"Horse grooming is an essential part of owning a horse. Regular grooming provides a massage to the skin and muscles, which helps increase blood flow and stimulates natural skin oils. It’s also a handy time to examine your horse for any health conditions.Plus grooming is a terrific way to enjoy some bonding time between you and your equine friend!"

Remember, while grooming offers many benefits, it's important to consider the individual needs of each horse. Some horses may require more frequent grooming than others, depending on their breed, living conditions, and activities they engage in.

Danielle's Go-To Grooming Tools 

Before you start grooming your horse, you'll need to make sure you have the right tools! Here are the essential grooming tools you'll need to get started :

1. Curry Comb - This is a rubber comb with short, flexible teeth that help to remove dirt and loose hair from your horse's coat. Use it in a circular motion over your horse's body to loosen dirt and debris.

2. Hard Brush - A stiff-bristled brush is used to remove the loosened dirt and hair from your horse's coat. Brush in short, flicking motions to remove the dirt. This is a great brush to use on the dock of the tail to remove any crud!

3. Soft Brush - This brush has softer bristles and is used to smooth and shine your horse's coat. Use it after the hard brush to remove any remaining dirt and to create a shine.

4. Hoof Pick - Use this tool to clean out your horse's hooves, removing any dirt or stones.

5. Mane and Tail Comb  - This is a wide-toothed comb that's used to detangle your horse's mane and tail. It's important to be gentle when combing your horse's mane and tail and always start combing from the bottom!

6. Sponge and Water Bucket OR Baby Wipes - Use a sponge and a bucket of water to clean your horse's face and other sensitive areas. Be sure to rinse the sponge frequently to avoid spreading dirt around.

Helpful Tip : In general, sharing horse brushes and hoof picks between horses is not a good idea. Keeping a separate grooming set for each horse helps to ensure that contagions are not spread between horses.

DANIELLE'S GROOMING PICKS :

• Weaver Decker Spiral Steel Curry Comb #65-2150 
• Decker The Work Horse Stiff Rice Root Brush #35 
• Decker The Ultimate Horsehair Brush #65 
• The Ultimate Hoofpick #UH100
• Epona Ltd Pony Tail Comb #1015
• Weaver All Purpose Sponge #65-2290

Favorite Grooming Tips

Shampoo - "Most horses don’t need regular bathing to keep their skin and coat healthy, so long as they are groomed and sweat is rinsed off thoroughly. In fact, over-shampooing, without sufficient rinsing, can cause dry skin and other related conditions. I use a sulfate free shampoo once a week, you don’t want to dry out your horses mane by over-washing! Sulphate free shampoos do not leave the cuticle open, affect the natural proteins or strip away natural oils. This is great for horses with sensitive skin as well. If you have an itchy horse, use a sulfate free apple cider vinegar shampoo!"

     

Products like Eqyss Grooming Micro-Tek Medicated Shampoo and Mane 'N Tail Medicated Shampoo are great examples to use for gentle cleansing with broad-spectrum effectiveness.

White Tails + Manes - "Baking soda and white vinegar! Shampoo and rinse the tail, then make a paste of shampoo and baking soda. Let that sit for about 15-20 minutes. Rinse the tail thoroughly with the white vinegar, so satisfying and it works!"

Helpful Tip : Coconut Oil makes a great natural detangler and it’s a terrific addition to their feed for coat glow.

Hoof Care - "Canola Oil makes a great hoof oil – Canola oil is highly moisturizing and has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties"!

The hooves are crucial for a horse's overall soundness and mobility. Regular use of an antibacterial oil helps maintain the health of the hooves by keeping them clean and free from harmful bacteria. It can help prevent the development of conditions that compromise hoof integrity and function. A healthy hoof grows from the coronary band downwards. By using an antibacterial oil, you can help create a clean and hygienic environment for new hoof growth. This can contribute to the production of strong, resilient hooves, reducing the likelihood of cracks, splits, or other structural issues.

Sheepskin Car Wash Mitt - "This is the secret weapon you didn’t know you needed. When you finish grooming your horse, rub the mitt over their body to pickup any leftover dirt." Not only can you use a Mane 'N Tail's Mane 'N Tail Wash Mitt to wash your horse but your car too!

Helpful Tip : Spray a body shine before using the mitt for extra shine! Try Cowboy Magic's Super Bodyshine with the added aloe vera to strengthen and condition both skin and coat.

Nutrition - "Nutritional gaps in the diet will cause the horse’s coat to appear dull and dry. Many nutrients including omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, protein, copper, zinc and vitamin A & E have a direct impact on your horse’s coat. Biotin is required for keratin production in the hair and hooves. Ensuring your horse gets adequate biotin in their diet will help to maintain hair, mane, tail and skin health. With the right diet, your horse won’t just feel good, they will be looking good!!"

NRS's TOP FEED PICKS:

• Purina Impact Performance #3006066-206 
• Bluebonnet Energized Performance #171302-AB
• Zesterra Equine Tub with Garlic #PE502-30
• ADM Patriot Quick Performance #81820AAA

A horse's diet plays a crucial role in promoting a healthy skin and coat. The saying "you are what you eat" holds true for horses as well. The nutrients obtained from their diet directly impact the condition of their skin and the appearance of their coat. A well-balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients for healthy skin and a lustrous coat. Proteins, found in good-quality forage and concentrates, are essential for hair growth and repair. They provide the building blocks for strong and healthy hair fibers. Fats and oils, such as those from vegetable sources or added supplements like flaxseed or fish oil, contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fatty acids contribute to a shiny coat, improve skin elasticity, and help reduce inflammation. 

Adequate levels of vitamins and minerals are also vital for skin and coat health. Vitamin A promotes cell growth and regeneration, preventing dry and flaky skin. B vitamins, such as biotin, help maintain healthy hair and skin by improving keratin production. Zinc, copper, and selenium are minerals that support the development of healthy hair and skin cells, preventing dullness and supporting proper growth. After all, a well-fed horse is not only a happy horse but also a shining example of vitality and strength.

Grooming isn't just about making my horse look it's best; I'm reminded of the importance of tailoring our approach to each horse's unique needs - a window into their well-being. It's during these sessions that we have the opportunity to assess their health, to check for any signs of discomfort or distress. It's a time for vigilance, for listening to their silent cues and responding with due diligence. But also it's a time to slow down, may you find joy in the simple act of caring for your horse.

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