Grooming

[TracingEquines]

Grooming

The Grooming Kit

Hoof pick – for cleaning out the feet.

A Dandy brush is used for removing caked mud and dust. Not to be used on head, mane or tail

A Body brush is used for removal of dust, scurf and grease. Can be used on mane and tail

Water brush – used to dampen mane and tail.

Sponges – for cleaning eyes, nose and dock.

A Wisp is used for promoting circulation and for massage.

Mane and Tail comb – used to comb out tangled manes and tails.

Stable rubber – for a final polish after grooming.

Sweat scraper – flexible blade of smooth metal used to remove excess sweat or water.

Reasons For Grooming

* To promote health within the horse – remove waste products e.g. sweat, keeps the pores open and helps circulation.
* To improve condition. Massage is necessary for muscle and skin tone.
* To prevent disease. Parasites feed on dead hair and skin.
* To improve appearance
* To ensure cleanliness. Helps to keep tack and clothing clean and prevent sores.
* To improve the relationship between horse and owner.
* To enable the owner to inspect the horse closely for signs of injury or ill health.

Strapping

This is a very thorough groom of a dry horse usually given after exercise when the pores in the skin are open, and the horse is relaxed.

* Tie the horse up and remove rugs.
* Pick out feet into a skip.
* Brush off mud and sweat with a dandy brush or a rubber currycomb.
* Body brush and metal curry comb
* - A, near side, brush in left hand
* - B, mane: brush and fingers (throw mane over far side of neck. Brush crest thoroughly, and work mane back, dealing with only a few locks of hair at a time)
* - C, off side, brush in right hand
* - D, head: (head collar still around neck and steady the horse’s head with your hand)
* Wisp or damp rubber
* - 20 strokes on left neck
* - 20 strokes on left shoulder
* - 20 strokes on left back muscles (gently on the loins)
* - 20 strokes on left quarters
* - Repeat on right side: increase number of strokes as horse gets fitter
* Sponge eyes, nostrils and lips. Then do sheath or udder.
* Water brush: lay mane and tail, wash feet.
* Damp stable rubber to polish the horse.
* Brush oil on wall of foot.
* Bandage tail. Shake out rugs. Rug up and release.

Quartering

Quartering is a quick groom of the horse. It is done first thing in the morning. The object is to make the horse look presentable for morning exercise.

* Pick out feet
* Sponge eyes, nose and dock
* Remove any stable stains