What tools are needed for grooming?

Hoof pick, curry comb (rubber or plastic), body brush (medium bristle), mane comb, and a soft cloth or sponge brush for the face. For long manes, add a tail brush. These seven tools cover daily stable life.

In what order do you groom a horse?

Hooves first, then curry comb in circles over body areas (not over bones), body brush in the direction of the hair, face with soft cloth or sponge, finally mane and tail. This order is gentle on the horse.

How long does a good grooming take?

Before riding 15 to 20 minutes, after riding 10 to 15 minutes. During spring or autumn shedding, up to 30 to 40 minutes.

What must you absolutely avoid when grooming?

Using the curry comb on sensitive areas (legs below the knee, bony spots, belly, dock). Picking hooves only in one direction, never toward yourself. Never grooming an unattached horse if it won't stand still.

Guide

How to groom a horse correctly: step-by-step guide for the sharer

3 min read

Grooming is more than cleanliness. It's the daily inspection of skin, legs and hooves, and the first task every horse sharer performs at the horse. This guide shows the correct order, the tools needed and the Swiss practice for safe, efficient grooming.

Why correct grooming matters more than fast grooming

Three functions go beyond cleanliness:

Health check. Skin changes, pressure points, fresh injuries and swollen legs become visible when your hand moves systematically over the body.
Saddle and bridle prep. Dirt under the girth or behind the ears causes pressure sores, friction and resulting behavioral issues. Clean grooming prevents this.
Bond with the horse. Grooming is the quiet time when horse and human read each other.

The Animal Welfare Ordinance (Fedlex) doesn't prescribe technique but requires appropriate care.

The seven standard tools

Hoof pick for hooves before and after each ride
Curry comb rubber or plastic for pre-cleaning
Body brush medium bristle for second cleaning
Mane comb wide teeth for long manes
Tail brush with detangler if needed
Soft cloth or sponge for face
Hoof oil brush and oil optional

On reitbeteiligungen.ch, maintaining the grooming kit is part of sharer tasks.

Step by step before riding

The order isn't arbitrary. It protects the horse and keeps dirt away from the saddle.

Step 1: Tie. With a safety knot, never on a ring without quick release.
Step 2: Pick hooves. Left front first, then right front, then hinds. Inspect for cracks, foreign objects, thrush and loose shoes.
Step 3: Curry comb. In circular motion over neck, shoulder, back, flank, croup and legs above the knee. Not on bony spots, not on the sensitive belly, not below the knee.
Step 4: Body brush. In hair direction to take off loosened dirt. Over the entire body, also legs below the knee and face (very softly).
Step 5: Face and sensitive areas. With soft cloth or sponge around eyes and nostrils. Never directly into the eye, always inside out.
Step 6: Mane and tail. Mane comb gently. Tail always from bottom to top.
Step 7: Saddle area check. Hand over the saddle and girth areas. Clean, dry, pressure-free skin is the prerequisite.

15 to 20 minutes in routine.

Step by step after riding

Step 1: Cool down. Walk 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 2: Remove sweat. Where saddle and girth sat, wipe with sponge or damp cloth.
Step 3: Pick hooves again. Sand and stones from the arena out.

Then blanket per season, horse back to box or pasture.

Swiss practice: shedding and seasons

Spring shedding (March to May): Daily intensive currying. 25 to 35 minutes during shedding.
Mud season (October to May): Let mud dry a few minutes before currying. Never scrape fresh mud off, it rubs the skin raw.

Summer and winter grooming is shorter because the coat stays cleaner.

Frequently asked questions

What tools are needed? Hoof pick, curry comb, body brush, mane comb, soft cloth, tail brush.

In what order? Hooves, curry comb, body brush, face, mane and tail.

How long? 15 to 20 minutes before, 10 to 15 after. Up to 30 to 40 during shedding.

What to avoid? Curry comb on sensitive areas, picking toward yourself, grooming without tying.

Sources

Track grooming observations in HorseCompanion

Observations from daily grooming are documented per horse for shared tracking. Start for free

Updated: June 2026