Grooming -
Keep your Horse
in Tip-Top Condition

Grooming is a great workout for you as the owner! No more counting calories for us horseowners...but that's not the only reason it should form part of your horse's daily routine.

With our top tips you CAN transform your muddy friend into a show-stopping superstar!

Brushing your horse daily brings lots of practical and health-oriented benefits to him including:-

• Removing dirt from the skin to prevent sores when riding,
• checking your horse over for lumps and bumps
• improving your horse's circulation
• making him feel comfortable by removing itchy mud and grease

Perhaps most importantly, this is also a prime time bonding opportunity to get closer to your horse. If you groom him in a relaxed, unhurried manner he will be absolutely delighted to spend as much time as you want engaging in such a pleasurable activity.

Horses naturally groom each other in the wild. This serves not only to help minimise lice infestation but also as a social activity forming close bonds of companionship, therefore your horse should also have access to turnout with his friends on a daily basis.

If you have ever watched two horses standing nose to tail nuzzling each other's shoulders you will no doubt agree it is quite a relaxing sight. Get up a bit closer and it looks a bit on the rough side as the horses appear to bite each other! However this is merely natural horse behaviour - rest assured they wouldn't stick around if it was unpleasant.

If your horse is turned out at grass he will not need to be cleaned as rigorously but should still be checked over daily whether you intend to ride or not. He needs the oils that build up in his coat to protect against the weather and keep him warm.

Supplies and Equipment - What Are The Essentials?

You will be relieved to know you do not need to cart around half a ton of different products and brushes for day-to-day use.

It is merely a matter of using the right kit in the right order and applying old fashioned elbow grease or hard work!

Of course, we are not suggesting that you do a full make-over everytime you are going out for a hack but there are a few essential things you need to do every day to keep your horse's coat and hooves in good order.

We have organised this subject into 4 practical sections incorporating some useful information and timesaving tips - all the know-how you need!

• Why it is important to groom your Grass Kept Pony


• What kit do you need? - Grooming Supplies and Equipment you can't live without!


• Practical tips for the Stable-Kept Horse or Pony


• Show Preparation - Vital Tips for perfect presentation!