How to Groom a Horse + Essential Tools/Supplies
Michelle DrumGrooming is an essential part of horse care. It doesn’t just keep your horse looking his best—it plays a key role in his overall health. A well-groomed horse is less prone to skin infections, hoof issues, and saddle sores, and regular grooming helps strengthen the bond between you and your horse.
But if we’re honest, horses aren’t exactly low-maintenance! Grooming is a big responsibility, and knowing where to start (or how to improve your routine) can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to walk you through everything you need to know, from must-have tools to expert grooming techniques. Whether you’re buying your first horse or just looking for a few pro tips, you’re in the right place.
Importance of grooming your horse
More than just getting your horse show-ring ready, grooming keeps him healthy and happy. Regular brushing improves circulation and brings out the natural oils in his coat, leaving your horse sleek and shiny. It’s also your chance to catch any cuts, swelling, or skin issues early before they turn into bigger problems. Plus, keeping dirt and sweat at bay helps prevent chafing under tack, so your horse stays comfortable on every ride.
But grooming isn’t just good for your horse—it’s good for both of you. It’s a great opportunity to spend quality time together and strengthen your bond. And can we talk about how satisfying it is having a clean, well-groomed horse after a job well-done? The gentle brushing even acts as a massage, helping to relax those big muscles and get him ready for riding. So whether you’re doing a quick touch-up or going all-in on a spa day, grooming isn’t just another chore—it’s one of the best parts of horse ownership.
Essential horse grooming tools and supplies
To groom your horse effectively, you need the right set of grooming tools and supplies. They should remove dirt, loose hair, and sweat and keep your horse’s coat, hooves, and main in top condition without making your horse feel uncomfortable. Some tools, like a curry comb and body brush, are everyday essentials, while others, like a shedding blade or pulling comb, come in handy for specific grooming needs.
Here’s what you should keep in your horse grooming kit:
- Curry comb – A short-toothed comb used to loosen, dirt, hair, and dried sweat.
- Dandy brush – A brush with long, stiff bristles that removes dirt and loose hair after currying.
- Soft body brush – Gently smooths and polishes the coat once debris is removed.
- Hoof pick – Hooked tool that cleans dirt, mud, and pebbles from hooves.
- Face curry – A smaller curry comb made for gently removing dried debris from the face.
- Face brush – A small, soft-bristled brush used to sweep away dust from smaller areas.
- Sponge or soft cloth – Used to gently wipe down the face, eyes, and sensitive areas.
- Mane and tail comb or brush – Helps detangle and keep hair manageable without causing breakage.
- Clippers or scissors – Trims tails, manes, and thick coats as necessary.
- Pulling comb – Thins and tidies the mane for jumper, hunter, and dressage horses.
- Shedding blade – Also known as a metal curry comb, it’s useful for cleaning horse brushes or removing loose hair during shedding season.
- Sweat scraper – Removes excess water or sweat after bathing or workouts.
- Grooming mitt – Great for touch-ups, applying shampoo, or massaging the coat.
- Detangler – Makes brushing out the mane and tail easier and prevents breakage.
- Hoof polish – Seals hooves to keep moisture out and give them a glossy finish.
- Fly spray – Keeps pesky flies and insects from biting and annoying your horse.
How to use a curry comb
Curry combs have short teeth or nubs that loosen dirt, hair, and dried sweat while stimulating blood flow. Plastic curry combs provide a deep scrub, while rubber ones are gentler for sensitive horses. Use circular motions to massage the skin and bring debris to the surface. Metal curry combs (or shedding blades) should only be used in the direction of hair growth to remove loose hair.
How to use a dandy brush
Also called a hard or stiff brush, a dandy brush has firm bristles designed to remove dirt, dust, loose hair, and mud from the horse’s coat after currying. Brush with a short, flicking motion in the direction of hair growth. Dandy brushes can also be useful for brushing dried mud from the legs and hooves. They come in different levels of stiffness, so experiment to find one your horse tolerates best.
How to use a body brush
Body brushes have softer bristles that lift out finer particles and distribute natural oils for a sleek finish. Use long strokes to gently sweep away any remaining dust and smooth out the horse’s coat. A smaller version, called a face brush, can be used for delicate areas like the face and ears.
How to use a hoof pick
With your horse’s hoof supported, use the pick to clean dirt, sand, caked mud, and small stones from all of the grooves. Start at the back of the hoof, picking away from you in a downward motion. If your pick has a brush, sweep away debris as you go. At a minimum, clean your horse’s hooves before and after every ride, but ideally, make it a daily habit.
Shop all brushes, combs, and hoof picks →
How to groom your horse in 8 steps
A consistent grooming routine keeps your horse comfortable, promotes healthy circulation, and strengthens your bond. As you groom, don’t forget to check your horse for cuts, skin conditions, or other health concerns. Follow these steps for an effective and enjoyable grooming session for both you and your horse.
1. Secure your horse
Choose a safe, comfortable place with plenty of room to work. Even if your horse is well-trained, securing him ensures a smoother, safer grooming experience. Use cross ties with a breakaway halter to allow your horse to pull free if he panics.
2. Pick out the hooves
Hoof care is the most critical step of grooming your horse. Start by cleaning the outside of the hoof, then ask your horse to lift his leg by running your hand down his leg or leaning into him slightly. Hold the hoof securely in one hand, and use a hoof pick to remove debris from around the frog, soles, and bars, working from heel to toe. Brush away loosened dirt and mud to help you see your progress. Once you’re done, apply a hoof polish to seal your horse’s hooves.
3. Curry your horse’s body
Use a curry comb to loosen up dirt and grime, applying pressure in circular motions. Start behind the ears and work towards the hindquarters, making sure to avoid the mane and tail. Never curry directly over bone, and adjust pressure in sensitive areas and based on your horse’s response.
4. Remove loose debris
Follow up with a dandy brush to remove the dirt and hair brought to the surface by currying. Use quick, short motions in the direction of hair growth to sweep debris away from the coat, working from front to back. Since dandy brushes have stiff bristles, be extra gentle on sensitive areas, and avoid use on the face.
5. Shine the coat
Once loose debris is gone, use a soft body brush to remove finer dust and distribute natural oils for a polished shine. Just like you did with the dandy brush, start behind the ears and work in the direction of hair growth, this time using longer motions to smooth the coat. Body brushes are gentle enough to use in sensitive areas and on the lower legs.
6. Clean your horse’s face
Use a face brush to remove dust from the face and ears. Then, wipe your horse’s eyes, nose, and muzzle with a damp sponge or cloth to clear away dirt and debris. Take this time to check for any signs of irritation around the eyes and ears.
7. Detangle the mane and tail
Apply a detangler to the mane and tail and work through knots with your fingers before using a wide-tooth comb. Work in small sections from the ends upward to avoid breakage, holding the hair near the roots to prevent pulling. Finish by brushing out any remaining tangles with a mane and tail brush. While detangling the tail, always stand to the side for safety.
8. Apply conditioner/fly spray
When you bathe your horse or as needed, apply a coat conditioner to your horse’s coat, mane, and tail to keep his skin and coat moisturized. In warmer months, use fly spray to protect against biting insects, which can cause skin irritation and frustration.
How to clean horse brushes
Keeping your horse’s brushes clean ensures they work effectively and helps prevent skin infections. A shedding blade can help remove excess hair during and after grooming to prevent buildup. But to properly maintain your grooming tools, you’ll need to deep clean them a few times a year.
- Dislodge hair and dirt – Before soaking your brushes, use a shedding blade to scrape off trapped debris.
- Soak in soap and water – Fill a bucket or sink with warm water and dish soap or horse shampoo. Briefly soak the brushes to loosen grime. Avoid submerging wooden-backed brushes, instead dipping just the bristles and swirling them around to lift dirt.
- Rinse and repeat – Agitate the brushes in the soapy water, then rinse them under running water or in a clean bucket. Repeat this process until the water runs clear, ensuring all soap and dirt are removed.
- Dry completely – Set the brushes on a towel in a warm, dry area, laying them on their side or bristle-side down. Allow them to air dry completely before storing to prevent mold or mildew.
To avoid spreading infections, never share brushes between horses. If your horse has a skin condition, use separate brushes specifically for affected areas and disinfect them regularly.
How often should you groom a horse?
Generally, horses should be groomed at least once a week or as often as they’re in work. Stabled horses that are unable to participate in natural grooming behaviors may need daily grooming to stay clean and comfortable. Outdoor horses, on the other hand, tend to rub against trees, roll on the ground, and participate in mutual grooming. But they still require regular care—especially before a ride. Grooming before stretching and tacking up allows you to check for abnormalities, prevent irritation from the saddle and other tack, and ensure your horse is ready to go.
Even blanketed horses need routine grooming to prevent rubbing and monitor for hidden skin issues. While daily brushing is beneficial, limit washing with shampoo to once a week to avoid stripping the coat’s natural oils. In colder months, excessive bathing can also compromise the coat’s waterproofing, which is essential for temperature regulation.
Does your horse need a haircut?
As the seasons change, so does your horse’s coat—and depending on his lifestyle, he might need a trim. Clipping is especially helpful for horses that stay in regular work through the winter since a thick coat can trap sweat and make cooling down a challenge. Some horses need clipped because they naturally grow an extra-heavy winter coat, while others—like those with Cushing’s disease or anhidrosis—need some extra help regulating their body temperature. Clipping can also be more comfortable for horses that spend the winter in a heated barn.
Not every horse needs a clip, though! If your horse has a light workload and plenty of turnout, he’ll likely be just fine with his natural winter coat. Want to learn more about when and how to clip? Check out our full guide: Horse Clipping 101: How and When to Clip Your Horse.
Do horses like being groomed?
Many horses enjoy being groomed—it can be a relaxing experience that strengthens the bond between horse and rider. Signs your horse is enjoying grooming include leaning into your touch, lowering their head, closing their eyes, or letting their lip droop. Some horses don’t find grooming as pleasant. But regular grooming is essential for their health—even if they don’t love it.
To make grooming a positive experience, take your time and pay attention to your horse’s reactions. Rushing through or tugging on their mane won’t help them associate grooming with relaxation. Instead, learn to recognize signs of discomfort, such as pinned ears, tail swishing, foot stomping, grinding teeth, or even kicking. Some horses may simply move away, tense their back, or keep their eyes wide with an alert expression.
If your horse seems uncomfortable, consider trying different brushes. A softer brush may be better for a sensitive horse, while a firmer brush can help one that’s ticklish.
Make grooming a bonding moment—not a battle
The right brushes and supplies don’t just keep your horse clean—they help create a calm, comfortable experience. Whether your horse is sensitive, spirited, or somewhere in between, Farm House Tack offers a curated selection of grooming tools to match their needs and your routine.
Shop our collection of grooming supplies to find the best fit for your horse.
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