What’s in your grooming kit?
Let’s face it. There are some many different brushes, sponges, sprays, lotions, and potions that we can use to protect and get our horses looking sparkling and clean – usually something that also doesn’t last long. Sometimes it can get confusing as to what is what and its purpose.
I have created a Beginner Series which helps you navigate through being a first-time horse owner with the challenges you may face.
In this episode, I talk about all the common tools in your grooming bag, from brushes and other things:
Curry comb:
There are 2 types of curry comb used to groom horses. A plastic and a rubber. Plastic and rubber curry combs are used to remove any mud, sweat, loose hair, and grease from their coat. Unlike a metal curry comb, which is used to clean your brushes and remove any hair and is typically not used on the horse itself. A rubber curry comb is effective when used in circular motions.
Dandy brush:
A dandy brush is a hard-bristled, coarse brush used to remove mud and debris from the horse’s coat, usually before using the body brush. It is used in a flick motion in the direction of the hairs. Most of the time you would use the dandy brush for a kick groom or after using a curry comb.
Body Brush:
A body brush (sometimes known as a soft brush) is a soft-bristled brush used to remove finer particles of dust and adds a shine to the surface of the coat. Again, this brush is used following the direction of the hairs.
Face Brush:
The face brush is a smaller version of the body brush however it is used on the horse’s face to remove any mud or dust of their head gently whilst be careful to avoid the eyes.
Hoof Pick:
As suggested by the name, the hoof pick is used to pick out any stones, bedding, mud, nails, and other debris that has gotten trapped around the frog that could potentially cause them discomfort. Some hoof picks will also have a brush on to brush away any sand to make sure you have cleared it properly.
Sweat Scraper:
A sweat scraper – also used on other animals such as dogs – is a rubber blade with a handle used to remove sweat, water, and excess hair from their body. Sweat scrapers are available in both metal and plastic form and used in the direction of the coat or fur.
Mane brush/ mane comb:
A mane brush or mane comb is a plastic brush used to detangle and remove knots from the mane, forelock, and tail in order for it to stay tangle free.
Finishing Brush:
A finishing brush is what the name implies. The bristles are super soft, like a face brush, and help natural oils glide along the coat to finish of your grooming.
De-shedding tool/ shedding blade:
Sometimes used as a sweat scraper, a de-shedding tool is a metal blade with a handle used to remove hairs suck in their coat during shedding season.
Sponge/ bathing mitten:
A sponge of bathing mitten it used when washing your horse. It can be used to simply remove a poo or grass stain or to give your horse a full bath. It helps lather in shampoo to remove dirt and oils from deep down in the coat.
I hope you found this useful. Stick around for the next part of this mini-series, where we look at shampoos, sprays, and oils that you might use to pamper your horse from NAF.
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