The primary goal of grooming time is to remove dirt from the horse's coat, clean hooves and to generally make the horse look good. A brush is the main tool used to groom. By adding a few other grooming items to the grooming box, grooming can be also a massage for the horse.
What to Use
Most grooming boxes have a curry comb and a couple of brushes. By adding rubber mitts, a deep curry comb or what is called a unigroom or big groomer brush and a couple of brushes called grooming fingers, the groom time is now also an equine massage for the horse.
Steps in Doing a Grooming/Massage
Always start at the head/poll and move downward and back. Do one side of the horse and repeat on the other side.
- Begin your grooming massage at the poll - use slow, small circular motions. Work the muscles of the upper neck, behind the ears and bridle path encouraging the horse to lower the head. Use your hands to gently massage the base of the ears and draw the ears outward. Do not pull the ears.
- Moving down the neck, areas of tension may appear. Increase the pressure of the circular motions. Horses will respond by stretching their necks and moving the mouth in a chewing motion. This is letting you know that it feels sooooo good.
- Work down the shoulder area to the pectoral and upper leg areas, continue in circular motion. On the shoulder and upper leg, a heavier brush may be used.
- Change to a rubber mitt and if you have two, use them. Take time to notice anything different as you go down the legs. This will help the owner learn any change in the legs and detect even the slightest change in heat and swelling of the leg.
- Now move to the back and loin areas. Using the heavier grooming brush work in circular motions down the spine and ribs.
- Next work the croup, buttocks, thigh, stifle and outer and inner gaskin areas with the same circular motions as before.
- Next do the back legs the same as the front legs; using the grooming mitts notice any changes as you massage and groom the legs.
- Now repeat the same thing on the other side of the horse.
- As a finishing touch, take the junior groomer rubber curry or a regular brush and do long sweeping strokes down the neck and across the back and rear areas.
Although this procedure does not have to take a long time, there are good reasons not to rush through this time with your horse.
- Grooming in general is like giving the horse a massage as brushing warms up as well as relaxes the horse's muscles.
- While brushing the horse, check for cuts and scratches. Take note of soreness or reactions to the grooming pressure. Catching problems early can save time later.
- Grooming and massaging the horse creates a bond and the horse enjoys the attention.
- Don't be in a hurry. Leave all the stress outside the barn and concentrate on the horse. Both the owner and the horse will be better for it.
Should the owner enjoy the massaging and wants to learn more, there are ways to increase your knowledge. Many books are available with good illustrations on equine anatomy to assist in the ability to follow the muscle fiber directions. Also, look for clinics and schools that offer classes in equine massage.
Enjoy time with the horse, make each session count. Talk to the horse or hum as you work, both of you will relax and begin going with the rhythm of the music. Quality time with the horse is always the best time.
Lynette Partridge-Schneider - For Lynette Partridge-Schneider, animals have been more than just a lifetime adventure. Her love of animals is a passion. Since, her first ...
