25 Reasons to Groom Your Horse

Did you need more reasons to groom your horse? Well, I think grooming is way under rated as far as why and how we can use grooming to not only spend time with our horse, but to train them as well. I hope you enjoy these 25 reasons to groom your horse!

Be diligent to know the state of your flocks.

Proverbs 27:23

25 Reasons to Groom your Horse

1. The obvious – to clean

I guess the most obvious reason to groom our horse is to get them clean or cleaner than they are. Although, this may be the #1 reason, but the others 24 are pretty much bonuses to grooming your horse.

2. Great bonding time

When you’re not hurried and you really get to spend some quality time with your horse, this can equal great bonding time.

3. Check for any wounds or abrasions

Horses should be looked over for injuries on a daily basis. Grooming allows you to catch things you otherwise would have missed. And to keep an eye on overall body condition.

4. Increases blood circulation

Grooming stimulates blood circulation, which is great for older horses who aren’t moving around a lot.

5. Training opportunity

Most people won’t have a training mindset when grooming, but it is actually an excellent time to work on some training. Some examples would be patience, yielding hindquarters, head down, pick up feet, moving one foot at a time, and more.

6. Simply spoil

You could take this time to just spoil your horse if you wanted. Take a handful of special treats out just because. Your horse will love you! Try these fruit snacks.

7. Healthy coat

Grooming and washing are different things, but grooming can make a healthier shinier coat. The oils remain intact, hair follicles are stimulated, and blood circulation is increased. You can also add flax into their diet in the spring to help their coats stay healthy and shine.

8. De-Shed

Every spring, this is a job we horse owners are well acquainted with. Again, adding flax may help and simply allowing them plenty of turn out time so they are able to roll and get some of the winter coat off themselves.

9. Get to know your horse better

Grooming shows me some of my horse’s favorite itchy spots. As you groom, watch their expression and take the time to get to know your horse better. They say so much if we only take the time to listen.

10. Have a quiet moment

Long day? Go groom your horse?

11. Clear your mind

My mind can get so full, especially with the loads of information we take in these days. Grooming for me helps me clear and empty out the clutter. Any type of busy work will help with that, but I enjoy grooming for this reason.

12. Detangle

Man, does my horses’s mane and tail get tangled! There are times when I’ll skip over this part and other times when I will spend the extra time to get all the tangles out and use detangler to get the hair nice and shiny.

13. Lowers stress

Time with horses has proven to lower stress and have many health benefits. From lowering blood pressure to reduced feelings of anger and depression. I say grab a halter and a brush!

14. Desensitize to touch

Some horses have sensitive or guarded areas they don’t like touched. Such as their face or flank area. Use this time to work on building trust in those areas. For example, Buck Branaman would drag his hand across a horse’s ear quickly. He would say, “Get in and get out.” This way, they don’t have time to have a reaction. And over time, the horse will get more and more comfortable being touched in that area.

15. Find favorite itchy spots

If you don’t know your horse’s favorite spot. Then, make it your goal to discover this magical spot. Some horses really like their belly by their navel. Some like their withers. Have fun and see what funny faces your horse might have. Once you discover this magical spot, you can use it as a reward instead of a cookie.

16. Learn anatomy of your horse

Take the time to learn the correct terminology for your horse’s body parts. Work on sections or work your way from bottom to top. Or vice versa. Knowledge is empowering and you can never know too much about your horse.

17. Basic hoof care

Learn more about hoof care while you are grooming. Perhaps you want to learn to trim your own horse or simply be able to understand more about how the hoof works. Picking up and looking at your horse’s feet is important and at times overlooked during grooming.

18. Something to do in any weather

Grooming can be done in virtually any weather if you have a covered area. Therefore, even if you can’t ride, you can still spend time with your horse.

19. Keeps you active as well

If you have multiple horses, then this rings true. We only have three horses, but grooming gets me moving my body and my muscles. It’s a great way to get some activity in for the day.

20. A chance to just be with your horse

Need an excuse to go to the barn? Oh, my horse needs brushed! What more reason do you need?

21. Time with God

I love the quietness when I’m at my barn brushing the horses. I have often used this time to talk to God.

22. Invite a friend over

Have multiple horses that need grooming? Invite a friend over to help. Many people love this, especially if they don’t own horses themselves.

23. Take Your Kids Along

My kids are currently four years old and I’ve been taking them out with me when I groom. I’ll tie the horses up and bring snacks and toys and we will spend an hour or more at the barn. I have boys and if dirt is involved; they are usually pretty content to play while I groom. Or you can enlist their help, depending on their age. But always remember to use caution. This is only a suggestion. Know and understand the risk.

24. Help with Herd Bound

Taking a horse away from the other horses just to be groomed is a low stimulus exercise that may ease them into breaking this magnet they have with the other horses. Start small to where they can still see each other.

25. Move Around

Which brings me to my last thought. Change it up where you groom your horse. Take them to a different area they’ve never been and see how they react. As long as it’s a safe place with nothing to hurt themselves on, it is a great training opportunity.

I hope you enjoyed this article. I know you only need one reason, but this was fun! Could you think of more reasons to groom your horse?

Blessings and happy grooming!

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