Grooming a horse
A sensible basic order for grooming a horse, from hooves to shine.
There is no single correct order that fits every horse. The steps below are a common starting point; adapt them to the horse, the season and the situation. Grooming is also a moment to quietly check the horse for small wounds, heat or sensitivity.
A basic routine, step by step
Pick out the hooves
Lift each hoof and clear mud, manure and stones with the hoof pick, working from heel to toe. Watch for heat, smell or sensitivity as you go.
Loosen dirt with the curry comb
Work a rubber curry comb in circles over the muscled areas to loosen dirt and loose hair. Stay off bony spots and adjust the pressure to the horse.
Brush off the loose dirt
Sweep the loosened dirt away with a dandy brush, in the direction of the hair. Use something softer on sensitive areas and the face.
Smooth with the body brush
Use a soft body brush to lift fine dust and spread the skin's natural oils, with long strokes in the direction of the hair.
Detangle mane and tail
Gently detangle the mane and tail from the bottom up, using your fingers or a little detangler if needed to limit breakage.
Face and sensitive areas
Clean the face with a soft face brush or a damp sponge, working calmly around the eyes and nostrils.
Finish and check over
Finish the coat with a finishing brush or grooming mitt, and check the horse once more for small wounds or sensitivity.
This is an example order, not a fixed rule. Many people change the order or skip steps depending on the horse and the day.
Put the steps in order
Tap the steps in the order that makes sense to you. Each tap tells you whether the step is in place. There is no single right answer, but this follows the basic routine above.