The daily brushing has a number of positive effects. For example, it gives you the opportunity to check the horse for minor injuries. But the cleaning of the skin also prevents chafing by the saddle or harness and the massaging effect of a good brushing promotes blood circulation and skin activity. And the skin is an important organ that greatly influences the health of the horse. Another reason to grab your brushes: a brushing strengthens the bond between you and your horse and is a good warm-up before riding.
Fixed order
A fixed brushing sequence helps build a daily routine.
Start by scratching the hooves.
Then use the rubber grooming brush to rub off coarse dirt. Start at the neck on the left side of the horse. Take the rosary brush in your left hand and massage the neck, bow, shoulder, back, abdomen, crotch, thighs and the fleshy, muscular part of the legs in vigorous circular movements. Repeat on the other side of the horse.
Then take the soft brush, start again on the left and brush away the loose dust and dirt in gentle strokes. Always work with the hair growth and wipe the brush on the curry comb after each stroke and occasionally knock out the curry comb. You can also brush the head and legs with this soft brush.
Tail and mane
The mane can be brushed all to one side and then all to the other side with the stiff brush or the mane comb. Then fluff the tail, preferably with your fingers. You can quickly pull out hairs with a brush or comb, making the tail thinner and thinner. If the hair is very dirty, you can wash the tail. Rinse the shampoo well to avoid skin irritation from residual soap. Spray detangler into hair after washing. This gives a nice shine and has a dirt-repellent function. Finally, clean eyes, nose and mouth with a squeezed out sponge. With another sponge, clean the tail root and the area around it.
After the training you have to brush the horse again. After all, while riding, the horse can sweat and get dirty due to sand or splashing mud.
Sweat spots
First get out of the horse until it is completely dry. Then put it back in the cleaning area. Remove the saddle from the back and brush away the sweat edges. If the area under the saddle is still wet, sponge off the sweat with some clean water. You can remove the excess water with a sweat knife. The bridle also sometimes leaves sweat marks. These can be cleaned with a damp sponge. This prevents irritation and chafing during the next workout. You can rinse the legs with cold water.
washing horse
Sometimes it is necessary to wash the horse completely. Please note: do not spray a horse with cold water after work, but with lukewarm water, so as not to cool the muscles too quickly. Gently let him get used to the water by slowly moving up his legs with a gentle stream. Many horses find it annoying when the head is sprayed. Rather use a damp sponge there. You can use a mild shampoo for the mane, tail and coat. Rinse it out very well. Then pull a sweat knife in the direction of hair growth over the neck, back, abdomen, crotch and thighs to remove the water. Use your hands to get the water off the legs. Make sure that the horse is not in a draft during or after washing. Let it dry thoroughly after washing or place it under the solarium if possible. You can also rub it dry with a towel or straw or put on a thin sweat blanket.
horsecleaning for dummies
Posted by Johan Moors on
