Grooming

1. Curry in circular motions from the upper neck to the hind end to loosen hair and dirt.
2. Flick with a dandy brush in short strokes, in the direction of hair growth, to bring dirt to the surface.
3. Brush with a natural-bristle finishing brush in long, even strokes to remove the dirt and create shine.
4. Optionally, finish with a goat hair brush, a lambskin or wool mitten, or a felted wool cloth to remove the last dust.

Clean your brush on the curry every few strokes so you don't put dirt back on the coat.

No. Shine is the hair's ability to reflect light. The "polish" comes from the horse's own oils, which are made by small glands at each hair root and spread along the hair by correct grooming. Shine sprays can stop those natural oils from reaching the hair. That starts a cycle of buildup, more shampooing and dull hair.

Ideally no more than once a month in the warmer season. If you show, every few weeks if needed. Shampoo strips the coat of the natural oils that create shine, so use a gentle shampoo and rinse until the water runs clear. In between, hose off with water only.

Static usually comes from a coat that has been dried out, either by too much bathing, by low-quality brushes that roughen the hair, or by chemical shine sprays. Bathe less, use natural or high-quality brushes, and use detangler on the mane and tail only. If the coat's natural oils have been stripped, rinse with water only and skip shampoo and conditioner for at least one month.

Growing a new coat means producing several pounds of new hair, which is a major metabolic effort. Support it with good nutrition: quality protein and healthy oils, planned with a qualified equine nutritionist. Ease the workload or add a rest day. Groom with a flexible massage curry and a firm natural-fiber brush rather than a harsh metal shedding blade, which can scratch the skin and break the new hair.

Possible causes include age, blindness (shedding is triggered by longer daylight hours) and Cushing's Disease (PPID). If your horse sheds more slowly than he used to, ask your veterinarian which tests they recommend.

Yes, but more subtly. Light surfaces reflect light differently from dark ones. The key is the same for every coat color: a clean, smooth coat and good nutrition. For stains, keep a stiff coco fiber brush at hand.

The fine hairs inside the ear keep out debris, dust and insects. For a neat look, gently squeeze the ear closed and trim only the hair that grows beyond the edge. For the show ring, an ear hood is an option.

Never use a comb on the tail. A tail hair takes about two years to grow out. Spray on a conditioning detangler, let it dry completely, then brush from the bottom up while holding the hair firmly above the section you are brushing. You can also separate the hair by hand.

First, work out what state the hoof is in: soft and brittle, hard and brittle, or dry and rock-hard. Each needs different care. Then make "pick, wash, dry, treat" part of your grooming routine, and clean the feet even when you have no time for anything else. Keep the horse's environment clean and dry. Review feed with an equine nutritionist and the trim with your farrier.

For a horse that is groomed thoroughly on a regular basis:

1. Quick curry all over.
2. Flick off the dirt.
3. Finishing brush, stroked against a damp sponge every two strokes.
4. Smooth the coat with a soft rag.

That takes about three minutes per side. Use it only when time is short. It doesn't replace thorough grooming.