Grooming is more than a clean horse: while brushing, you feel lumps, warm spots and small wounds you would otherwise miss. This section contains everything for the daily care of horses and ponies, from curry comb to hoof oil and from shampoo to leather balm, plus the items that belong in a well-stocked stable first-aid kit.
Care in five parts
Because care covers many different jobs, this section is split further:
- Grooming supplies: curry combs, brushes, sweat scrapers, sponges and grooming bags.
- Shampoo and coat care: shampoo, shine spray, sun cream and Wahl clippers.
- Mane and tail: detangling spray, mane combs and plaiting bands.
- Hoof care: hoof oil, hoof tar, hoof picks, hoof rasps and hoof boots.
- Leather care: cleaner, leather balm and saddle soap for saddle and bridle.
If your horse needs to look its best on competition day, see getting your horse show-ready. For the hooves, there is a separate selection of hoof oil and hoof balm.
What belongs in your grooming box?
For daily use, a limited set is enough: a rubber curry comb, a hard brush for mud, a soft brush for head and legs, a mane comb and a hoof pick with brush. In addition, a sweat scraper after washing and a sponge for eyes and nose. Brands in this section include Excellent Horse, Vplast and Covalliero for grooming bags.
For minor accidents, a basic supply is handy: bandages from Excellent or PowerFlex, Veterinary Gamgee as an underlayer, a digital thermometer and a bandage knife. That way you are prepared until the vet arrives.
Skin and coat in the wet months
If your horse is kept in a muddy paddock, the pasterns in particular have a hard time. Rinsing, patting dry thoroughly and keeping the skin supple helps. The range includes a mud and zinc cream and a propolis ointment for skin care. If your horse suffers from itching or scabs, see care for mud fever, itching and sweet itch, and call your vet for open or inflamed patches.
Points to note
Preferably use a separate set of brushes for each horse, especially at livery yards; that way you do not transfer skin problems. Clean brushes regularly. Care products are not medicines: they support skin and coat, but do not treat disease. Looking for something against insects? Go to flies, horseflies and ticks. Back to the full overview: everything for your horse.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I groom my horse?
Groom a horse that is ridden before and after every ride. If it is mainly out in the field, a few times a week is often enough, but do pick out the hooves daily.
What do I need for a first-aid kit for my horse?
At least bandages, an underlayer such as Gamgee, a thermometer and a bandage knife. Ask your vet what else they advise for your situation.
Can I wash a horse with shampoo?
Yes, with a shampoo for horses. Rinse thoroughly and preferably wash on a warm day, so your horse does not stand around wet and cold.
Is a grooming bag necessary?
Not necessarily, but it keeps your things together and clean. Handy if you care for your horse in several places or take it to competitions.