Twice a year your horse changes coat, in spring and in autumn. During those weeks he sheds an enormous amount of hair. With the curry combs, sweat scrapers and grooming blocks on this page, you remove that hair more quickly, so less of it ends up in your grooming kit, rug and saddle pad.
The tools
- Rubber curry combs: the Vplast Roskam Original in 130 x 65 mm (for children's hands and ponies) and 180 x 90 mm, in several colours. The Excellent Horse Flexi Brush Curry Comb flexes with the body.
- Sweat scrapers: the Fun Curry Comb & Sweat Scraper and the flexi comb & sweat scraper combine both functions. With a sweat scraper, you sweep loose hair and water off the coat.
- Grooming blocks: the Grooming Block (12 x 12 x 3 cm) and the Massage & Egg remover remove loose hair, dried mud and bot fly eggs.
- Massage brushes: the other Flexi Brushes (including Massage, Soft and Shine) and brushes with a magnet for after currying.
How to work during moulting season
Start with the rubber curry comb in small circles, against and with the direction of the hair, over neck, body and hindquarters. Then use the sweat scraper or a grooming block in long strokes to sweep off the loosened hair. A soft brush removes the last dust. On bony areas such as the head and lower legs, only use a soft brush or your hand.
What to look out for
Groom often and briefly rather than once for a long time and hard; many horses find vigorous currying unpleasant during this period. Clean curry combs regularly by knocking them out or rinsing them. Bot fly eggs are mainly found on the legs and shoulders; remove them with a block or egg remover instead of scratching them off.
More brushes and combs are in grooming supplies. For long manes and tails, see mane and tail care, and everything about grass and grazing in spring is in spring with your horse. To clip off a thick winter coat, use clippers.
Frequently asked questions
When does a horse moult?
In spring your horse loses his winter coat, in autumn he grows a new one. The exact timing depends on day length, temperature and the individual horse.
What is the difference between a curry comb and a sweat scraper?
A curry comb loosens hair and dirt from the coat. A sweat scraper sweeps loosened hair, sweat or water off the surface.
Can I use a metal curry comb?
A metal curry comb is intended for cleaning brushes, not for the coat. On the horse, use a rubber or plastic curry comb.