Super Groom Tips To Help Your Horse Shine
Award-winning super groom & Equetech Brand Champion Emma Cornish is a professional who knows how to get the most out of a grooming session! Emma shares her expert grooming tips in this blog to help your horse gleam and shine!
- Invest in a selection of good-quality brushes in your grooming kit. Soft brushes for the face and sensitive areas, and firmer brushes for the main body and muddy bits. I prefer more traditional brushes with natural bristles and hair, where possible, which are more sustainable and environmentally friendly. However, there are some excellent synthetic bristle brushes on the market, too. I find the goat hair brushes a particular favourite with the horses for the face; they are so incredibly soft and relaxing; try it on your arms & face and feel it for yourself.
- Keep your brushes and kit clean. Depending on the manufacturer's recommendations, wash your kit regularly with a very gentle horse shampoo or soap, rinse thoroughly, and leave it out to dry naturally on a towel, with the bristles face down, away from artificial heat sources.
Photo: Mary Braddock Photography
- Picking out the feet is always at the top of my to-do list before I pick up my brushes. I carefully check each foot to ensure it is clear of stones and debris, the shoe is secure, and there is no heat in the foot. I apply a conditioning hoof product at least a couple of times weekly to keep their feet in tip-top condition.
Photo: Mary Braddock Photography
- Begin your grooming session by flicking over the horse with a long-bristled brush to remove any loose hair, mud and debris. This also allows you to run your hands all over the horse to check for any lumps, bumps, heat and abnormalities.
Photo: Mary Braddock Photography
- I progress to using a medium body brush with a metal curry comb and grooming the horse with long sweeping strokes with a little pressure behind my hand. This helps remove the grease and stimulates the muscles and blood circulation. I also brush the legs carefully, paying close attention to any feathers and checking for anything lurking underneath, such as signs of feather mites, minor cuts, or scabs, which could lead to more significant issues.
- I use a super soft face brush for the face and head, ensuring I brush under the jaw, around the ears, over the poll, and around the top of the neck. If your horse is a little head-shy, build up to grooming the top of the face slowly by starting lower down the face and working your way up over multiple sessions. Most horses adore being softly brushed around the face, but your horse might prefer a soft wool hand mitt, so it's worth exploring what your horse enjoys.
- I prefer to use cotton wool pads to clean eyes and nostrils gently. Dampen with a little warm water and gently wipe over, using a fresh pad for each eye and another for the nostrils. I also check under the tail and bottom area daily, and if necessary, I will clean them with cotton wool and warm water. Some horse owners prefer to keep a sponge for the face and one for the derriere, but I like to use clean, fresh cotton wool for the face for hygiene reasons.
Photo: Mary Braddock Photography
- I use mane and tail conditioner spray, but instead of brushing or combing out the tail, I spray and then use my fingers to tease the knots out of the tail wherever possible to help prevent hair breakage and reduce hair loss. I apply the conditioner for the mane, then slowly work from bottom to top, holding the section of the mane at the root; I comb through with a tooth mane comb or similar, then repeat the process along the horse's mane.
Photo: Mary Braddock Photography
- I like to set the coat once I have finished grooming. I use a flannel or large sponge and immerse in warm water. Personally, I prefer to add a splash of grooming hot oil or lavender Dettol to my water, but as with any new product, always make sure you do a small patch test before using it on your horse and never apply it to sensitive or broken skin and open wounds. Dunk the fannel/sponge into your water, wring it out and wipe over the body, avoiding sensitive areas. This process helps to lift any loose dust and embedded dirt or grease and gives a lovely finish. I also set the mane with the sponge/flannel which encourages the mane to lie flat.
Photo: Mary Braddock Photography
Emma Cornish is a self-employed international freelance supergroom and heads up Elite Equine Care. Emma is an experienced groom working with top riders across all disciplines, a BHSAI and an International Coach (Riding) Level 1. After passing her FEI Veterinary Testing Technician exam in 2023, Emma now works alongside the FEI Testing Veterinarian at FEI competitions across the UK. In her illustrious career, Emma has attended three Olympic Games, two World Equestrian Games, European championships and 5* competitions, with the Paris Olympics 2024 being her latest international position.
