Here are some top tips that every work rider and professional groom knows. If you are looking for a work rider to help you out or a groom to join your yard you can be confident that they know these things! If you look after your own horse then wow your horse friends with a sparkly horse using these top tips.
- If you have a gray horse or one with a lot of chrome, keep some spray-on equine stain remover—created to deal with manure and grass stains—at the ready.
- As you groom, inspect your horse for injuries, skin irritations or areas of sensitivity. Run your bare hands down his legs to check for heat or swelling.
- Keep up with routine grooming chores, such as mane pulling, trimming fetlocks, et cetera. That way you’re not overwhelmed with last minute clean-up before a show.
- If your horse objects to having his mane pulled, try doing a little each day after exercise, while his pores are open.
- Check your horse’s stall or paddock fencing for protruding objects: Wounds lead to blemishes and worse.
- Let sweat and mud dry before attempting to brush it out. Or, hose your horse off while it is still wet.
- When plaiting or training a mane over to one side, use a mane mousse to help get wayward hairs under control.
- Color enhancing shampoos accentuate your horse’s natural tones and bring out the highlights of his coat. Washing blue in a black or grey tail make give it a wow factor. (Always check a small patch of skin first)
- Using oil specifically designed for your horse’s face, rather than baby oil, will collect less dust at the show. Check contents on bottle.
10. Let your horse roll—dirt isn’t permanent.
