Horse Grooming Basics

Regular grooming keeps a horse's coat, skin, and hooves healthy, and gives an owner a chance to check for cuts, swelling, or heat before they become serious. Most riders groom before and after every ride.

A basic routine starts with a curry comb in circular motions to loosen dirt and dead hair, followed by a stiff brush to whisk debris away and a soft brush for the face and finishing touches. Hooves should be picked out before and after riding to clear packed dirt and stones.

Mane and tail can be detangled with a wide-tooth comb and a leave-in conditioning spray to reduce breakage. Avoid grooming tools shared between horses without cleaning them first, since fungal and bacterial skin conditions spread easily.

Keep a dedicated grooming kit per horse where possible, and replace brushes once bristles wear down or become stiff and brittle.