Grooming your horse daily provides a variety of benefits. Regular grooming encourages the production of healthy oil, prevents dirt and mud from building up under the horse's tacks, and offers the chance to bond with the animal. Below, Ted Rufo, a longtime horse lover, offers basic tips for optimizing the grooming process.

1. By Ted Rufo

2. Grooming your horse daily provides a variety
of benefits. Regular grooming encourages the
production of healthy oil, prevents dirt and
mud from building up under the horse's
tacks, and offers the chance to bond with the
animal. Below, Ted Rufo, a longtime horse
lover, offers basic tips for optimizing the
grooming process.

3. 1. There are a variety of grooming brushes that work best
with specific brushing patterns. To maximize the shine on
your horse’s coat, take the time to invest in the right
equipment and learn proper techniques.
2. Before the start of each session, confirm that the animal
is standing properly and tied in a safe and shaded
location. Additionally, the horse’s coat should be dry.
3. Start brushing behind the ears, then move down the
neck, back, and belly, until you reach the hindquarters.
Brush bony parts of your horse’s body gently. Also,
remember to clean your horse’s feet each day.
4. While grooming, avoid walking to the rear of your horse
unless he is aware of your presence. If possible, groom in
an outdoor location to minimize dust.

4. Although horse grooming sounds like a
chore, Ted Rufo notes that it can be a
genuine pleasure. Cleaning a horse’s coat is a
meditative experience both horse and
groomer can appreciate.