Grooming a horse is one of the simplest, most powerful ways to bond with it. Brushing isn’t just about keeping your horse looking good. It plays a critical role in health, hygiene, performance, and communication. At WildHeart Riding School, we don’t treat grooming as a chore—it’s part of every rider’s foundation, from beginners to advanced students.
If you want to ride well, you need to groom well. In this guide, we’ll cover exactly why brushing your horse matters and share five key tips for doing it right.
Brushing is more than cosmetic. It impacts everything from circulation to saddle comfort. Here’s why it matters:
Regular grooming stimulates the skin and distributes natural oils, giving the coat a healthy shine. It also prevents skin conditions like rain rot or fungal infections.
Brushing increases blood flow to muscles, especially before and after exercise. At WildHeart, we teach students to use brushing as a warm-up and cool-down method.
Dirt trapped under tack can lead to saddle sores, chafing, or skin irritation. A clean horse is a more comfortable and responsive horse.
Brushing forces you to put your hands on every part of the horse. This helps you detect injuries, swelling, ticks, bumps, or heat early—before they become major problems.
Especially for younger riders or nervous horses, grooming creates an emotional connection. Horses that are brushed daily are often more relaxed and trusting.
Having the right grooming tools makes all the difference. At WildHeart Riding School, every rider learns to handle and use the following:
Some riders also use grooming mitts, shedding blades, and grooming sprays depending on the season.
Brushing is most effective when done consistently. Here’s our recommended routine:
Before Riding:
Brushing removes dirt and loosens muscles. Always groom before tacking up, focusing on the saddle and girth areas.
After Riding:
This is the time to clean off sweat and help the horse cool down. It also prevents skin irritation after exercise.
During Bathing or Shedding Season:
Brushing becomes even more essential when your horse is losing coat or has been bathed.
Anytime You Want to Bond:You don’t need to ride to justify grooming. Many of our students at WildHeart spend time brushing their favorite horse on rest days just to stay connected.
On average, a full-body brushing takes 15–30 minutes. Rushing through it defeats the purpose. At WildHeart Riding School, we teach kids and adults that grooming is part of the lesson, not just something to get through.
Now that you understand the importance, here’s how to do it right:
Use a curry comb to loosen dirt and stimulate circulation. Always move in firm but gentle circles, avoiding the face and sensitive areas like the spine or legs. Work from front to back on each side.
This step is essential—it brings dirt to the surface and helps warm the muscles. Most horses enjoy it when done with care.
After currying, use a hard-bristle brush (dandy brush) to flick away the loosened dirt and hair. Brush in short, strong strokes in the direction of the hair.
Focus on the saddle, girth, and bridle areas. These are the most prone to rubs and sweat buildup. Always check for dry spots or inconsistent sweat patterns after riding, as they can indicate saddle fit issues.
The soft-bristle brush is used on the face, belly, legs, and other sensitive areas. Use long, gentle strokes. Be especially careful around the eyes, ears, and muzzle.
At WildHeart, even our youngest riders are taught how to handle the horse’s face with calm, confident hands.
Use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to detangle the mane and tail. Start from the bottom and work up to avoid pulling hairs out. Always stand to the side of the horse when brushing the tail, not directly behind.
Some riders use a detangling spray for ease. We encourage regular tail checks to spot burrs, ticks, or debris.
Every grooming session should end with hoof care. Use a hoof pick to clean each hoof, starting at the heel and working toward the toe. Remove all dirt, rocks, or manure and check for any foul odors (a sign of thrush).
This not only prevents injury but gets the horse used to being handled, which helps farrier visits go more smoothly.
Brushing against the hair growth: This can irritate the skin. Always brush in the direction the hair lies.
Using the wrong tool on sensitive areas: A hard brush on the face can make a horse head-shy. Use softer tools as needed.
Grooming too quickly: Horses can sense when you’re rushing. Slowing down builds trust and allows you to detect subtle health signs.
Not cleaning your tools: Dirty brushes reapply dirt. Clean your grooming kit weekly.
Skipping areas: Don’t focus only on the parts that show. Under the belly, behind the ears, and between the hind legs also need attention.
Our youngest riders—some as young as three—learn grooming as part of their riding experience. It builds confidence and respect for the horse. With proper instruction, children become safer, more responsible, and more in tune with the animals they ride.
We pair each child with an appropriate horse and provide one-on-one guidance in brushing, hoof picking, and tack checks.
Brushing needs shift throughout the year.
Spring/Summer:
Fall/Winter:
WildHeart Riding School tailors our grooming lessons to each season so students stay informed and adaptable.
Some horses aren’t used to grooming or may have had negative past experiences. Here’s how to work with them:
We train our instructors and assistants to work with sensitive horses, making grooming a positive experience for all.
Brushing a horse is about more than appearances. It’s a hands-on way to build a relationship, check for health issues, and improve the riding experience for both horse and rider. At WildHeart Riding School, grooming is one of the first things we teach—and one of the most important.
If you or your child is interested in learning the full scope of horsemanship—not just riding—schedule an introductory lesson with us. We’re just 8 minutes from Oviedo Mall and 30 minutes from downtown Orlando.
