Equine Grooming tips

Equine Grooming Tips for Owners

While horses make for excellent companions, caring for a horse is a major responsibility. It’s important to visit our vet regularly and regular grooming can help keep them healthy. Prior to visiting us at Redtail Equine Veterinary Service, which serves Parker, Denver, Elizabeth, Kiowa, Castle Rock, and surrounding areas, learn about some ways you can keep your horse’s health in great shape below:

Routine Grooming

Horses are generally strong, healthy animals. However, it’s important to groom them regularly to make sure they are clean, treated for wounds, and eliminate any possible infections. Grooming is a great way to notice problems early.

Brushing

Regular brushing is important to remove debris, loose hair, and dandruff from your horse's coat. A variety of brush types are available, generally a stiff bristled brush is used on the body while a soft bristle brush is used on more delicate areas such as legs and faces to avoid causing discomfort. 

Mane and Tail Care

Over brushing manes and tails can cause the hair to thin, however it’s crucial to brush your horse's mane and tail occasionally  to prevent matts and knots from forming. You can use a detangling spray to make the whole process easier. You can also trim the mane and tail to reduce the risk of tangles.

Clipping

If your horse has a thicker coat, you may want to trim it with clippers during the summer months to prevent overheating. You should use clippers specifically designed for equines. A thick hair coat that doesn’t shed out in the summer can be a symptom of illness, if you think this might be a problem your horse is suffering from call and schedule an appointment with Redtail Equine Veterinary Service.

Hoof Care

Horse’s hooves should be cleaned at least once a week to remove any dirt or debris. You can use a hoof pick to remove any debris, stones, or other foreign objects. Applying hoof oil or moisturizer to their hooves can keep them healthy and prevent cracking.

Bathing

You should give your horse a bath occasionally to remove dirt and sweat. Also, make sure you use a shampoo designed specifically for horses. Make sure you rinse thoroughly to remove any of the chemicals from their coats and keep them healthy.

Fly Control

Flies can often be found near horses, however, to avoid spreading diseases, it is best to try and keep flies away. Owners can use fly spray and wraps to keep flies and other insects at bay. This will help to prevent bites and other itching from occurring.

Contact us for Equine Grooming questions!

If you have questions about proper grooming or coat care, contact us at Redtail Equine Veterinary Service, which serves Parker, Denver, Elizabeth, Kiowa, Castle Rock, and surrounding areas, for an appointment. We would love to treat your equine and help them stay healthy!