Stand next to the horse while brushing its tail. In this manner, you are in a safer posture and are less likely to be wounded if the horse kicks out.
• Talk to the horse and maintain contact with her to keep her focused on you.
• If you wish to use a hair product, use an all-natural mane/tail spray rather than one that contains silicone. In addition to aiding in detangling, it will hydrate and make the hair appear lustrous if you spray it on and work it in.