Sandridge Saddlery Q&A ~ Grooming

GROOMING

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Solo Comb

Grooming Tips

Grooming Kit Basics

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SOLO COMB

I’VE SEEN A PRODUCT CALLED THE "SOLO COMB" ADVERTISED FOR PULLING MANES – DOES IT REALLY WORK? IT’S EXPENSIVE, SO I’DE RATHER HAVE AN IDEA OF HOW GOOD IT IS BEFORE I BUY ONE!

I’ve used the Solo Comb, and it’s very effective – but for mane shortening, not mane thinning. If you are trying to shorten a thin mane, it’s great; you use it like a pulling comb (back-combing the top hairs), but instead of pulling the long hairs out, the comb neatly snips them off – it doesn’t bother the horse at all. It also works well to shorten a long, thick mane before you pull it, making the whole job easier; but as it cuts, rather than pulls out the longer hairs, it doesn’t thin the mane at all.

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GROOMING TIPS

I HAVE A TWELVE-YEAR-OLD STANDARD BRED GELDING WHO DOESN'T SEEM TO LIKE BEING GROOMED. I WANT IT TO BE A NICE EXPERIENCE, BUT HE TRIES TO BITE AND KICK ME, SO I HAVE TO WATCH MY BACK ALL THE TIME. DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS ON WHY HE DOESN'T LIKE IT, OR WHAT I CAN DO TO MAKE IT MORE ENJOYABLE?

It sounds like you have your hands full! I would first try to establish whether he is over-sensitive to the actual tools you are using, or whether it's the handling he doesn't like. Make sure he's securely tied (ideally on cross ties), and try just rubbing him all over with a towel folded up. If he still acts up just as badly, you can be fairly sure that it's a behavioral problem, which is a bigger, more long-term training issue. If he's much quieter with the towel, then he's probably very sensitive and the curry combs and brushes irritate him. In that case you'll have to limit the tools you use to very soft brushes, towels, and possibly the very soft, flexible rubber grooming gloves.

If he just doesn't want to be handled, you need to get him to gradually accept what you are doing. Begin with very short sessions where you only work on the least objectionable areas, making sure your grooming tools are not too stiff or irritating to him. When he stands quietly, praise him and put him away. Gradually you should be able to lengthen your sessions, and increase the areas you can work on.

It may be worthwhile to put some kind of muzzle on him if you really are in danger of being bitten, and it may also be an idea to try to brush him in a different place - I have one mare who is quite agitated if she's brushed in her stall - yet fine when out in the aisle on cross-ties.

GROOMING KIT BASICS

MY DAUGHTER WILL BE HALF-LEASING A HORSE THIS SUMMER, AND SHE IS SUPPOSED TO HAVE HER OWN GROOMING KIT. WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED, AND WHY?

A basic kit consists of the tools required to keep a horse’s skin healthy and the coat clean. Each horse should have it’s own brushes – both to suit it’s needs and to prevent any spread of infection or disease. You should expect to pay between $ 25.00 and $ 50.00.

In order to properly groom a horse, we consider the following necessary:

Rubber Curry Comb – used in a circular motion over the neck, shoulders, body and rump, the curry loosens dead hair and lifts dirt to the surface of the coat. There are different degrees of stiffness in rubber curries – the sensitivity of the horse is the key. Many horses enjoy the massaging action of a Grooma Groomer, while others can only tolerate a Rubber Grooming Glove.

Dandy (Stiff) Brush – used in short strokes all over the body and legs to lift and sweep away what the curry has lifted. A long-haired, thick-skinned pony might benefit from a Mexican Whisk dandy, with very stiff, coarse bristles, while a thin-skinned Thoroughbred would need something much softer. A dandy brush is sometimes used on very thick manes and tails as well, but never on the head.

Plastic Curry – Rarely applied to the horse’s coat, they may be carefully used on the mane and/or tail, but are usually swept across the other brushes during grooming to clear them of hair and dirt. Metal curries may also be used as a brush-cleaners.

Mane Comb – of metal or plastic is used on the mane and/or tail. A human hair brush may be less damaging for very fine manes and tails. A spray-on product such as Showsheen is a useful aid in keeping tails looking fuller and tangle-free. Many horses’ manes are kept short with the use of a Pulling Comb.

Body Brush – A finishing brush used to bring out the shine in the coat, it’s used in long strokes following the direction of the hair. It is a soft brush of either synthetic or natural (horsehair, goat hair…) bristles and is used all over the body, on the legs, and even the head.

Hoof Pick – Clears the bottom of the foot of manure, dirt or small stones, it may incorporate a brush to further clean the hoof, particularly if some kind of dressing is to be applied.

Towels or Sponges – Used to wipe the muzzle, nostrils, eyes and tail area.

Caddy or Bucket - Keeps everything in one place.

Permanent Felt Marker Pen - Put the horse and owner’s name on everything to reduce theft and ensure optimum hygene!

There are, of course, many items you can add – from scissors to cordless clippers – to make grooming easier and more effective, but the items listed above will allow you to give your horse a healthy grooming.

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