Tips from Term 3 - GROOM

Stick to the Basics When Grooming

When grooming the horses, it’s important to focus on specific areas and avoid overgrooming, as multiple people may brush the horses throughout the day. Do Not Brush Faces, Manes, or Tails: These areas are left for the exercise riders, who will give the horses a thorough grooming as part of their exercise routine. Focus on Key Areas: Prioritize brushing the saddle area, girth area, and picking up hooves to ensure the horse is clean and comfortable for their session. By minimizing grooming to the essentials, you help reduce unnecessary brushing and contribute to the horses’ overall comfort and care.   

Groom Timing: Preparing and Wrapping Up Horses

As a groom, your role is essential in keeping lessons on track and ensuring the horses are well-cared for before and after their sessions. Have Horses Ready 15 Minutes Before the Lesson: Groom, tack, and have the horse ready for the handler to warm up. For example, if the lesson starts at 4:30, the horse should be ready by 4:15. Untack and Care for Horses Not in the Next Lesson: If a horse isn’t scheduled for the next lesson, untack them promptly. Perform light grooming, pick out their hooves, and ensure they are comfortable before releasing them back to their paddock. Your attention to both preparation and post-lesson care ensures the horses remain healthy, happy, and ready for their next task! 

A Quick Brush Before Blanketing

Before putting a blanket on a horse, take a moment to give them a quick brush—especially along their back and sides. This helps remove any sand, dirt, or shavings that may have collected if they’ve had a lie-down. A clean coat under the blanket prevents irritation and discomfort for the horse and keeps their skin healthier. A few extra seconds of brushing can make a big difference in their comfort! 

Hoof Care Matters!

You’ve probably heard the saying, "No hooves, no horse" — and it’s true! Keeping our horses’ hooves clean is essential for their health and comfort, especially this time of year when the ground is wet and muddy (though it’s important all year round!). Here’s the breakdown of responsibilities: Horse Handlers: You’re responsible for picking out the hooves of your first and last horse of the day — before the first lesson and after the last lesson.

Grooms: You take care of hooves between lessons, when untacking horses who aren’t going into another class. New Groom Task: If there’s a horse not scheduled for a lesson, please make it a regular habit to pick their hooves — a little extra attention goes a long way in keeping them comfortable and healthy! By staying consistent, we’re helping prevent discomfort, infection, and injury — and ensuring our horses are happy and ready for their sessions. Thank you for giving their hooves the care they deserve!