What is the purpose of grooming your horse?

A large proportion of non-horsey people will probably answer this question by saying to smarten up the horse, or to make it look nice, which is true but there are other reasons for grooming which are more important:-

To encourage good health

To maintain coat condition

To prevent skin diseases

To ensure cleanliness

To improve appearance.

What should be In my grooming kit?

Here is a basic guide of items for your grooming kit:-

The hoof pick – for picking out mud and stones out of the hooves

The dandy brush – for heavy duty mud cleaning

The body brush – for polishing/removal of grease especially useful after clipping

The curry comb – for cleaning the body brush

The water brush – for feet and all over body washing

2 x stable sponges – 1 for eyes and muzzle, 1 for dock

And a clean cloth – for final polish after grooming.