Horse Grooming -
The Grass Kept Pony
You may be thinking - daily horse grooming isn't necessary when my horse lives out in the field.
Perhaps you are saying right now, "my pony lives out in the field and is blissfully happy plodding about - surely he will be ok if I just drive up to the gate and check he's alright?"
It probably won't matter to your horse that he's rolled about like a pig in mud and spends his days looks like he's been dragged through a hedge backwards.
However, as his owner, you should make it your daily task to check him over for lumps or bumps or any abnormal weight gain/loss.
This can be done quickly and easily if you catch him up daily and carry out a few simple horse grooming tasks. After all, he can't tell you if something is wrong but if you see him every day you will quickly pick up the signs if he is a little off-colour.
Horse Grooming - Safety First!
Always take your horse out of the field to groom him if there are other horses sharing his field - otherwise you risk getting trampled.
Firstly, horses are sociable (for that read "nosy") and like nothing more than swarming all over a visitor which can at times be intimidating, especially if they are of a domineering or aggressive disposition.
 Secondly, do not start grooming your horse before you have safely tied him up.
With his headcollar and leadrope on, tie him to a sturdy fence or gatepost using a piece of breakable string connected to your leadrope by means of a quick release knot.
(Ask your instructor to demonstrate as it's much easier to copy it from a practical demonstration than by trying to work out a diagram). If the horse becomes startled and pulls away, the string will break rather than his neck. Breakable string can be a few strands separated out from a length of baling cord. This is the pink or yellow cord used to tie hay bales.
Never tie your horse up with his bridle.
What To Do With A Fidgety Horse...
 If you have a fidgety horse it may be useful to give him a haynet while you groom him, it will get the job done quicker if he cooperates with you and he will also associate the activity with something "in it for him"!
Filled haynets should be tied securely to a fence or gate as high up as possible and never lower than the horse's chest as he could trip over the net, or worse catch his feet in it, causing a nasty injury.
Keep your grooming kit out of the horse's reach and move around him calmly, reassuring him by your voice or a gentle pat to let him know exactly where you are at all times.
Remember, horses have a blind spot directly behind and in front of them so if you suddenly zoom loudly into view and thump the brush onto his skin, it is understandable that he will feel inclined to protest.
In windy weather, try to groom your horse in a sheltered spot or facing into the wind so the dirt does not blow straight back into his coat.
Groom your horse by starting at the top of his body just behind his ears and working down the length of his sides before doing the legs and feet.
Keep the same routine (top to bottom) each time - it will help you remember and is also very relaxing for the horse as he learns to understand what comes next each time.
Horse Grooming Kit - What is Required?
You need a lot less horse grooming kit with a grass kept pony which is good news if you have a long walk to your field!
The essential equipment and it's correct use can be found by clicking on this link to go to
Horse Grooming Supplies
If you keep your horse in a stable or are thinking of doing so, click to view our suggested
Grooming Routine for the Stabled Horse.
Click on this link to return to our main
Horse Grooming
topic if you want to find out some grooming secrets to wow the Judges in the Show Ring!
Now that you've perfected your grooming skills, you may want to explore other aspects of
Horse Care
. There's lots of interesting information here for you so what are you waiting for?!
Alternatively, return to our
Home Page
|
