Beginner's Guide to Pony Grooming: Nurturing the Bond with Your Equine Companion

Embark on an exciting journey into the world of pony ownership with the essential art of grooming! It's not just about making your pony look pretty – grooming is your ticket to forming an unbreakable bond with your furry friend. As you groom, you'll not only ensure your pony's coat is clean and shiny but also become a detective, checking for any bumps or cuts. Plus, it's the perfect prep before riding, ensuring your pony is comfortable and ready to go. Join us as we explore the magical world of grooming and discover how it strengthens the special connection between you and your pony!

YOUR GROOMING KIT SHOULD CONSIST OF:

Hoof Pick: for cleaning out his hooves.

Curry comb: Great for getting rid of mud and for removing dead hair from your pony’s coat, particularly when he is shedding his winter coat.

Dandy brush: A coarser harder brush used for removing built up dirt and dust. Body brush: A softer brush good for laying back the coat and finishing off his body grooming before putting his tack on.

Mane and tail brush and comb: Used as the name suggests. A good tip is to always start at the end of the tail and mane and work your way up, so as not to rip it all out. You can generally purchase a ready made grooming kit from your local saddlery, which will have all of the essentials.

Sponge: Used for cleaning his eyes, nose and under the tail area if needed. Make sure that you wash your sponge after you have washed each area.

Hoof Grease: Keeps the hoof healthy – it’s a good practice to apply it at least twice a week.

In addition you will also need a towel, bucket, shampoo and conditioner. It’s a good idea to get yourself organised before you catch your pony. Have everything ready and make sure your tie up area is clean with no unwanted obstacles in the way.

If your pony has a rug on, the first step to removing it is by unfastening the front chest strap, followed by the belly straps and lastly the leg straps. After undoing the leg straps, always get into the habit of reattaching them, to ensure they aren’t banging on your pony’s legs or dragging on the ground.

Then go back to the near shoulder area of your pony, fold the front of the rug over the back half and then remove in a backward sweep. If it is a nice day turn your pony’s rug inside out on a fence so that it can have an airing. If your pony is shedding his coat, give the inside of his rug a bit of a brush as well to remove any hair that may build up on the lining.

When you are working on the ground with your pony; always speak to him so that he is aware of where you are at all times. Begin by cleaning out his hooves. Then move onto grooming, with your curry comb. Start at the top of his neck, brushing in a circular motion to loosen or break up any shedding hair, dirt or mud. Work your way down his body, and then do the same on the opposite side. Always keep an eye out for any lumps, bumps or cuts, etc.

Then using your dandy brush continue grooming, this time following the fall of your pony’s coat, as opposed to the circular motion you use with the curry comb. The dandy brush will remove all the dirt and hair that you have brought to the surface. Note: The dandy brush is too harsh to use on your pony’s face. The body brush is next, again brushing in the direction of the hair. This soft brush can be used on your pony’s face as well.

Whilst grooming pay particular attention to the areas that the saddle, girth and bridle go on. If you have not groomed these areas properly it can lead to all sorts of problems.

Finally brush your pony’s mane and tail. I recommend using a product called No-Nots, or a leave in conditioner, prior to brushing (especially the tail). This will help to make brushing easier and reduces the amount of hair being pulled out.

You can dampen your towel or use your sponge to give him a rub around the head area and behind his ears. Also make sure that his eyes and nostrils are clean.

Regular brushing improves the circulation and ensures your pony’s coat stays clean and healthy. This will give his coat a lovely sheen.

After you finish riding, remove all his gear and then with a lightly dampened sponge or towel, rub over the sweaty areas of his body. Don’t forget his face and behind his ears as well. If possible allow a few minutes for him to air off before putting the rug back on.

To put your rug back on, fold it back to the same way as it was when you took it off, and throw it over the middle of his back. Slide the rug back to the position of where the back end sits, then fold the front of the rug back over towards the wither. When fastening the rug, begin at the back, by fastening the leg straps. Make sure that you cross the leg straps through each other as this helps to prevent the rug from slipping. Then attach the belly straps, and finally buckle up the chest strap.

It’s important to always clean the brushes after each use. Next month we will be talking about how to safely and correctly put the saddle and bridle on.

Article: Catherine Shelley - NCAS EA SSTA/ CE Level 2 General Coach, NCAS Level 1 RDA Coach, Dip. of TB racing - Melton Equestrian accredited with EA Ready, Set, Trot program.

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