Keep Your Horse Healthy and Happy With Regular Grooming

While a common misconception is that horse grooming is simply for aesthetic purposes, the practice actually offers many benefits for both horses and their owners. Not only does grooming improve your horse's physical appearance, it helps keep biting insects at bay and even promotes relaxation - for horses and humans. Grooming is a great way for horse owners to bond with their loyal animals, and it only takes about 15 minutes pre-ride and 30-45 minutes post-ride.

Pre-Ride Grooming

Pre-ride grooming is an essential practice that helps ensure a clean saddle area for riding, and it allows the rider to check the horse for injuries, cuts, scratches, and signs of infection. Applying detangler to the horse's tail at the beginning of the pre-ride session will allow the solution to dry out before the final brush of the post-ride session.

Applying petroleum jelly to any dry areas on the mouth helps soften dry skin and prevent irritation, and coating dry or irritated areas on the body with protective cream soothes scabs and creates a moisture barrier.

Post-Ride Grooming

After the ride, a good brush-down helps increase the horse's blood flow and soothes the muscles. Repetitive brushing also promotes relaxation, and when the rider uses their hands to gently check for injuries it creates a tangible connection while making the horse feel safe and secure.

Brushing the horse after each ride can help control dry skin by removing dead skin cells and bringing beneficial oils up to the coat's surface, and the brushing motions are soothing and comforting. By taking the time out to groom your horse before and after a ride, you'll strengthen your bond with the animal and create a trusting friendship that benefits you both.