horse grooming rules, horse grooming information, horse grooming help, horse grooming tips
Rules
Specific grooming tools are a matter of personal
preference. For archived articles on basic grooming
tools, visit www.myhorse.com, and enter
“grooming” into the search engine.
Rule #3: Touch Gently
What you’ll do: You’ll be gentle as you progress
through your grooming routine. Some
horse owners tackle the grooming process
with harsh tools and excessive force, poking
touchy areas and raking over sensitive spots.
Horses may put up with this treatment, but
they’re not likely to look forward to it or trust
the person who takes such a rough approach.
Why you’ll do it: Your horse is sensitive
enough to feel a fly land on him, so imagine
how a metal shedding blade might feel scraping
mud off his tender tendons.
Of course, you can put some elbow grease
into currying and brushing your horse,
particularly when removing mud and scurfy
hair. In fact, a vigorous brushing can feel
good to him if you pick the right spots. Just
Make your daily grooming
routine a positive experience
for your and your horse.
HorseLink Magazine21
June 2010
go easy on the
sensitive and
bony places, such
as his shoulders,
hips, and legs.
Also, use less
pressure when
brushing your
horse’s kidney
area (just behind
where the saddle
would sit). Be
aware that his
belly could be
ticklish, and be
careful working
between his legs
and in the groin
area.
Some mares
may be extra
sensitive when
they’re in heat,
you’ll turn grooming time
into relaxation time for
your horse if you use soft
tools and gentle strokes
on the bony or sensitive
areas, such as legs and
fetlocks.
so be prepared for your mare to be touchier
than usual. You may even have to watch
for a kick!
Keep an eye on your horse’s reactions.
He’ll let you know what feels good and what
doesn’t.
Jody Gilbert of Corydon, Indiana, has 17 years
in the publishing industry working as publications
manager, writer, copy editor, proofreader,
and production artist.
NEwS TRAINING
SAfETy TIp ADVENTURES HEALTH KIT CLICK & SHOp GROOMING
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