Important Equestrian Supplies to Keep Your Horses Happy
By: Travis
Moore
You need equestrian
supplies to take care of the grooming aspect of horse ownership. After
all, the horses' performance affects scores received so better treat them
nicely. Regardless of the horse sport, horses must be all set to handle
them come the day of the event. Proper training as well as grooming is
essential. Both the riders and their horses need to look good while out
there. There are plenty of equestrian supplies to help with this task.
Riders have loads of choices when it comes to equestrian supplies. At
the top of the equestrian grooming supplies list are the grooming kits.
This kit is a must-have for preparing and grooming horses. Riders are able
to keep their horses' coats in great condition. Grooming is also the
perfect time to check for scratches, bruises and injuries on horses.
Grooming likewise massages horses, promoting circulation.
Loading Up On Equestrian Supplies
The actual equestrian grooming kit consists of a variety of brushes and
combs for keeping horses clean. Each of the brushes and combs serves a
different purpose when cleaning horses. Some of the more basic grooming
kit combs and brushes are:
* Body brushes – These can either be soft or hard depending on a
person's requirement. They sport leather backs and are used for removing
dust and grease from horses' coats. Even the sensitive areas of the
horses' bodies can be brushed using this brush.
* Dandy brush – With its long bristles, this one is used for
getting rid of dirt found on the surface of a horse's coat. This type of
brush is ideal for brushing a horse's less sensitive parts.
* Metal curry comb – Not for the horse, this one is used for
cleaning body brushes when grooming. It removes the dirt and dust from the
brushes so they can be reused on the horse.
* Water brush – Water is
used when dampening or washing horse coats. This brush-type is used to
apply water on horses.
* Mane comb – This one obviously is used for the mane and tail of
horses. It comes in metal and plastic. Variations of the comb are
available for use for different purposes. Short metal combs are ideal for
pulling manes. Other special combs help cut manes thinner.
* Rubber curry combs – These combs remove loose hair and mud from
the horses' manes and tails. They get rid of matted dirt for easier and
quicker grooming.
* Cotton sponges – Horses' noses, wounds and eyes are cleaned using
these horse supplies.
* Stale rubber – This is used to do the finishing touches on
horses, specifically polishing the coat. Linen cloths or stake rubbers can
also used.
* Hoof picks – These are handy for removing stones and dirt stuck
in the horses' hooves. Stones and dirt often collect on the horses'
hooves' underside when out riding or just in the field. Tying in these
picks with baline twine will help avoid losing them in the grooming
kit.
* Sweat scrapers – Sweat or excess water from washing can be wiped
away using these equestrian supplies.
* Grooming kit box – Finally, there is the kit box. Any bag or
container with ample storage space for brushes will do fine. Canvas bags
with drawstrings will also work.
Aside from brushes and combs, a good grooming kit would also include a
set of safety pins, hair ties, leather ties, sunscreen and a flathead
screwdriver for loosening or undoing tightly laced leather or bridles.
Having sufficient equestrian supplies will ensure that horses remain
properly cared for. If the local store does not carry the equestrian
supplies sought, consider shopping online for them. The Internet has a ton
of options when it comes to equestrian supplies and other horse-related
items. For those who do not know which brands or horse supplies to get,
ask around. Consult with fellow horse lovers or do some research on the
World Wide Web.
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