Starting with the right tools when learning to groom your horse will give both of you a positive experience. Here is a list of items and their uses.
A Currycomb is the first item used to remove mud and such from your horses coat before deeper grooming. Currycombs are rubber and made to loosen the debris this causes less tug and pull with the brushes.
Brushes are important and there are three types, a stiff brush, a soft bristle brush and a mane and tail brush. It is not easy to get mud and debris out of your horses coat. Starting with the stiff bristled brush then follow with a longer brushing with the soft bristled brush this will bring the natural luster out in your horses coat.
The mane and tail brush is made to deal with the tangles and loosend hair that eventually will cause tangling. This brush has heavy plastic bristles and venting allowing the loose hairs to be easily removed.
It is best to have each horse with its own set of brushes, this will prevent the spread of germs and illnesses. If you are going to use equipment that belonged to another horse at one time it is best to disinfect them first by putting them into a solution of bleach and water, one part bleach to four parts water.
Good Luck and Happy Brushing
Brushes for Good Grooming
06.07
So You Want to Own a Horse
04.08
Horses have been loved and cared for by children and adults alike for centuries. Before you take such a big step and purchase your first horse there are a few things to take into concideration.
The first question you should ask is do you have enough room to properly house a new horse and room for him/her to run and exercise. If you don ‘t have room there are places that can board your horse for you for a fee. So first do you have room and if not can you afford to stable your horse somewhere close enough to allow you daily contact and interaction with him/her?
Now that you have decided to have a horse, and you have room at home there are several things that you need to concider the most important is time. Just like a new mother and new horse owner must make the time to clean stalls, make sure you have proper fencing, have the means to bring feed home from the feed store although in some places you can arrange for delivery, spend time with and grooming as well as riding your new best friend. Horses need a good bit of common sense care, you can never forget or neglect to feed or clean a stall, once this commitment is made you have a resposibility to give proper care. Make certain you are ready for such a resposibility.
The next major concideration is housing, there are certain requirements and these differ in different parts of the United States, but in most cases a three sided shelter is enough. You will also need a shed or area to keep tack and such out of the elements. Hay is best kept in an area away from rain and such to keep it freshest. All these things need to be concidered. If your property has existing buildings a shelter can be remodeled from many types of barns and sheds. When remodeling an existing structure take into concideration the direction of the sun, be certain that the animal will have good protection from sun, especially if you live in the desert southwest where the sun is a hugh concideration. Check your structures for weakened flooring, or protruding nails or wire anything that can cause cuts or injuries if stepped on or brushed against. If possible dirt flooring is often a good option for your horse, as urine will soak in and not be a problem as with wood flooring. Concrete is not recommended as it is very hard on a horses feet and legs. With dirt floors good ventilation is a must as urine odors can build up in a closed in area and not be pleasant for you or your animal.
The next concideration is bedding, what will you use for your horse to lay down on. The best option is saw dust or wood shavings. These are easy to clean as it wil slip through the manure fork as you lift of the manure pile. Straw is another alternative. Whatever is most readily available in your area, if you don’t live near a sawmill, wood shavings may be expensive. The best suggestion is to do your homework, check out what supplies are available in your area, talk with your local feed store owners they often times are most helpful and more then willing to pass on great ideas and information.
After checking out all your local supply and feed options and reviewing where to house and maintain your wanted pet or new best friend you can move on the exploring all the different breeds and exactly what you want to do with your horse. Armed with good information and well planning you are ready to explore horses for sale in your area.