Whether you are preparing for a competition or show or simply taking your horse for a ride, it’s important to regularly groom your horse. Routinely grooming your horse will not only provide them with good health but will also allow you time to bond with your horse. 

A professional groomer at an equestrian farm is an expert in horse care and safety. An equestrian farm is a facility that accommodates the training, wellness, shelter, and grooming of horses. Proper grooming requires the necessary tools, time, and care. 

Groom Your Horse Like An Equestrian Farm Groomer

A horse at an equestrian farm receives top-notch grooming and care. The groomers utilize a variety of cleaning equipment including a hoof pick, curry comb, hard brush, soft brush, and mane & tail brush. The following steps will help you groom like an equestrian farm pro.

Secure Your Horse

Horse grooming supplies on a red tray

Before you start brushing your horse, you should secure your horse. Ensure you either tie up your horse or have someone holding the reins to stabilize the horse. This will prevent your horse from wandering off or potentially biting you if they feel irritated. 

Clean The Hooves

Begin your grooming by cleaning the hooves. Horses accumulate mud, rocks, and muck in their hooves from galloping across pastures and dirt paths. It’s crucial to clean the hooves to ensure your horse doesn’t have any cuts, bacterial infections, or other wounds. 

Use a hoof pick to remove any debris, mud, or stones stuck in the hooves. Start picking around the corners of the heel to the center. Finish by brushing off the remaining dust.

Brush The Coat

Following cleaning the hooves, you should move on to brushing your horse’s coat. 

Curry Comb

You should begin grooming your horse by brushing the coat. Use a rubber comb to loosen dirt, hair, and dead skin. Massage the coat in a circular motion. Start on the neck and work your way across the body. This will loosen dirt on the hair, exfoliate your horse’s skin, make the hair lay flat, and enhance the coat’s shine. 

Be sure to look out for any irregularities or cuts on your horse’s skin so that you do not irritate them. Listen to your horse for any signs of discomfort or pain. 

Body Brushes

After using the curry comb to bring dirt up to the surface, use a bristle brush to remove stubborn dirt and clumps of mud. Brush in the direction of the hair to avoid causing your horse any discomfort. In short hard strokes, flick the comb against the coat. Use a softer bristle brush for the face and a bigger tougher brush for the body.

Woman using brush on dark brown horse.Comb The Mane & Tail

Another grooming step you should take to keep your horse healthy and happy is combing through its mane and tail. Brushing the mane and tail promotes hair growth and keeps the hair from becoming tangled. Start at the bottom of the tail and work your way up combing with a mane or tail brush. Consider using a detangle spray for any tough knots found in the mane or tail.

Cleaning Sensitive Areas

After cleaning the hooves, coat, mane and tail, move onto your horse’s more sensitive areas. When washing the eyes, nostrils, anus, and genitals use damp sponges to rub off any dirt. Delicately wipe these areas to avoid upsetting your horse.

Want To Learn To Groom Like An Equestrian Farm Pro?

With over 50 years of experience in the equine industry, our team at Baker Creek Farm has a wealth of knowledge on horse wellness and care. At our equestrian farm, we provide programs, lessons, and a comprehensive base of knowledge of daily horse treatment and care. For more information on horse grooming, visit our website or call us at (440) 225-8697 today!