Five Grooming Essentials Every Horse Owner Should Have

Posted by Guest Author on Oct 4, 2015 in Other Pets, Pet Care | Comments Off on Five Grooming Essentials Every Horse Owner Should Have

Proper horse grooming is about far more than ensuring your horse looks its very best. Daily grooming is also a crucial aspect of keeping your horse healthy, as the grooming process can uncover any issues such as wounds or hoof conditions. Regular grooming may even stem the spread of disease, which can be disastrous for those owners in possession of multiple horses.

While frequency and technique certainly play a role in grooming, with the right supplies you can rest assured that you will be able to address an abundance of issues involving your horse.

1. Brushes

Horse owners should have a few different brushes on hand to enable a more thorough grooming process. These typically include:

• Body Brush (Stiff and Soft-Bristled) – The stiff-bristled body brush is useful for removing built up dirt and mud, while the soft-bristled brush helps rid your horse of dust.
• Face Brush (Soft-Bristled) – A soft-bristled brush is a must when brushing your horse’s face, as stiffer bristles may cause damage or discomfort.
• Hoofpick Brush – This combination pick/brush is used to remove clumps of dirt accumulated in hooves, while any remaining debris can be brushed away.
• Mane/Tail Comb – Wide tooth combs are preferred for manes and tails, as these will prevent breakage from occurring.

2. Pest Control

Maintaining a healthy horse requires keeping pests at bay. Flies in particular can be a constant source of aggravation to your horse, and in some cases will result in significant health issues. Fly spray for horses is one method of deterring harmful pests from taking up residence on your horse. You will also need a bot fly knife, which is used to remove any eggs left in your horse’s skin.

3. Equine-Friendly Shampoo and Conditioner

Horse-friendly shampoo and conditioner can be just the thing to keep your horse clean and healthy. Be sure to use a mild shampoo on your horse to prevent skin irritation from occurring. When it comes to manes and tails, conditioner should be applied after every shampoo to reduce the likelihood of breakage. You can even apply a leave-in conditioner to boost shine.

4. Finishing Supplies

Horse owners must also have a collection of finishing supplies at their disposal. Things like coat polish can afford your horse a nice sheen, while clippers are great for trimming unruly whiskers. Finishing supplies are particularly important for show horses, though all owners can make use of these items.

5. Multiple Totes

Many horse owners prefer to store their supplies in multiple totes to keep everything organized according to need. For instance, some owners elect to keep frequently used grooming supplies in one tote and more specialized items another. You can also break it down into what the supplies are used for (bathing, finishing, etc.) Having multiple totes can make transporting supplies easier, and will allow you to locate necessary items in a hurry.

While caring for a horse is certainly a lot of work, the joy these animals bring make it more than worth it. With above supply essentials, your horse will receive the proper care it needs to be healthy and vital for years to come.