Grooming a horse can be an enjoyable bonding process. Daily grooming is recommended. It is a must before riding, as grit beneath the saddle can cause discomfort for your horse and may cause sores. As you brush and clean your horse, you can check for irritations and injuries.

When you start brushing start from one side of the horse and go to the other, covering the entire body. Place your grooming tools in one place. It is a good idea to store your brushes in a wide bucket. There are also grooming boxes that you can buy for this purpose if you do not mind paying extra.

For good grooming, you will need a curry comb, a body brush with rather stiff bristles, a grooming mitt, a tail and mane comb, a hoof pick, a finishing brush with fine and soft bristles, and a soft cloth or sponge. Extras that you can use include grooming spray, hoof oil, and scissors.

As you groom your horse, make sure that you tie him or her securely. Remember to pay attention to the hooves and teeth, as well. It is not only about the coat. Hooves need a trim every six to eight weeks for horses that do not get sufficient natural wear. Most horses do not need shoes if their hooves are granted the right to get stronger naturally. Some problems with hooves are connected to shoeing. If you will be making any changes, consult an equine veterinarian first. The teeth also need attention, as they grow continuously. Uneven wear can cause sharp points and edges that produce pain and chewing difficulty. The teeth of a horse should be checked once or twice a year and "floated" (smoothened) by an expert. Dental problems can cause difficulty chewing or "quidding," which happens when food falls out of the mouth of the horse. Other types of dental disease may include foul breath, the presence of undigested hay in the stool, or discomfort from the noseband or bit. Dental disease can lead to colic, choke, and weight loss.

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