The Daily Grooming Order

Groom in a fixed order — currycomb, stiff bristle brush, soft body brush, mane comb, hoof pick — and trim hooves every four to ten weeks.

The currycomb is usually the first tool. It is used in a circular motion to loosen dirt, and it is generally too harsh for the legs or head, so those areas are handled with a gentler tool.

The stiff bristle brush follows the hair growth, carrying the loosened dirt off the coat. The soft body brush is used last to finish the coat and lift fine dust.

A mane comb detangles the mane and tail. Working through tangles in small sections avoids pulling, and it keeps the long hair from matting between grooming sessions.

All four feet need to be cleaned out with a hoof pick before and after riding. Doing it before riding removes packed material that could bruise the sole, and doing it after catches anything picked up on the way.

Hooves need to be trimmed after four to ten weeks. Beyond that window they grow too long and cause discomfort, so the trimming date is worth tracking rather than leaving to memory.

The order matters because each tool does a different job. Loosening dirt before brushing it away, and brushing before the finishing pass, is what makes the routine effective in a few minutes a day.

• 1. Currycomb — circular motion; not on legs or head.
• 2. Stiff bristle brush — follow the hair growth.
• 3. Soft body brush — used last on the coat.
• 4. Mane comb — detangle mane and tail in sections.
• 5. Hoof pick — all four feet, before and after riding.
• Trimming interval: every 4–10 weeks.

Further reading

• Daily Water and Feed Quantities
• Measuring Height in Hands