Grooming benefits both horse and rider.
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Provides bonding between you and your horse. It can also help build trust and trust can improve your relationship both on the ground and while riding.
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Helps keep you fit
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Good way to check your horse over for any changes in coat, behavior etc.as this could indicate something is wrong.
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Easy way to check for any cuts or grazes
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Picking out hooves daily can help prevent hoof problems such as thrush.
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Stops a build up of dirt and dust.
A basic grooming kit should include:
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Body brush - for brushing face, mane, tail and legs. Also body for stable kept horses as it is softer than other brushes.
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Dandy brush - for brushing off stuck on dirt, and better for field kept horses as it doesn't remove horse's essential oils.
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Hoof pick - to keep hooves clean and to prevent a build up of dirt and stones that can cause problems.
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Mane / tail comb/brush - to brush manes & tails
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Sponge - to wipe clean eyes and muzzle.
Extras:
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Curry combs - Rubber to help remove dirt - Plastic to clean your dandy brush - Metal to clean your body brush
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Bot knife - to remove bot eggs safely
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Hoof oil brush - to apply oil to the outside of a horses hoof
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Sweat scraper - to remove access water from your horse after being washed
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Cactus mitt - helps remove stains
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Scissors - trim feathers and tails.