HI Spy: Share Your Grooming Secrets

1- Apply hoofoil as prescribed, let soak in for 5 minute and wipe off excess with a rag.

2 In spring and fall, when putting your horse out to pasture, twist up their tail in a mud knot to keep out tangles. Using simple training braids for the same affect on the mane.

5- Thoroughly brush your horse at least 5 days a week

6- In good weather, wash him with shampoo and conditioner at least once every 2 weeks. No more than twice a week because more would diminish the essential oils he produces that maintain the coat's health.

7- In summer, horses need their tail to ward off flies, so tangles are virtually inevitable. Use a spray bottle of veggie oil, spritz some on the tangle and slowly pull a few strands of hair from the mat. Be patient! On the bright side, the oil strengthens the hair follicles and adds shine. Rinse out with water.

8- In dusty or "buggy" weather use a scrim sheet and fly mask to keep dust off.

9- Buff the coat with a sheepkskin mitt to add condition and shine.

10- Clip heavily worked horses in the winter to keep a sleek, well kept appearance.

11- Always, at least, run a soft bristle brush over the horse's entire body after riding to get rid of dust.

12- Always thoroughly clean a horse after turnout.

13- Have fun because grooming strenghtens a bond between horse and rider. Remember to take time where necessary, don't be afraid to ask your vet or tack store salesperson for advice, and come show day, leave the stresses to us show grooms.

After years of trying to get burrs out of manes and tails, the light finally went on. You don't take the burrs out of the hair, you take the hair out of the burrs. Now I firmly grab the place where the burr is lodged and pull one or two hairs out of the burr at a time. You NEVER break hairs this way, you don't get pieces of burrs embedded in your fingers, and it takes way less time. Simple solution.