No matter what kind of horses you own, we all know it’s important to groom them as often as we can (daily is the best).
Myself, I like the grooming tools made by Oster. They’re a bit more expensive initially, but I think they’re cheaper in the long run since they outlast many other brands. I especially like their mane and tail brush.
(As an aside, when my best friend sees a tangled mane full of dreadlocks, she always comments, “Ah, the witches have been riding this horse.” But I digress…)
Back to grooming…
We all know the basics: curry comb first, then hard-bristle brush, then soft-bristle brush to lay the coat flat and give it a shine. There are many, many variations on this technique, and you have to find what works best for you and your horse.
Remember to keep one set of grooming tools for each horse. When you share grooming tools amongst horses, you risk spreading infection, mites, or other skin conditions.
What you might not think about when you think about grooming, however, is that it offers a great opportunity for you to bond with your horse.
Think about it. While you’re grooming your horse, you can talk to him. Tell him about your day. Get him used to the sound of your voice, so that he knows how you sound when you are happy and calm.
Practice picking up all four feet and stretching out his legs. Not only is this good practice for when the farrier comes, most horses come to enjoy it after they get used to it.
Brush out your horse’s mane and tail, and while you’re doing it, sing him a song. He won’t care if you sing in tune or not. The point is for your voice to become a source of comfort and safety for your prey-minded four-legged friend.
Take some time to work on ground manners, like standing still when the clippers are running. Start by running the clippers off to the side, away from your horse. Slowly move the clippers closer to his body. This may take many grooming sessions if your horse is skittish, but remember, bonding with your horse is a marathon, not a sprint!
Grooming your horse isn’t just good for his body. If you make up your mind that grooming will be quality time, it will also be good for his soul.
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I have just bought an Appaloosa cross Arab and would like to know what you think I can expect out of this kind of mix. He is 7 months old and beautilul and I want to be as prepared for him as I can be when he's ready to train and be ridden. I haven't ridden properly in 20 years and had my first lesson yesterday on an A-Grade jumper who was as hot as you could possibly imagine - HUMBING!!!!! I feel very inadequite at the moment and need to be in the right place for my new baby. what advice could you give me?
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