Grooming Your Horse with Purpose

My Story

I got my start in the equine industry doing barn work at a dressage facility between college semesters. Little did I know that this decision would lead me to working in the industry - and mainly at that barn - for the next ten years. While I went to school for a Criminal Justice degree, fully intending on going into law enforcement after graduation, I ended up falling in love with the horses I cared for. I went to work at the barn full time.

I started off as a groom, working my way up to the international ring with the same rider several years later. I had anywhere from 10 to 13 horses under my care throughout the week. Grooming and tacking up for rides. Rinsing/bathing or brushing off afterwards. Tending small wounds. Physical therapy exercises. Care of their equipment (dressage horses have a lot of outfits!). With so many horses under my supervision, I got good at assessing their needs and addressing them in a hurry.

As a show groom, I was often under the pressure of time, especially when it came to shows or clinics. The horses needed to be ready to go by a certain time, typically a little before if I was on top of my game. I could turn out a show ready horse in 15 minutes if I had to (not counting braiding time).

This pace of go-go-go was the rhythm of everyday life. If I slowed down too much, I’d get behind. Then getting caught up was even more of a struggle. So I didn’t slow down if I could help it. Had to be as efficient as possible.

While this mindset was necessary at the time to get the job done, I have since change my thoughts and habits. Leaving the equine industry gave me time to stop and reflect. To give time an attention to my own horses, realizing I don’t have to maintain the same rushed pace with them anymore.

Grooming between horses is an inherently social act. It isn’t just to flick away unwanted dirt. It promotes healthy relationships between herd members. It can release tension built up in the neck, back, and withers. It is an act of trust.

That’s what I now desire to emulate. Grooming my horses gives me time to simply be in their presence. Listen to their breaths. Feel for any soreness or tension in their bodies. Help them relax. It relaxes me, too.

I’m grateful for what I learned as a groom, and now I can put it to use with a better purpose. I can still be quick when I must, but I prefer not. I crave the time I get to spend grooming my little herd, and I think they appreciate the tone shift as well.

If you’re feeling a disconnect with your horse, I encourage you to slow down. Take your time in grooming them out. Feel their muscles and pay attention to their body language. Aim for droopy eyelids and big yawns. Not only does it help your horse feel more comfortable, but it will help you relax and feel in tune with your animal.

Note to the professionals out there: You may have a groom taking care of your horses for you. In many professional settings, that’s absolutely a necessity. However, I still urge you to take time to brush out your horses some throughout the week. Your riding relationship is built on trust, and grooming will strengthen that.

My Grooming Routine

I still use the same grooming order as I did professionally, just slowed down. It helps me find a rhythm. Try mine or come up with your own, whatever feels most comfortable for you and your horse.

Feet First: I always start by picking out my horse’s feet. I’m scraping away dirt and debris, but also checking for abnormalities, such as thrush or a puncture. If your horse lives in a wet environment, thrush is more common, so being on the defense against that is a must.

Mane and Tail: I brush out the main and tail next, so any debris that falls from them will be brushed off afterwards. Conditioners are a great supplement to a mane/tale brush. They can strengthen the hair and work through stubborn tangles.

Body:

First, a curry. I like rubber curry combs, as their gentler on a horse’s skin. Horses have a far more sensitive nervous system than we do, and harsher tools can cause a stimulus overload if used improperly. Shedding blades are great for getting dried mud and shedding hair, just make sure to go in the direction of the hair and not press down too hard.

Stiff brush next. This will loosen up and flick away bits of debris churned up in the curry process. Still brush in the direction of the hair, and you can apply more pressure than a metal too.

I like to finish off with a soft brush. Combined with a spray conditioner, it can bring an extra shine in your horse’s coat. And it’s gentle for the more sensitive areas around the horse’s face.

Show Considerations: Going to a show? I still complete all the above steps (after a good bath earlier that day or the previous day), and I have some extra tools to help me. Fleece mitts are amazing for last minute touch ups. Don’t forget conditioner! And some green spot remover and a damp rag are great for white spots that have been slobbered or stained with poo.

Some of My Favorite Tools

I’m not an affiliate for any of these products, but they work so well I love to recommend them. Also keep in mind that your local tack consignment shop is a great place to find deals on excellent tools.

Ultimate Hoof Pick - This thing is a beast. Yes, it’s expensive (though you can often find better deals on other sites), but it’s durable and gets the job done well. Comfortable in your hand, and the long pick is a great lever for prying out rocks.

Tail Tamer - There used to be another iteration of this brush I adored, but I still like this one. Great for tangles with the wavy tines, and it’s pretty long-lasting.

HandsOn Grooming Gloves - By far one of my favorite tools. I’ve had my pair for years. They’re great for the whole body, and especially harder to reach crevices or down along my horse’s legs. They also work well for scrubbing up during bath time.

SleekEZ - I was skeptical of this shedding blade at first. I was used to the ones with a bendable blade, and didn’t know how well this chunk of wood with attached blade would do. It’s awesome! Especially for shedding season, when you have to get chunks of hair off. Well worth the investment.

What do you enjoy most about grooming your horse? What are some of your favorite tools?

Shedding season - aka “spring” is approaching - and with it mounds of hair that’s bound to stick to you or end up in your mouth. If you’ve got any solutions to that problem, I’m all ears.

I encourage you to take some time this week to slow down your grooming routine. See it as having purpose within itself, not just a chore before you ride. Try to match up your breathing rhythm with your horse. Really feel their muscles. Give them scratches in their favorite spot. And it’s okay to sneak them a couple treats while you’re at it.