If you have never done it before, grooming a horse can be difficult.You can break grooming down into multiple steps, one of which is brushing.By focusing on removing dirt and brushing the mane and tail, you can easily accomplish this part of your horse's grooming routine.
Step 1: Your horse will be secured in the stall with a leather halter.
The halter should be tied tightly to the stall by looping it around a hook or the door and tying a knot.The horse can still move its head and body, but will be tethered to the stall.Quick-release snaps attached to cross-ties can be used to make sure the horse stays in place.If the horse is secured in one place and comfortable, you can brush it outside.The horse can run away in the middle of your grooming session if it isn't secure.The aisle or wash rack is a good place to put a horse outside.Both areas have crosses.
Step 2: Avoid sudden movements when approaching the horse.
Horses can be frightened by people or noises.If you want to avoid scaring the horse, make sure it sees you approaching.Talk to it in a calm voice and let it know that you can trust it.There can be sudden movements that cause the horse to kick.You should always be aware of where your body is in relation to the horse.When a new person approaches, horses stomp their feet.Don't be afraid!They are just talking to you.
Step 3: You should wear clothing that protects your feet, legs, and head.
Sometimes horses are not aware of their strength.You should wear a helmet when working with a new horse.In the stall, wear jeans and boots to protect your feet and legs from sharp objects.While grooming, wear a long-sleeved shirt that protects you and keeps you clean.Gloves can help protect you from painful hair splinters, but it may make grooming more difficult because it's harder to move your hands.
Step 4: It's a good idea to brush in the direction of hair growth.
It is important to keep in mind that horse hair is the same as it is on a dog or cat.It can be difficult for a horse to brush against the direction of growth.There are spots in the horse's coat that could be hair growth.Some horses have hair that grows in a circular pattern on their stomachs or legs.It is better to brush with the hair and work in the direction of growth.
Step 5: A mud brush can be used to break up large sections of dirt.
A mud brush has synthetic bristles.Wait until the mud has dried completely and then use a mud brush to break up the dirt.If the horse has a thick coating of mud, you may have to apply some pressure as you brush.When the mud breaks off, use a lighter stroke to remove large areas of dirt.
Step 6: There is a rubber curry comb.
A curry comb has raised ridges that are made of rubber to remove dirt and hair.Work your way from the neck down to the side of the horse and the rear, moving the curry in small circles to kick up dirt from under the hair.Work from the neck to the back once you finish one side.The curry comb should not be used on the horse's face or legs.The stiff bristles can cause the horse to be unruly.The curry comb is safe to use anywhere on the horse.If you plan on riding, make sure to pay attention to the saddle area.There is a curry comb in that area.
Step 7: The hair needs to be wiped off with a brush.
The bristles of a dandy brush are almost like a broom.You can wipe the dirt from the hair using a flicking motion.Using long, sweeping motions, work from the neck to the rear.You can see a cloud of dust with each stroke of the brush.If you don't, adjust your motion so that you push the dirt out of the hair.The neck, body, tail, and face are some of the parts you can use the brush on.
Step 8: The body brush can be used to flatten the hair.
The synthetic bristles on the body brush are soft to the touch.To flatten the hair, use long strokes.It will take a few strokes to flatten and smooth the hair from the neck to the back.The brush should not be used for a "flicking" motion.The goal is to make the hair stand up.
Step 9: Only soft bristle brushes are used to brush the face.
Soft strokes and slowly working around the face are what you can do to brush the facial area.Instead of looking at the eyes, focus on the cheeks, ears, nose, and the top of the head.If the horse moves its head away from you, you should stop brushing it for a few seconds.To give the horse time to adjust to your touch, only work on the face after you brushed the rest of the body.If the eye is injured when you touch it with a bristle, you need to see a doctor.
Step 10: Place your fingers on the mane or tail to separate it.
Your horse will probably have visible knots if it has unruly hair.Carefully untangle the knots by using your fingers.If you pull on the hair, it can annoy the horse and cause it to start getting restless.Be patient as you work on tangles.It will come out eventually with some effort.The progression of major knots can be avoided if you comb your hair daily.
Step 11: A wide-toothed mane comb is needed to groom the horse's mane.
The mane comb is made of plastic or metal and has a row of teeth.Start at the bottom of the mane and work your way up, gently running the comb through the hair.When you find a small knot or tangle, use the comb to pick it up until it comes undone.Use a spray to loosen knots.Cowboy Magic is a great product for detangling manes and tails.They are better at removing tangles and knots than combs.To avoid breaking, be sure to work slowly.If you want to avoid excess hair breakage, comb the hair with a metal comb once a week.
Step 12: Stand to the side of the horse and use the dandy brush on the tail.
Work your way up to the top by starting at the bottom of the tail.Work on small sections at a time and run the soft bristle brush through the hair after you work out any knots with your fingers.When working behind the horse, be careful.If the horse is frightened, stand off to the side.
Step 13: Detangling products can be used to remove knots in the mane or tail.
If you can't get out of a knot, apply a quarter-sized amount of baby oil or horse hair detangling solution.It will make it easier to pull apart the hairs.Remove the product from the hair once the knot is out.You can buy baby oil at grocery stores, and horse hair detangling solution at most tack stores.There are online coupons that can help save money.If the knot isn't coming out, try rubbing baby oil or detangling solution on the hair.