Grooming your horse keeps her looking her best, but also helps to keep her healthy. Horses are large animals and grooming your horse may seem a bit daunting at first. Rest assured that with a little know-how and some practice, you and your horse will both be accustomed to the process in no time.

While some horses enjoy being groomed, others can be somewhat resistant. Even if your horse is normally happy while being groomed, be sure to take the appropriate safety precautions when grooming your horse. Always be sure his halter is securely in place and attached to crossties on both sides. Once your horse is secure, begin by checking his teeth, eyes, and ears to be sure everything looks good. Next, run your hands down each one of your horse’s legs to check for any cuts or damage.

Clean each hoof carefully to remove any debris or sharp stones. Dirty hooves can lead to infections like thrush, which can have serious consequences. The easiest way to check and clean her hooves is to stand next to your horse’s shoulder, facing her. As you run your hand down her leg, she will likely lift her foot for you. If she doesn’t, you will need to lean against her to tip her slightly off balance in order to be able to lift her hoof.

Once you have cleaned all four hooves, the next step in grooming your horse is to comb him with the curry comb. Start from his neck and work your way down and back, from his neck to his chest, then over his shoulder to his back, down to his stomach, over his rump, and down along the upper part of his back leg. When you have finished on one side, go around and continue grooming your horse in the same manner on the other side. Some horses are very sensitive on their stomachs, sides, and legs, so use care with your curry comb.

After you have finished with the horse’s body, you can move on to grooming her head. Wipe her head with a damp sponge, being sure to wipe her ears as well as her nostrils. You may also wish to gently brush your horse’s head with a soft body brush. The final step in grooming your horse is to comb his mane and tail. Be sure to gently comb out any tangles. Always stand to the side of your horse’s rump and lift the tail over to groom it. Never stand behind your horse.