When most horse owners think of grooming, they imagine brushing, bathing and clipping their horses, or they imagine their horse rolling in a mud pile immediately after! Yet grooming is more than just keeping a horse clean, and an essential grooming kit contains items for minor cuts and bruises, basic ailments, emergencies, healthcare and more. Check out some of the essentials listed below to help keep your horse doing his or her best!

Tools to have on hand:

Brushes: Various brushes are always needed and range from curry combs to mane brushes and stiff bristle brushes for removing dirt and dust as well as dead hair from the coat. Having a wide variety of combs and brushes makes the task of keeping the coat and mane clean easier as the right tool can be chosen as needed.

Picks: Hoof picks are essential for keeping the hoof clean and removing mud and other stuck debris. Taking the time to clean your horse’s hooves out will also allow you the chance to inspect the hoof and hoof wall for any signs of injury or disease such as strange growths, sores or deformities.

Supplements: Joint supplements, probiotic pastes, wormers and more are all beneficial to have on hand for keeping your horse in good health. The need for supplements will vary depending on your horse’s age and health history, but having them in your essentials kit helps keep them nearby for when they are needed.

First Aid: Wound sprays, disinfectant wipes, vet wrap and more are always an essential part of any grooming kit even if they aren’t directly used for grooming. Having these items nearby makes fixing up a minor wound or wrapping a leg easier, especially if you are already inspecting your horse’s skin and coat during the grooming process.

Shampoo: For those times when your horse actually does manage to roll in the one mud puddle in the pasture, shampoo is essential. Pick one that works without drying out the coat to protect the skin from sensitivities or add in a moisturizing conditioner spray afterwards to keep the coat clean and shiny.

Clippers: Not everyone chooses to or needs to clip their horse’s coat, however having clippers on hand is a must. If you run into an injury or wound on your horse’s body clippers can be used to help clean it up and assess the damage before the vet gets there.

The best way to keep your horse looking his or her best and healthiest is by establishing a daily grooming routine. Having your kit on hand to handle daily brushing, as well as setting the time aside to inspect legs, body, hair and coat for injury or illness will keep you alert to problems as the occur. Catching issues early, and just keeping your horse feeling great through grooming will help aid in a long and happy life as well as provide a great bonding experience for you and your horse!

With Love,

Mr. Bentley & Ms. Bella

About our Writers

Pet Wish Pros is proud to have Bentley and Bella contributing to our pet health blog. For many years, Bentley has been passionate about improving and learning from the lives and experiences of homeless pets in the greater Atlanta area. Bella is usually busy discovering new pet health products and medications. In her free time, Bella enjoys working on her horse farm. Both Bentley and Bella are devoted to animal health & their experience allows them to keep you informed while saving YOU money! 

Follow Bentley and Bella’s weekly blog updates and stay current with the latest trends in pet health. Please email us at  help@petwishpros.com.