Horses are animals that can be rather high maintenance. They need more than just feeding and a casual brushing. If you ask any horse owner or veterinarian they will tell you that not only are horses a lot of work, but all pets are. The upkeep on an animal the size of a horse can be a bit overwhelming if you do not incorporate it into your daily routine. The following are 7 simple tips for grooming your horse, and any horse lover should find them helpful.

It is pertinent that you take care of your feet and in the same hand it is pertinent to take care of your horses feet. Like human feet, dirty hooves can cause all sorts of infections and can even make your horse unable to walk. Therefore, buy an inexpensive hoof pick and use it on a regular basis (everyday) so as to dislodge any pebbles or debris that may be stuck in the crevices of the hoof.

Making sure to wash and clean the face of a horse after a ride or other exercise is necessary in order to prevent hair loss and infections that can occur from fungal infections. Dampness, moisture and sweat can damage the coat of your horse, and sometimes the face of the animal is forgotten. Instead of using the rigid sweat scrapers to remove water from the hips and legs of a horse, you should use the Squeegees that are made specifically for horses. This is more comfortable for the animal and it really does a better job. Using these products can also help you avoid scraping away bits of hair from the animals body.

Now that you have cleaned the face, it is time for you to clean the rest of the body. Use a sponge, but do not use the same one that you used on the horse's face. You do not want to cross contaminate bacteria from the rest of the horse's body with those that are on his face.

Take care of the horses tail by washing, conditioning and detangling it at least once a week. Many people will brush the tail daily in addition to the weekly washing. You can use a tail bag if you want to keep the tail protected, but you must tie this bag below the tailbone of the animal. Frequent maintenance makes this task much more manageable and can prevent snarls and sores from developing in this sensitive area.

Provide shade or coverings for dark coated horses that are spending time in the bright sun. This will help prevent fading of their coat colors. If you have a horse that is sweating from riding or exercise you should rinse him before turning him out into the sunlit pastures. The salty sweat can speed up the fading process seen in horses coats, and rinsing is a simple grooming step that can help prevent this from occurring.

Remember that bathing your horse is part of good grooming, but you need to exercise caution. If you give him too many shampoos you can create a dull coat. Regular bathing with soaps and shampoos should be a once a week process at most.

Using a spray made for coat polishing should be done after you have bathed your horse. When you use this product it will make the coat shine and it prevents dust from adhering to the hairs. Less dust means a healthier coat on your horse and decreases the risk of skin infections and allergies.

If you follow these 7 tips for grooming your horse, your horse will be happy, healthy, and beautiful.

Posted under Horses