subject: Grooming Tips Essential for Caring for a Horse [print this page] Grooming Tips Essential for Caring for a Horse
There is more to taking care of a horse than feeding it and taking it out for a ride on weekends. There are things like proper health care as well as diet and nutrition. All of these are important but never overlook the significance of good grooming. It develops a regular habit of cleaning along with allows you to spot and treat any possible injuries. Most importantly, grooming ensures the horse will be happy and perform its very best when you want it to. It should be given as much priority as its daily feed.
The first items on your list for proper grooming are to get the necessary tools. There are a number of different items you'll require ranging from combs, body brushes, mane and tail combs, a good hoof pick, some soft sponges to a horse fly mask. Also, try not to forget about grooming sprays, hoof ointments, and clippers. You may not believe it but all these items will come in handy at some point.
Now you are ready to give your horse a good bath. You can begin at either side of its body. It really doesn't matter as long as its entire body is thoroughly washed in the end. Get a good sponge and fill up a bucket with warm water and get it a good go over. I like to bathe my animals regularly for two reasons. First, it allows them to get acclimated to the close personal contact with me also it allows you to completely remove all the dirt and muck from all corners of its body.
Next, you'll want to tackle your horse's mane. Some owners have different opinions on what to do with the mane. Some, depending on a particular horse's discipline or breed, like to braid them, while other owners prefer to shave the mane completely off. The horse's tail is another matter. You can do many different things to the tail such as clipping, thinning, or adding it up. All of these styles enhance the horse's overall appearance or hides any faults.
You can't forget about the horse's hooves. They are after all an essential part in a horse's body. Maintaining proper hoof care of it is extremely important. The easiest method for cleaning a horse's hooves is by picking out its feet. This helps you to remove mud, manure, or rocks stuck in the sole. Not only do you do this for hygienic reasons but also as a prevention measure from foot problems like bruising.
