{"id":132,"date":"2022-02-25T10:12:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-25T14:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/equestrianbootsandbridles.com\/?p=132"},"modified":"2022-02-26T14:22:21","modified_gmt":"2022-02-26T18:22:21","slug":"horse-grooming","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/equestrianbootsandbridles.com\/horse-grooming\/","title":{"rendered":"Horse Grooming 101: A Complete Guide for Beginners"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When you own a horse or ride horses regularly, grooming will become a staple in your routine. You’re doing it all the time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re a first-time horse owner or new to riding, it can be a little intimidating to pick it up. Usually, people just expect you to know how and you don’t want to look silly or like a beginner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But don’t worry… Today we’ll go through everything you need to know so you can look like a pro right off the bat!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This easy step-by-step guide to horse grooming<\/strong> will teach you in 4 quick steps how to groom a horse and keep them cleaner, healthier, and happier on a daily basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Do Horses Need to Be Groomed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First, let’s start with why you should even bother grooming your horse<\/strong>. Of course, it helps your horse look pretty, but it’s actually much more important than just for looks! Good horse hygiene is important in keeping your horse’s body healthy for the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your horse definitely needs to be groomed before and after every ride<\/strong> to keep their coat\u2014and especially their hooves<\/a>\u2014clean. If your horse has something in their hoof (like a stone, for example) and you take them out for a hard ride, it could be very painful and potentially harmful to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a ride, when your horse is sweaty, grooming helps to dry them off and prevents them from getting cold and stiff. This also reduces injury and keeps your horse happier and healthier!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, your horse should be groomed after a bath<\/a> to again help with smoothing and drying their coat as well as untangling their mane and tail. <\/p>\n\n\n\n


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How Often Should You Groom A Horse?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ideally, your horse should be groomed every day (even when they are not being ridden).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should ideally go through the basic grooming 4-step regimen outlined here with your horse on the following 3 occasions: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Before going for a ride <\/li>
  2. After going for a ride <\/li>
  3. Every day (if not ridden) <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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    How Long Does It Take to Groom a Horse?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The length of time you spend grooming can vary a lot. It might take longer at first as you get the hang of it, but you’ll get faster as you do it more often. Of course, it also depends on how dirty they are!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In general, your pre-ride grooming routine will last 10 to 15 minutes as you give them a light brush and make sure there’s nothing stuck in their hooves<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Your post-ride groom will probably take longer since they’re likely to be more sweaty and dirty. Grooming after a ride will usually take around 30 to 45 minutes. This is also a great time to bond with your horse!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n


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    What Happens If You Don’t Groom Your Horse?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Like I mentioned above, grooming is important for your horse’s health and overall cleanliness. It can help to keep their coat clean and keep your horse comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But the most important reason you should groom your horse regularly is because of their hooves. If you don’t groom your horse’s hooves regularly and remove any trapped stones, this could result in injury for your horse, such as a lame leg. This can be a very serious problem for a horse if left unattended and this is the biggest reason to make sure you’re grooming your horse regularly!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Horse Hoof Care Essentials<\/a><\/blockquote>