| A grooming kit is a box of useful items to groom your horse and is a “must have” for any horse owner. The possibilities are endless, and there is a wide range of brushes, combs, picks and other items that you can use. Some tack stores will sell starter kits already made up, but often it is more affordable to create your own. Here is a general check-list of items that you may want to include in your own grooming kit: The Most Common Items . . . Curry Comb - A hard plastic or rubber brush designed to break up dirt imbedded into your horses’ coat. Hard Dandy Brush - Used after the curry comb to flick the dirt off of your horse. Soft Dandy Brush - Similar to a hard Dandy brush, but with softer bristles. Used on the sensitive areas of your horse, like the face, belly and legs. Shedding Blade - Mostly used in the spring when your horse is loosing its long winter coat – shedding coat. Usually consists of a metal blade with a plastic or wooden handle. Tail Brush - Used to brush out any tangles in the Mane and tail. Mane Comb - Used to detangle the mane and forelock. Hoof Pick - Used to remove mud, dirt, manure, rocks, etc. from the Sole of the horses’ foot. Some picks also have a hood brush for brushing any of the debris off the outside of the foot. Grooming Box – Used to keep all your tools together and organized, and prevents your horse from stepping on your equipment. Can be anything – a Duratote, Rubbermaid tub, grain bucket or a tool box. Other Optional Items . . . Horse Shampoo and Conditioner – Used to clean your horse; either to remove dirt and mud, after an extensive workout or in preparation for an upcoming show. Mane Detangler – Used to help detangle the mane and tail so brushing it out becomes easier and doesn’t pull as much hair out. Hoof Conditioner - Used to keep your horses’ hoof healthy and prevent cracking or splitting. Fly Spray – Used to repel flies and insects away from your horse in the springs and summer months and minimize the number of bites they receive. Comes in a spray and wipe forms. Grooming Block – Multi-use. Can be used to remove any loose hairs in the coat, remove bot eggs off the body and legs, etc. Make sure to stock your kit with the products that you use, otherwise it’s just additional weight that you’re carrying around. Get suggestions from other horse owners and try new products. The possibilities are endless! | 
