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[Susieque]

Parts 2 and 3 of the Grooming Horses Series. Enjoy!

Cleaning out your horse’s hooves is very important. Slide your hand down the left foreleg. Squeeze the back of the leg along the tendons just above the pastern and say ‘up’ or ‘hoof’—whatever your horse is trained to respond to. Hold the hoof and with the hoof pick pry out any dirt, manure or anything else lodged in the frog or sole of the foot. Check for any injury and signs of thrush, grease heel, or other problems. Take note of any cracks in the wall of the hoof so you can consult with your farrier as to what should be done. Gently place the foot down on the ground and continue until all four feet are done.

 
Use your curry comb or grooming mitt to dislodge the dirt in your horse's or pony's hair coat. Use vigorous circular sweeps, being gentle over bony areas such as shoulders, hips and legs.

2005 K. Blocksdorf
 
.Starting on the left side use your curry comb or grooming mitt to loosen the dirt in your horse’s coat. Curry in circular sweeps all over the horse’s body. Be careful over boney areas of the shoulders, hips and legs. Use a light touch in these areas. Many horses are sensitive about having their bellies and between the back legs brushed. Be careful in these areas to use a light touch. Some horses are more sensitive skinned than others so adjust the pressure on the brush according to what they seem to enjoy. If your horse reacts by laying back his ears, or swishing his tail in agitation, he is telling you that the brushing is too vigorous. As well as currying you will also be looking for any skin lesions or wounds.