Studying in Tallahassee, Madison Leigh Gerhard is working toward a degree in psychology at Florida State University. A horse enthusiast, Madison Leigh Gerhard has ridden at stables in Colts Neck, New Jersey, and also performed equine care duties.
Grooming before and after a ride is an important routine that not only supports the health of the horse's skin and coat, but also provides riders with an opportunity to socialize and bond with the horse. This begins with rubbing down the steed with a curry comb that has hard plastic “teeth” that work to loosen dirt and invigorate the skin. If the horse finds the hard comb uncomfortable, try a softer rubber mitt that has small plastic dots in the place of the teeth.
Another indispensable tool is the dandy, a stiff-bristled brush applied after the curry as a way of removing hair and dirt that the curry comb has loosened. Remember to brush in the same direction that the hair coat grows, using a flicking motion and avoiding more sensitive regions like the face. Finally, a soft-bristled finishing brush may be applied, which removes any remaining particles, while adding a shine. A smaller, even finer face brush may also be used as needed, and a variety of tail and mane brushes are available.
One more important after-ride grooming routine involves using the hoof pick, a hooked implement made of metal, to clean the hooves. A small, stiff brush may also be attached that allows mud or caked on debris to be fully removed.
