Each brush or comb serves a different use and the most common items I have listed below.
A Dandy Brush – A brush with long stiff bristles used for removing dry surface dirt out of the coat, usually used on the less sensitive parts of the horse’s body.
A Body Brush – This usually has either a hard or soft and is used to remove the grease and dust from the coat and can be used on sensitive areas such as the head. The Body Brush should be rubbed over a curry comb during grooming.
A Hoof Pick – Hoof Picks are metal or plastic and are used to remove dirt and stones packed into the the horse’s hooves.
A Plastic and Rubber Curry Comb – Plastic or Rubber curry combs are made to remove mud and loose hairs from the horse.
Sponges – One used for cleaning eyes, nose and muzzle and another to clean the dock area. (Remember not to mix the sponges up!)
A Mane Comb – Mostly metal, sometimes plastic, are used to comb the mane and tail.
A Water Brush – Used when putting water onto the horse’s coat, mane or tail when dampening or washing.
A Sweat Scraper – Used to wipe away sweat or excess water after washing.
A Metal Curry Comb – These should never be used on the horse itself, but are used for removing the dust and dirt from the Body Brush while grooming.
A Stable Rubber or Soft Tea Towel – A stable rubber or good tea towel can be dampened and wiped over the body to give the horse a final polish.
A Tail Bandage – A Tail bandage is used to keep the tail laying flat while grooming.
To wash your brushes, fill a bucket with lukewarm water and add some soap, I wouldn’t recommend using detergent on anything that will touch your horse’s skin. Leave your brushes soaking until all the grime and dirt has come loose then rinse them thoroughly and leave the brushes to dry bristle-side down. If you have leather or wooden backed brushes, keep the water level shallow enough that the backs will not be immersed in water.
