-HELPFUL HORSE TIPS-
Always tie up a horse using a knot that you can release quickly if there is an emergency.
Keep your horse pack and grooming kit together and well maintained. It's a good idea to label your name onto all your grooming gear; that way it will be easier to identify and won't get mixed up with someone else's.
When you meet a horse let it sniff you first. Then gently put your hand on its neck where it begins - this is a horse's favourite scratching place.
It is a good idea to use goodies such as pony pellets, carrots, apples or sugar lumps to reward your horse when you catch it.
Remember, it's important to clean your horse's back to prevent saddle sores or girth galls.
When washing your horse use a hose with good water pressure and massage the shampoo and water in your hands or brush.
Tangled mane and tail hairs break easily if they're brushed; gently ease them out with your fingers instead.
Once your horse is clean put a rug on it. Make sure your rugs are always washed and fresh.
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GROOMING: MAIN BRUSHES USED IN GROOMING: (in order of use)
Currycomb: is a plastic or rubber brush used to loosen dirt and hair.
Dandy brush: this brushes away the dirt and hair loosened up by the currycomb. Stiff bristled.
Body brush: brushes away smaller pieces of dust, etc. Soft bristled.
Grooming rag: a terry-cloth towel used at the very end.
Grooming is very important, for example, in Showmanship: grooming counts towards nearly half of the total score! Groom your horse properly so it will look its best, and will have a healthy coat!
