Last week we covered the reasons behind grooming itself. This week, let's take a look at all the fun stuff you can use to groom your horse! Saddle Up has a great selection of grooming supplies so make sure you take a look next time you visit us!

Rubber Curry Combs: These hard rubber combs are used to stir up dirt and loose hair and bring it all to the surface of the horse's coat. They are used in a circular motion and are also great for scratching any itchy spots the horse may have! He will be most grateful!

(photo taken by Saddle Up)

Dandy Brushes/Hair Brushes: The dandy brushes (also known as a bristle brush) are used to brush all the loose hair and dirt off of the horse's coat, leaving it clean and smooth. There are varying stiffness of brush bristles. There are hard, medium, and soft brushes. Usually you would use a hard brush right after the curry comb, followed immediately by a soft brush, to soften and smooth out the horse's coat. Soft brushes are often used for sensitive areas, such as the face.

Dandy brush bristles come in natural bristles or plastic. What you decide to go with is purely your preference.

The hair brushes are used to maintain the mane and tail. There are many, many different varieties of hair brushes, so you're guaranteed to find one that works best for you and your horse!

(photo taken by Saddle Up)

Metal Curry Comb: The metal curry comb will become your new best friend during shedding and mud season! It is used in a brushing motion following the flow of the horse's coat. Make sure to be gentle around the legs and it is usually not recommended that a metal curry be used on the face or other sensitive areas.

(photo taken by Saddle Up)

Hoof Picks: One of the most important aspects of grooming is cleaning out the hooves and making sure they remain healthy. It is vital to clean the hooves if you are going to ride as rocks may be stuck in the hoof and could cause pain or lameness. It's also important to clean the hooves especially during wet seasons when hooves are more susceptible to thrush (a bacterial infection) since it grows in moist areas.

(photo taken by Saddle Up)

This is only the bare basics of grooming supplies and tools. There are a whole lot more for you to play with so have fun and find new stuff to pamper your horse with!

(photo taken by Saddle Up)

"Grooming; the process by which the dirt on the horse is transferred to the groom." -- Author Unknown

~ Saddle Up