General Horse Tips????

Question

Before I ride a horse which brushes and tools should I use. I know the curry comb, regular brush, and the foot pick. I just want to know if I'm covering everything. And also things i could do to make him more comfortable before, during and after riding. Any other general tips are welcome. Thanks So much!

Answer 1

after you lay the saddle on the saddle pad, push the pad up into the little arch of the saddle. ill try to find a picture.....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/f...

some people dont do that.

but its more comfortable

Answer 2

brush his girth to make sure that there is no sand or anything that could irritate him and also where his saddle and bridle will go with a hard, but not too hard brush. when you have put the saddle on make the girth firm, not too tight, stretch out his front legs (to avoid the cinch pinching) and get the top of the saddle pad and pull it up and forward so it creates sort of like a little opening for airflow.

also pull out his mane from his bridle and make sure its not all tangled and pulling. before getting on, lead him around like a lap or so of your riding area and then tighten his girth, its best to do this up to 3 times so they dont get all tucked up and learn to blow out their stomachs.

durin riding just try and keep it relaxed as possible, just work him lightly and dont put too much pressure on him and keep a loose but firm reign.

after riding, if its hot and sunny you should wash him concentrating on where the saddle was, girth and in between his back legs, but starting from his legs and moving up, and his face if he lets you. if its too cold to wash him then brush him all over or sponge him lightly with warm water and wait for him to dry before puting a rug on.

haha geez i dont think i can write anymoer i think i covered most of it, correct me if im wrong =)

good luck

Answer 3

i use a curry comb, hard brush, soft brush, and then a brush made out of like goat hair i think.  its soo soft and makes my horses coat super shiny!  then i pick his hooves.  i comb his mane and tail too.  after i put the tack on i re-comb his mane because the bridle can kinda mess it up.  its always nice for the horse if you put on fly spray when you're about to go ride so they aren't attacked!  after i ride and get all of his tack off i give him a bath!  make sure that the water isn't too cold because that would be like when a person jumps from a hot tub into a cold pool... not so pleasant!  to get your horse cooled off quickly... spray water first on their chest and neck!  then do the rest of their body!  after his bath i let him sit in front of this giant fan to cool off and dry off!  for tack to make him comfortable you should always ride with a saddle pad... which i'm sure you do!  if your a hunter/jumper you should put polos on his legs or boots!

most importantly... make sure to give your horse lots and lots of love!!

that all i can think of!!  i hope this helps and good luck!!  :]

Answer 4

Brushing: 1. Curry comb 2. Dandy brush 3. Body Brush 4. Soft brush 5. Face Brush (or sponge) 6. Hoof Pick 7. Tail and Mane Brush

If its summer and he is really warm after the ride you can give him a bath