Some people like to keep their grooming supplies in a partitioned holder. Others prefer a bucket. It’s really a matter of what works best for you. For day to day use, there aren’t all that many items you need to carry around, even if you have several horses. A basic set of grooming equipment consists of little more than several different types of brushes and curry combs. You’ll also want fine- and thick-tooth combs for the mane and tail. Don’t forget the hoof pick. When you’re grooming a horse it’s easy to forget about the feet and hooves.

When you groom a horse, it’s usually recommended you start at the front and work back. This makes common sense, since the horse knows you are there and isn’t apt to get nervous when you begin to brush the hind quarters or comb the tail. The tools you need for grooming the head usually consist of a small, rubber or plastic curry comb (rubber is best), a brush for the neck and throat, and a comb for the forelock. If you need to work close to the eyes, a sponge is best.

Most of what you will be doing between the head and the tail is working with a stiff brush. If the coat is quite dirty or is caked with mud, a not uncommon occurrence, you need to start with a curry comb, preferably a metal one. Most horses seem to enjoy being groomed with a curry comb, even more so than with a brush. If the horse is wet, whether it is from the weather or from being worked or ridden, you’ll need to use a sweat scraper before starting the grooming session. A sweat scraper is like a window-cleaning squeegee, except it’s curved.

Don’t forget the legs. Use a comb on the feathers before brushing them, and a larger comb for the tail. Other items you might want to bring along would include fly spray, hoof oil, and mane and tail conditioner, as needed.

Written by William Savage of  Babbling Ink "Outsourcing Professionals United"