Last Updated on June 12, 2023 by Georgie Smith
Although there are many brands of horse grooming kits, they usually have the most common tools used by horse owners. Technique and proper use help to be sure your horse remains comfortable and calm throughout the grooming process. That helps keep the horse at ease and relaxed.
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The following are the most common grooming tools used to groom horses:
Curry Comb or Curry:
The currycomb tool is plastic or rubber with short “teeth” or bristles on one side, that slide directly onto the groomer’s hand. It is generally the first tool to start daily grooming. First, the groomer “curries” or rubs in a circular motion to help loosen hair, rubbish, and dirt.
Stimulation from the curry stimulates the horse’s skin which produces natural oils. The comb typically moves in a circular hand motion to loosen embedded particles. Due to its harshness, avoid brushing the head or legs unless you have the ultra-soft rubber type.
Metal Curry Comb
The metal curry comb is plain and simple in appearance; a metal body with a handle. The design of the brush is to use on show cattle. Few horse owners fret about not having the metal model because it’s mostly for cows.
However, most stables have one or two sitting around to clean out the brushes with softer bristles. They are also handy for removing winter hair and mud. Some prefer shedding blades over a metal curry which can also clean out other brushes.
Hard Brush or Dandy Brush
A stiff-bristled brush or “hard brush” is for removing hair, dirt, and other debris stirred by the curry. With this brush, you use short strokes in the unique direction of the animal’s hair growth pattern. If you wish to have a best-selling dandy brush, buy one made from natural, stiff bristles, such as the popular rice stems.
The more common brush is the plastic-bristled design even though they tend not to hold up long-term. A Dandy brush works well on brushing the legs, but few horses will tolerate a stiff-bristled brush on their head.
There are grooming brushes that take on doing double duty. The “water brush” for example when dampened with water then used on the tail and mane.
Soft Brush or Body Brush
The soft brush has the job of removing finer dust particles and adding shine to the coat, which soothes and relaxes the horse. The soft body brush works well on the head, just ensure not to get close to the eyes. Some designs of soft brushes have boar bristles as those humans use, as well as other models made from synthetic fibers.
The body brush should be the last brush you use on your horse for grooming.
Grooming Towel or Rag
Types of cloth, such as terrycloth, make excellent final polishing to your horse’s coat and is perfect for removing sweat after a long ride.
Mane Brush or Comb
Wide-toothed metal or plastic combs are for horses that have pulled, short manes. This type of comb makes good use of the comb for pulling the horse’s mane. For lower manes and tails, the dandy brush, or a human brush suitable for your horse works well.
To avoid breakage, for show horses that have incredibly long tails and manes the groomer often handpicks cleans the debris to prevent damaging the hairs.
Hoof Pick
The hoof picks groomers to use for cleaning the horse’s hooves. Some designs come with a very stiff brush for the removal of added dirt and mud. Make sure you clean the horse’s feet out both before and after a ride.
A Shedding Blade
In unique weather situations, a metal shedding blade that has dull, short teeth are the tool for removing loose winter hair.
This type of blade is useful for the removal of caked-on mud. However, you must continue with caution due to the metal teeth on the blade can dull and split the hair of the coat of your horse. If this happens, your horse’s skin will become irritated and painful.
However, such metal grooming tools work well on show cattle and sheep but may be too rough for your horse.
Fly Spray
Throughout the summer, flies run rapidly. Fly spray should always be a part of a good cleaning, apply the spray after each grooming. This product, although popular, You must administer with caution to avoid mucous membranes and eyes.
Bot knife
If you have ever seen botfly larvae removed from a human or animal, you understand the need to keep them far away from your livestock. The bot knife is specifically for the removal of the botfly eggs buried deep in your horse’s skin.
These painful eggs are generally for the removal of the egg which is usually on the shoulder or legs. A bot egg is yellow and usually no bigger than a grain of sand.
The fly is highly visible, especially on dark hair, but much harder to see on white. Many groomers use a pumice stone that works just as well.
Scissors or Clippers
The scissors and clippers can be a dangerous tool in the wrong hands. Often, but not always, groomers clip the horse to shorten or remove unwanted short hair. Electric clippers are the usual tool for this.
Sponges
Small sponges are ideal for cleaning the dock, lips, and nose. Larger sponges are handy when you need to wet the horse down to clean its legs and body.
The following are the 5 Best Horse Grooming Kits on Today’s Market:
Southwestern Equine Collapsible Grooming Kit 10 Liter Bucket and 5 Grooming Tools
Utilizing a collapsible bucket is a fantastic idea all around. It is simple to transport, easy to store and easy to open. Add the tools to it, and head straight to the barn. This type of bucket also is excellent to have on hand for a good ole bathing bucket by just adding soap and water.
The Southwestern Equine Collapsible Grooming Kit has more possibilities than just for carrying tools. The following are the tools that come with this grooming kit:
- Body Brush
- Curry
- Face Brush
- Body Brush with a Comfort Strap
- Hoof Pick with a Brush
For the cowboy or cowgirl, this kit makes an excellent gift. To read more about this, click here:
Buy from Amazon
Weaver Leather Grooming Kit
Next on this list is the grooming kit from Weaver Leather. The tote offers much space via the six pockets on the exterior. You will also appreciate the wire-reinforced top that adds only more stability. Other unique features include:
- Dry String Closure
- Padded, Adjustable Shoulder Strap
- Plastic Feet
- Face Brush
- Mane and Tail Brush
- Comb
- Dandy Brush
- Hoof Pick
- Sweat Scraper/Course Curry Combo
Not only do you get a stylish tote, you get all the tools as well. Be sure to check this item out by clicking here:
Buy from Amazon
Oster Equine Care Series 7-Piece Grooming Kit
The name alone, Oster, speaks volumes of this tool kit. Anyone that owns a pet will recognize the brand thanks to the manufacturer’s stellar reputation. This Oster Equine Care Series is a seven-piece grooming kit that comes with the most vital tools for your horse.
The tote is a sharp blue color and makes transporting a breeze. Its unique features include handles that are rubber controlled for added comfort and enhanced grips for all hand sizes. The seven-piece horse grooming kit comes with the following:
- Curry Comb
- Mane Brush
- Hoof Pick
- Tail Brush
- Stiff Grooming Brush
- Soft Finishing Brush
- Coarse Curry Brush
To gain a better insight into this tote, click here:
Buy from Amazon
Derby Deluxe 9-Item Horse Grooming Kit
This Derby Deluxe, nine-piece horse grooming kit, lets you carry all your tools at once thanks to its size and durability. In addition to the all comfort grip, the hoof pick, and comb are not hard on your hands as the round-backed brush fits perfectly in the palm of the groomer’s
This grooming kit comes in an attractive neon green with the following tools:
- Contoured Sweat Scraper
- Bathing Sponge
- Soft Brush with one-inch Nylon Bristles
- Hard Brush with 1.5″ Nylon Bristles
- Tail Comb
- Oval Massage Curry
- Hoof Pick that Includes a Brush
- Mane Comb
If you find this item interest you, click here to read more and place your secure order:
Buy from Amazon
Roma Ultimate Grooming Kit
Not only is this grooming kit handy, but it also is easy on the eyes with its smooth purple color. The Roma Ultimate Grooming Kit offers all the tools you will need to groom your horse successfully. The tools that you get are as follows:
- Convenient Portable Tote Box
- Removable Tray
- Hoof Pick with a Dandy Sweat Scraper and Brush
- Five-Inch Rubber Curry Comb
- Four-Inch Plastic Mane Comb
- 500 Braiding Bands
- Hoof Oil can/brush
- Plastic Body Brush
This groomers kit brings much to the table, and you can see more by clicking here:
Buy from Amazon
There are five best sellers in grooming kits. As you can see, each has something to offer that the others lack. Be sure never to brush your animal rough or near its eyes. Raising horses is no part-time job, and these grooming kits will make your life easier.
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