If you’re new to horse riding, you’ll quickly discover that it’s not all about spending time in the saddle. Looking after your pony or horse is just as important, and this is all part of what’s called stable management, with grooming being one of the most routine tasks every rider takes on.
Not only does it make a horse’s coat clean, shiny, and looking its very best, but it’s also an opportunity to check for any lumps, bumps, or minor cuts, while spending quality time bonding with your four-legged friend.
In this blog, we’ll explain why horse grooming is essential, how often to do it, the equipment you’ll need, and walk you through how to groom your horse step-by-step. We’ll also share the benefits of our pony camps, where kids can enjoy daily riding lessons, hands-on stable time, and learning all about pony care at the nearby equestrian centre.
Why is grooming a horse important?
Whether you’re taking lessons at a local riding school or looking after your own pony, knowing how and why we groom is a big part of good horsemanship. Beyond the health and hygiene aspects, it also provides lots of other benefits:
It’s natural
Grooming is a horse’s natural routine, much like a cat licking its fur. Brushing removes dirt, loose hair, and tangles while mimicking the gentle grooming horses give each other in a herd. This not only keeps their coat clean but also helps them feel relaxed, comfortable, and content.
Detect early signs of injury or illness
Regular grooming lets you check for cuts, swelling, or unusual lumps. Spotting a sore back, a grazed leg, or an abscess in the hoof early can prevent bigger problems later down the line. Even small things like a patch of dry skin can alert you to potential health issues.
Reduces the risks of skin issues
Brushing away the sweat, mud, and everyday debris helps prevent irritation and common skin infections like thrush, rain scald or fungal patches. Using a stiff brush after a muddy ride keeps your horse’s coat clean, healthy, and less itchy. Grooming also stimulates blood flow, distributing natural oils and keeping the coat shiny.
Improves hygiene
Grooming keeps your horse clean and pleasant to be around. Removing dirt, dandruff, and loose hair from the coat and mane prevents unpleasant smells and keeps the stable tidy. A shiny, well-groomed pony is happier, healthier, and far more enjoyable to ride and spend time with.
Good for hooves
As part of the grooming routine, picking out hooves every day removes stones, mud, and dirt that can cause bruising or abscesses. It also gives you a chance to check for any cracks or uneven wear, which helps prevent pain or lameness. Overall, healthy hooves make your pony more comfortable and ready to ride.
Preparation for tacking and exercise
Before your next riding lesson or hack, it’s important to remove any dirt or debris from areas where the saddle and bridle will sit, such as the back, girth line, and under the girth straps. This reduces the chance of rubbing or sores, which, if left unchecked, can lead to discomfort or injury for the horse.
Strengthens the bond between rider and horse
Grooming can be surprisingly calming and even a little therapeutic for both you and your horse. Gentle brushing, soft talking, and friendly pats help build trust and strengthen your bond. Over time, your horse becomes more relaxed around you and more responsive to your cues when riding.
Reduces stress and anxiety
Many horses enjoy the relaxing, rhythmic motion of a curry comb or soft brush after a tiring lesson or a noisy day at the yard. It’s also good for reducing anxiety in horses, which in turn helps prevent behavioural issues such as fidgeting, bolting, or reluctance to be handled.
How often should you groom a horse?
It’s clear that horse grooming is essential to a pony’s health and wellbeing, but how often should you do it? Well, this depends on several factors, including a horse’s daily routine, workload, and environment. For most, a quick brush once a week is ideal.
However, if your horse is ridden regularly, they should be groomed before and after each ride. Grooming beforehand eliminates dirt and debris that could rub under the saddle or bridle, preventing sores. After exercise, a thorough groom removes sweat, mud, and loose hair, helping the coat dry properly and keeping the skin healthy.
Horses that live outside in a pasture full-time may only need to be groomed a few times a week. Much of the work is done naturally: rolling in the grass, rubbing against trees, or even being groomed by other horses. These natural habits help keep their coat clean, shiny, and free of loose hair, though it’s still worth checking daily for any issues.
During the wet weather or winter months, grooming is especially important to get rid of mud, leaves, and ice balls from their hooves. Avoid over-grooming, as this can strip the protective oils from a horse’s coat, putting them at greater risk of dry skin, irritation, and feeling the cold more. In summer, it’s common to groom your horse more frequently, as they tend to sweat during rides and may pick up extra dirt, dust, or insects.
Horse grooming equipment checklist
Before you start grooming, you’ll need the right tools and equipment for the job. From brushes to hoof picks, each item plays a key role in keeping your horse clean, healthy, and comfortable while making grooming easier and more enjoyable.
Here’s a list of horse grooming essentials and their uses:
- Curry comb – A rubber or plastic comb with short teeth designed to loosen dirt, hair, and sweat from the horse’s body (avoid bony areas).
- Dandy brush – A stiff-bristled brush used after the curry comb to flick dirt and mud off the coat on the body and legs. Do not use on sensitive areas, such as the face.
- Soft brush (body brush) – A softer brush for sensitive areas like the face, ears, and legs. It smooths the coat and removes fine dust after using the dandy brush.
- Hoof pick – A small, hooked tool made of metal or plastic to clean out mud, stones, and debris from the horse’s hooves.
- Mane and tail comb – A wide-toothed comb or brush for detangling the mane and tail gently. It helps smooth out knots caused by wind, rain, or daily activities.
- Sweat scraper – A plastic or metal tool to remove excess water or moisture in a horse’s coat after bathing or heavy sweating.
- Sponges or cloths – Used for washing sensitive areas like the face, ears, and dock, or for wiping sweat after exercise, or cleaning wounds.
- Shedding blade – A metal or plastic blade with teeth for scraping off loose hair during spring, when their winter coat sheds. It can also be used to remove encrusted mud.
- Fly spray – An insect repellent to protect horses’ faces, ears and nose from flies and other biting insects during warmer months.
- Bucket and warm water – Essential for washing or rinsing sweat, mud, or shampoo. Combine with a sponge or brush to give the horse a proper clean.
Our top horse grooming tips
We’ve covered why grooming your horse matters, how often it should be done, and what you’ll need. Now, it’s time to put it all into practice! These step-by-step tips will show you how to use each tool correctly, with advice on technique, what to look out for, and how to make the experience safe and enjoyable for both you and your horse.
1. Safety first
Safety should always be a top priority when it comes to grooming. Remember, horses are gentle but large animals, so staying alert keeps everyone safe. Make sure to:
- Always have an experienced adult present.
- Approach the horse calmly, talking in a quiet, reassuring voice, as sudden movements or loud noises can easily spook them.
- Stand to the side where they can see you, and avoid walking directly in front of or behind them.
- Wear appropriate footwear, such as closed-toe shoes or riding boots with a sturdy sole to protect your feet from being stepped on.
2. Tie up your horse
Before you can start grooming, secure your horse to an immovable object (e.g., fence post or beam) using a quick-release knot. This way, if they panic or pull back, you can quickly untie them in an emergency. Even if your horse stays in one spot, they may shift, fidget, or move their feet, so it’s best to be extra cautious.
Bonus tip: Tie your horse at shoulder height, giving enough rope for comfort but not enough for them to get their legs tangled.
3. Clean your horse’s hooves
Once your horse is secure, stand on the side and run your hand down their leg to signal you’re about to lift it. Place your hand just above the fetlock, and apply gentle upward pressure, supporting it carefully. Keep the hoof facing down and use the hoof pick to start at the heel, working toward the toe. Remove mud, stones, or straw, and check for any cracks, soreness, or injuries as you go. Repeat the process for each hoof.
Bonus tip: Be mindful of sensitive areas around the frog (the V-shaped part in the centre of the hoof) when picking.
4. Curry your horse
Next, use a curry comb and work in gentle, circular motions over your horse’s body, starting at the neck and steering clear of bony areas, like the face, spine, and legs. This loosens dirt, mud, and shedding hair while massaging the muscles and skin. The calm, rhythmic movement will help your pony relax, almost as if you’re giving them a gentle scratch. Eventually, you’ll see a cloud of dust rise, which can be easily brushed off later.
Bonus tip: Avoid pressing too hard or currying sensitive patches. If your horse flattens its ears or swishes its tail, it’s a sign of discomfort.
5. Brush off loose dirt and debris
After currying, you need to brush off all that loose dirt. Take a dandy brush and use short, firm strokes, following the direction of the horse’s hair growth. Make sure to stay away from brushing the face, legs, mane and tail, as the stiff bristles can feel rough on these areas.
Bonus tip: Give the dandy brush a quick flick over your shoulder or the floor to shake off collected dirt. This prevents mud from going back onto your horse’s coat.
6. Make the coat shiny
Use a soft brush or grooming mitt to polish your horse’s coat, working in long, gentle strokes. This stimulates natural oils, giving the coat a healthy shine and making your pony look and feel fantastic! Don’t forget to praise your horse with gentle pats and kind words to help them stay calm and enjoy the grooming experience.
Bonus tip: You can also use a damp cloth to wipe away any leftover dust or dried sweat.
7. Clean sensitive areas
Gently clean the most sensitive areas of your horse, such as the face, ears, eyes, muzzle and dock. Grab a damp sponge or cloth and wipe away sweat, dust or dirt carefully, without poking or prodding. Use this time to look for any signs of infection, like discharge from the eyes or nose or red, swollen, or sore patches on the skin.
Bonus tip: Keep separate cloths for different areas, particularly the dock and groin area, to help prevent the spread of bacteria.
8. Comb the mane and tail
Finally, use a wide-toothed comb or soft brush to detangle the mane and tail. To prevent breakage, start at the ends and work your way up to the roots. Separate the tail into sections to make brushing easier. Always be gentle and take your time, especially if the hair is knotted from wind or rain. Do not yank or brush too quickly, which can hurt your horse.
Bonus tip: For extra fun, you can braid parts of the mane or tail after grooming, making your pony look neat and tidy for riding or shows.
Ready to give your child an unforgettable horse riding experience?
Our pony camps are perfect for those looking to grow in confidence, improve their riding skills, and make lasting friendships!
Each day combines hands-on stable time, riding lessons tailored to your child’s ability, and pony care at the nearby equestrian centre. Outside the stables, they’ll enjoy exciting activities like zip-lining, archery, and team-building challenges.
We offer horse riding camps for both beginners and intermediate riders at the following locations:
Book now and let your child embark on an adventurous horse riding holiday at PGL! Want to hear more? Get in touch with us today!
