Q&A for How to Groom a Horse

Try approaching the area with a soft brush in a reassuring manner. Aim to make small progress each day; it might take you many weeks or even months before you earn your horse's trust. If your horse lashes out, don't get mad. Instead, go back to an area that your horse is okay with, and try to finish on a good note.

Take a damp washcloth and gently wipe your horse's face. A soft, small brush made especially for the horse's face also works well. You can get a face brush at any horse supply store. Make sure that the washcloth that you use goes through the wash before you use it again, or before you use it on other horses. This helps to prevent the spread of germs.

You can groom the horse daily, just keep in mind that you don't want to use the curry comb and hard brush too often. This can result in hair loss and discomfort for the horse.

It comes in a spray bottle that usually is labeled "fly spray." You can buy it at most tack stores. Make sure it says it's for equine animals, because they specifically are made for equines.

You really don't want to use the dandy brush on the horse's face or legs. These areas are really sensitive.

Brush until your horse is clean and you can wipe your hand over and there isn't much dust on your hand. Ask an experienced groomer at the barn to show you if you're unsure.

Sweat scrapers are, as the name suggests, designed for removing sweat. You may use one on any wet horse - whether from bathing or sweat.

Some look like mini soft brushes while others are small and peanut shaped. They are usually smaller than your hand.

As often as you get the chance. Do it at least once a week, and especially before and after each ride.

Most horses react to sprays the same, but sometimes it can be a personal preference. Horses don't like being sprayed, so anxious horses shouldn't be sprayed with solutions too often. If you're worried about your horses breed reacting differently, then check for special solutions specifically for your type of horse.

You should use a dandy brush, hoof pick, body brush and 3 sponges for the dock, eyes, and mouth.

Use a substance called "show sheen." You will find it in a spray bottle. Just do not spray it on the horse's body.

Then your horse will have to be trained, either by you or by a professional. A grown wild horse will be harder to train than a young wild horse.

Gently untangle the knots with your fingers first, working your way up, then use the comb. Never stand directly behind the horse's back, as it might feel threatened and kick you.

You brush the horse -- cautiously. This will help you and the horse bond.

It depends on how large, cooperative, and dirty the horse is. It also depends on how experienced you are. If this is your first time grooming a horse, it may take you closer to an hour.

It's actually the complete opposite. You aren't supposed to use a dandy brush on the legs as those are the more sensitive spots. Only soft brushes can be used on horses' legs.

You can, but its not necessary. It does allow you to keep the animal clean and check for lumps, bumps and cuts.

No.

Most horses can't kick sideways, and even those that can aren't able to use much force. Always stay on the side of the horse and make sure they know you are there by resting your hand on their back and sliding it around their hindquarters. If you have to walk behind the horse, make sure you are as close to them as possible so they can't extend their legs to kick you. Again, make sure they know you're there by resting your hand on their hindquarters.

The stiff brush is a dandy brush, the medium stiff brush is a body brush, and the softest one is a face or finishing bush. The rubber ones with the little flexible teeth are curry combs, and a hoof pick is a small, curved piece of metal with a handle for picking out the hooves. The really stiff ones that are sometimes attached to the back of a hoof pick are for brushing the bottom of the hooves or scrubbing the hooves with water.

For grooming, you can use the quarter grooming method. But tacking up should be done carefully and slowly so you don't hurt the pony/horse.

Any. You can buy special shampoo and conditioner for your horse or you can just use what you already have. Human hair products are just as good for horses as specialized expensive products.

It is usually better to pick out burs by hand. If you brush through burs, it may pull out your horse's hair, or cause the burs to become further entangled.

If it has contracted an illness, take it to the vet. If it has red, bare patches of skin (which may also be bleeding and/or covered in flies), clean the wounds with fresh water and bandage them. These spots are usually found on the legs. After the spots heal, you may want to invest in ankle sheets. These are fly sheets that fit around the leg to prevent flies from biting. If you have a problem with flies on their backs or anyplace that could be covered with a horse blanket/rug, you may want to purchase a fly sheet. You can also find feed-through fly control. Farnam makes this in pellet form.

I brush mine once a day, some others only get brushed once a week. In the winter, at least once a day; during shedding season, several times a day; and in the summer once a week may be all they need.

For a horse, you should be using a loofah, like what you would use in the shower. They're very cheap, you can get them at the dollar store.

You certainly can. It's not strictly necessary.

There is no specific feed that will make him stronger, but making sure he is in regular work and getting enough food will make him get stronger. Joint supplements can help his joints if that is what you are referring to.

Use a body brush or a face brush, and try to use light strokes.