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Groom Your Horse

Groom Your Horse
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Learn to safely groom a horse by brushing its coat, cleaning hooves, combing mane and tail, and checking for small injuries with adult supervision.

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Step-by-step guide to Groom Your Horse

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How to properly groom a horse! Let's learn!

What you need
Adult supervision required, body brush, halter and lead rope, hoof pick, horse-safe treats, mane and tail comb, sponge, stiff brush, towel

Step 1

Gather all your materials and carry them to the horse area so everything is within reach.

Step 2

Walk up to the horse quietly on its left side and let it see and smell you before touching.

Step 3

Ask an adult to put the halter on the horse and secure the lead rope with a quick-release knot.

Step 4

Stand back a little and look over the horse from head to tail for any cuts swelling or unusual spots and tell your adult what you see.

Step 5

Place your hand on the horse’s lower leg and gently run your fingers down to the hoof to ask the horse to lift its foot.

Step 6

With the adult holding the horse steady use the hoof pick to remove dirt and stones by working from the heel toward the toe.

Step 7

Use the stiff brush to knock off dried mud and loose hair from the horse’s body using short strokes in the direction of the hair.

Step 8

Use the body brush to smooth the coat with long gentle strokes until the hair looks shiny and clean.

Step 9

Hold a small section of the mane near the base and gently comb from the tips upward to the roots to remove tangles.

Step 10

Hold the base of the tail and gently comb from the bottom upward to untangle the tail hairs.

Step 11

Use your hands to feel over the horse’s legs and body for bumps or cuts and show anything you find to your adult.

Step 12

If the horse has sweat or stubborn dirt wipe those areas with a damp sponge and dry them with a towel.

Step 13

Offer the horse a horse-safe treat and give it a calm pat to say thank you for being so good.

Step 14

Share a photo or short story of your groomed horse and what you learned on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

If I don't have a halter, hoof pick, or special brushes, what can I use instead?

If a proper halter or lead rope isn't available, ask an adult to borrow one from the barn and have them hold the horse while they handle the quick-release knot, and if you lack a hoof pick or stiff brush for steps 6–7, have an adult do the hoof picking or use a clean, stiff brush or a large toothbrush only as a temporary, gentle substitute rather than improvised metal tools.

What should I do if the horse won't lift its foot or resists while I'm trying to pick the hoof?

If the horse won't lift its foot during step 5–6, stop, ask the adult to steady the horse, try running your hand down the leg again while gently squeezing above the fetlock and using a calm cue, and let the adult support the leg until the horse willingly offers the foot.

How can I adapt this Groom Your Horse activity for younger children or older kids learning more skills?

For toddlers and preschoolers let them use the stiff brush and body brush for short, supervised strokes (steps 7–8) while an adult handles the halter and hoof picking, for school-age kids add mane/tail combing (steps 9–10) with guidance, and for teens practice the quick-release knot and more of the inspection and sponge/towel cleaning (steps 2–6 and 11) under supervision.

How can we extend or personalize the grooming activity after finishing and sharing on DIY.org?

Turn it into a project by making a labeled grooming kit with decorated brushes, keeping a simple checklist of cuts or bumps found in step 4 and step 11, taking before-and-after photos plus a short story for DIY.org, and adding a safe ribbon or personalized halter tag to show your finished groom.

Watch videos on how to Groom Your Horse

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

How to Brush and Groom a Horse Properly 🐴 | Horse Care Tutorial for Beginners

4 Videos

Facts about horse care for kids

🧽 Brushing a horse for 10–15 minutes spreads natural oils and can make its coat visibly shinier.

🤝 Grooming raises oxytocin (the bonding hormone) in both horse and human, helping build trust and calm.

🐴 Horses can doze standing up using a special "stay apparatus", but they need to lie down for deep REM sleep.

🦶 Picking out hooves daily helps prevent infections like thrush and keeps the horse comfortable when walking.

🔎 Regular grooming lets you spot small cuts, ticks, or swelling early so they can be treated quickly.

How do you safely groom a horse?

To safely groom a horse, first approach calmly and let the horse see and sniff you. Secure the horse with a halter and lead rope or have an adult hold it. Stand at the shoulder, not behind. Use a curry comb in circular motions to loosen dirt, follow with a stiff dandy brush to flick away debris, then a soft brush to smooth the coat. Use a hoof pick from heel to toe, comb the mane and tail gently, and check for cuts or swelling. Keep adult supervision at every step.

What materials do I need to groom a horse?

You'll need a basic grooming kit: a halter and lead rope, a rubber curry or grooming mitt, a stiff (dandy) brush, a soft finishing brush, a mane-and-tail comb or brush, a hoof pick, clean towels or sponge, and a bucket of water. Optional items: detangler, fly spray, clipper comb, hoof oil, and a small first-aid kit. Use horse-safe products only and store tools in a tote so children can access items safely with adult supervision.

What ages is horse grooming suitable for?

Grooming is suitable for children as young as about 5 with one-on-one adult supervision, doing simple tasks like petting and brushing. Ages 8–12 can handle most grooming steps (curry comb, brushing, mane combing, and hoof picking) with close guidance. Teenagers can work more independently after training. Adjust tasks to the child's size, strength, and attention span, and ensure they understand safety rules. Always assess maturity rather than age alone.

What are the benefits and safety tips for children grooming horses?

Benefits of horse grooming include building responsibility, confidence, fine motor skills, and stronger bonds between child and horse. It helps children learn to spot injuries or hoof problems early. Safety tips: always wear closed-toe shoes, tie back long hair, work at the shoulder, never stand directly behind the horse, speak calmly, move slowly, and have an adult hold or tie the horse. Keep a basic first-aid kit nearby and review barn rules before starting.
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Groom Your Horse. Activities for Kids.