subject: Take Care Of Your Horses Coat And Mane [print this page] Grooming your horse is an important part of caring for him and it is certainly vital to ensure that his health is kept in tip-top condition. There are a wide range of diseases which can enter through the skin, as well as all the other ailments such as flea and tick bites that can cause long-term suffering if not attended to quickly. But beyond all of this, you also want to ensure that your horse looks and feels good.
Grooming equipment can be expensive, but it is certainly important to ensure that you have the bare essentials to ensure that you can give your horse the attention it needs. Looking after your horse means looking after them from the hoof upwards, and indeed, it is important to pay special care to their feet, as they can easily pick up stones and other foreign objects which can cause lameness if allowed to fester. Be careful when approaching your horse and lifting its leg. Make sure you use the commands that your horse has been trained to respond to and always ensure you are in a safe position a little to the side of the horse. Firmly hold the hoof with your hand and then, using the horse pick, pry out any loose dirt, manure or anything else that has become embedded in the frog or sole of the foot. Make sure you thoroughly inspect each and note down any cracks or chips on the side of the hoof so that they can be reported to your farrier.
You next need to turn your attention to the horses coat. Using either a curry comb or grooming mitt, loosen any dirt or mud by brushing with a light circular motion and taking care over any bony areas where the skin is more likely to be sensitive. You also need to make sure you keep a look out for any skin lesions or wounds, which will need to be treated by a professional.
The next step is to move on to the horses mane and tail. Using a mane comb, gently work your way down, taking care not to pull at any knots or snags. This is particularly important when you are working on the tail, as you may find that your horse inadvertently kicks out, so always ensure you are positioned away from the trajectory of his foot if standing behind him. If you want your horses mane to look particularly sleek and elegant, use a little conditioning spray to keep it in tip-top condition.
