Basics of a Horse Grooming Kit
A horse needs to be groomed regularly for a variety of reasons other than the obvious aesthetics. They need to cared for before being mounted so the dirt present in their bodies won't chafe their bodies and give them sores. Grooming is also a good way to check for injuries and parasites that may be present in the horse. Most owners use grooming time as a way to bond with their horse. Equines need more special attention during exhibitions and horse shows since grooming counts for as much as 40% of the total score. Racehorses also need to look presentable during race days.
Any horse owner needs to invest in the basic supplies for his or her equine's grooming kit. The most basic ones are listed below:
- A curry comb loosens dirt and hair and stimulates the skin of the horse to produce natural oils.
- A dandy brush is necessary so that the detritus and other materials loosened by the curry comb gets removed.
- A body brush combs out the finer particles and dust in the body of the horse.
- A grooming rag or terrycloth.
- A mane brush or comb is obviously used for combing the horse. Manes of different lengths and conditions require different brushes and combs.
- A hoof pick is useful for cleaning out and inspecting the hoof for injury or infection.
- Fly spray is often applied to the horse after grooming, especially during summer.
- A sweat or water scraper is a tool that takes away excess liquid from a horse's coat.
- Electric clippers or scissors are needed to cut the hair or style the mane, especially for a horse show.
- A horse shampoo and conditioner for times when you need to bathe a horse, to prepare it for a race, show or exhibit. However, horses do not really need to be bathed.
Care for your horse so it looks its best when it wins a race!
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