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Premier Equine / Horse Care Notes / 02The difference is in what you notice.A clear, horse-first routine for picking out hooves, spotting changes and making confident day-to-day decisions on the yard.HORSE CARE HOOF CLEANING THE EVERYDAY YARD ROUTINEThe Premier Equine Soft-Touch Hoof Pick. A small part of a daily routine that offers a valuable opportunity to check each foot.First, the answerWhether you are checking a horse before a hack, after turnout or during an evening yard round, the useful question is the same: what has changed since the last check? This guide takes you through the technique, the signs to recognise and the practical next steps.How do you clean a horse's hooves safely?Secure your horse safely, ask for one foot at a time, and support it in a comfortable position. Use a hoof pick from heel towards toe, working carefully in the grooves beside the frog rather than digging into the frog itself. Remove loose stones and packed dirt, then inspect the sole, frog, hoof wall and shoe if fitted. Lower the foot gently and repeat for all four.The British Horse Society recommends picking out hooves at least once a day, even if the horse has not been ridden.01 Observe02 Lift safely03 Pick out04 Inspect05 RecheckThe Premier Equine approach: observe, choose, check.Observe how your horse stands and moves. Choose the right tool and a safe handling position. Check the foot once the debris has been removed. The aim is a consistent, thoughtful routine that suits the horse in front of you.In this guideWhy daily hoof checks matterHow to pick out each footWhat to inspectChoosing a hoof pickWhen to call for helpDaily hoof checklistReal yard situations01 / Begin with the horseWhy cleaning hooves is part of everyday horse careA hoof pick removes stones, packed mud and bedding. More importantly, cleaning gives you a clear view of parts of the hoof that are otherwise hidden. It is an opportunity to notice a damaged frog, a change in the sole, a loose shoe or a new area of sensitivity.Premier Equine | Everyday care principleLook at the horse before looking at the hoof. A clean sole is useful, but the horse's willingness to stand, lift a leg and walk comfortably gives context to what you see underneath the foot.Daily familiarity matters. A horse that lifts a particular foot normally but resists today deserves attention, even before you can see an obvious problem.Every horse has a normal. The way yours places its feet, the ease with which it lifts each leg, and the appearance of the hooves should become familiar through regular handling. A change in any of these can matter more than whether the hoof looks particularly muddy.Premier Equine / Care is in the detailProfessional racing heritage. Practical care on every yard.That heritage informs the way we present everyday care: establish a consistent routine, pay attention to changes and let the individual horse guide the next step. This editorial method is a practical guide for owners, not a substitute for a hands-on assessment by a vet or registered farrier.That principle translates to ordinary yard life: make the check repeatable, notice what has changed and respond to the individual horse. A useful daily routine should work before a competition, before a hack and on a quiet day in the field.The check is relevant for both shod and barefoot horses. Neither arrangement removes the need to inspect the feet. Hoof trimming or shoeing should follow an individual plan with your registered farrier.02 / The daily methodHow to pick out a horse's hooves, step by stepWork in a familiar, level space with secure footing. If you are new to handling hooves, learn the technique beside a competent instructor or experienced handler before doing it alone.01Observe your horse before lifting a footLook at how your horse is standing and moving. Notice any reluctance to bear weight, unusual heat or swelling in the lower limb, or a change in behaviour. If the horse is visibly lame, very uncomfortable or unwilling to weight-bear, stop the routine and seek veterinary advice.02Position yourself and ask for the footSecure the horse appropriately or ask a competent person to hold it. Stand close beside the horse and stay aware of its balance and movement. Gently signal down the leg before asking for the foot; support it comfortably without twisting the limb. Do not crouch beneath the horse or place yourself where you cannot move safely. If you are inexperienced or the horse is unsettled, ask a qualified or experienced handler to show you.03Remove packed debris from heel towards toeUse the pick carefully, starting at the heel and moving towards the toe. Clear the grooves either side of the frog, avoiding direct digging or sharp pressure into the frog itself. Remove loose stones, mud and other material. Do not force the pick into a deep or suspicious area.04Brush away remaining loose dirtIf needed, use an appropriate hoof brush to sweep away fine debris so you can see the sole, frog and hoof wall clearly. A pick does the main clearing work; a brush helps with the final inspection. Keep the action gentle if the hoof is sensitive or damaged.05Inspect, then lower the foot carefullyTake a moment to compare the appearance of the sole, frog, wall and, where fitted, the shoe with what is usual for this horse. Support the foot as it comes down so the horse can regain its balance. Repeat for the remaining feet in a consistent order so that none are missed.If a nail, screw or sharp object is embedded in the hoofDo not pull it out. Keep the horse as still as safely possible and call your vet immediately. Penetrating hoof injuries can involve deeper structures, and removing the object without veterinary guidance may make assessment or treatment harder. See the BHS advice on hoof penetration injuries.03 / Read the hoof, not just the surfaceWhat should you check after picking out a hoof?The underside of a hoof has several important structures. The sole is the underside of the foot; the frog is the softer triangular structure towards the heels; the hoof wall forms the outer edge. The grooves beside the frog can hold packed dirt and small stones.Frog & groovesLook for an unusual smell, discharge, soreness or damaged tissue.SoleLook for stones, bruising, punctures or an unfamiliar sensitive area.Hoof wallNotice new cracks, broken edges or other changes in appearance.Fitted shoeCheck for obvious movement, damage, worn shoes or raised clenches.Do not try to diagnose a hoof problem from one sign alone. A foul smell and dark discharge around the frog may raise concern about thrush, while a new change in movement may have several possible causes. Recognising a change and choosing the right next step is more useful than guessing at its cause.For signs of thrush and appropriate professional support, see the BHS guide to thrush.Shod or barefoot: what changes in the check?Both need daily picking out and regular farrier care. The points of attention differ slightly.Shod horseBarefoot horseCheck whether the shoe appears secure. Look for raised clenches, shifting or damage, as well as trapped stones.Look for new chips, splits or changes to the hoof wall and sole, as well as trapped stones.Both: inspect the frog, grooves, sole, comfort and movement. Follow your registered farrier's individual trimming or shoeing plan.04 / Tools with a purposeWhich hoof pick is right for everyday care?Choose a hoof pick that feels secure in your hand, particularly in wet conditions, and that lets you clear debris with controlled movements. Some designs combine a pick with a small brush. That may be convenient if you prefer to clean and inspect a foot with one tool. Others are simple, straightforward picks for everyday yard use.Premier Equine offers different hoof-care tools, each with a clear role. The choice comes down to your grip preference and the job you need the tool to do.Soft-Touch Hoof PickA simple hoof pick with a soft-touch handle designed for a comfortable, secure grip. A practical choice for clearing mud and stones during everyday checks.Explore the hoof pick Ergonomic Hoof PickCombines a steel pick and a small brush with an ergonomic handle. Useful when you want to remove packed material and then clear the remaining fine dirt.Explore pick and brush Soft-Touch Hoof BrushA separate brush with synthetic bristles and an ergonomic rubber handle. Useful for clearing surface mud and dust after picking out the hoof.Explore the hoof brush Part of the wider care routineOne hoof pick. One wider grooming routine.The Premier Equine 9-Piece Soft-Touch Grooming Kit includes a hoof pick alongside brushes and other everyday grooming tools. It may suit owners who prefer their daily care essentials organised as a set.Use the hoof pick for hoof checks; use the coat and mane tools for their separate purposes. The right routine matters more than the number of items in your grooming kit.Explore the 9-piece grooming kitTo compare other designs and colours, browse Premier Equine grooming kit accessories.05 / Make it part of the yardHow often should you pick out your horse's hooves?At least once daily, whether your horse is barefoot or shod. Add a check before riding, when a trapped stone or damaged shoe could cause problems during exercise, and again afterwards if the horse has been working on stony, muddy or uneven ground.Morning / first checkObserve movement, lift each foot and clear mud or bedding. Notice any change from yesterday.Before & after ridingCheck for stones, packed debris and obvious shoe problems. Recheck after work, especially on challenging ground.Evening / final checkWhere practical, revisit the feet alongside the wider condition check and ensure the horse has a suitable, clean place to stand.Wet fields, dry weather and individual horsesWet or muddy conditionsExpect more packed debris and inspect the frog and grooves carefully. Give the horse access to a cleaner, drier standing area where possible. Persistent moisture and dirty conditions can contribute to hoof problems, including thrush.Dry, hard conditionsNotice cracks, chips or signs of tenderness as the environment changes. Do not automatically add hoof dressings or change trimming intervals. Ask your farrier what is suitable for your horse and its working surface.A practical yard handoverUseful note: Tuesday morning, left fore: small new crack visible on outer wall. Horse walking normally. Photograph taken, farrier contacted. Recheck at evening yard round.This is an example of how to record a finding, not a report of a real PE horse. A clear note records the foot, the change, the horse's comfort and the next action.For lower-leg care during muddy turnout, see the separate Premier Equine guide to turnout boots and mud fever boots. Hoof picking and lower-leg protection answer different needs, so check both when conditions require it.06 / Every horse. Every day.Four everyday yard situations, and what to do nextThe same hoof-picking technique applies across many routines. The important difference is what you pay attention to afterwards. These examples are practical scenarios, not accounts of individual horses treated or assessed by Premier Equine.After muddy turnoutThe frog is packed with wet mudClear loose debris carefully, then inspect the grooves around the frog. Note any unusual smell, discharge, soreness or damaged tissue.The extra decision: consider whether the horse has access to a suitable cleaner, drier standing area. Persistent wet conditions can contribute to problems such as thrush.Before or after a hackYou find a stone in the footRemove a loose stone gently if it can be cleared without force, then inspect the sole. For a shod horse, look at the shoe and its security.The extra decision: if the horse remains lame, sensitive or uncomfortable, stop and seek veterinary advice rather than assuming the stone explains everything.At the start of a routineYour horse suddenly resists lifting one footCheck whether the horse is balanced and comfortable. Do not tug on the leg or repeatedly force the foot up.The extra decision: a new, persistent change may indicate pain. Ask an experienced handler for safe handling support and involve your vet if lameness or other signs of illness are present.Between farrier visitsYou notice a new crack or loose shoeRecord what you see, including which foot is affected. If safe, a clear photograph may help you explain the change to your farrier.The extra decision: do not continue riding with a loose or damaged shoe, or wait automatically for the next planned appointment. Speak to your farrier; seek veterinary advice for pain or lameness.A good daily check ends with a clear decision: carry on, monitor a change, speak to your farrier or call your vet.07 / Recognise a changeWhen should you call your farrier or vet?Hoof cleaning is a check, not a treatment. If something is wrong, use what you observe to decide whether the next step is a farrier visit, veterinary advice or urgent veterinary attention.What you noticeWhat to doA loose or damaged shoeAvoid riding and speak to your farrier about the next step. Do not try to make improvised repairs.New crack or repeated chippingRecord the change and ask your farrier to assess hoof condition and balance.Strong odour, discharge or sore frogNote what you see and ask your farrier to assess the change, sooner if it is new or worsening. Seek veterinary advice if the horse is lame or painful.Marked lameness, severe pain or inability to bear weightStop the activity and seek urgent veterinary advice.A nail, screw or sharp object embedded in the footLeave it in place, keep the horse still where safe and call your vet immediately.If a horse repeatedly refuses to lift a particular foot, first consider whether it is struggling to balance or is uncomfortable. Do not force the leg. An experienced handler or appropriate professional can help you work out a safe next step.08 / Keep the habitThe Premier Equine daily hoof checkA simple, repeatable checklist makes it easier to notice the small changes. Adjust it to your horse and the conditions on your yard.Observe how your horse stands and moves before handling the feet.Lift and support each foot safely. Never force an uncomfortable position.Pick out all four hooves from heel towards toe, avoiding the frog.Check the frog, grooves, sole, outer wall and fitted shoes where applicable.Notice new cracks, odour, discharge, heat, pain or changes in movement.Check again around exercise and record concerns for the appropriate professional.Regular visits from a registered farrier remain an essential part of hoof care. The frequency of trimming or shoeing should reflect your horse's needs, not a universal calendar rule.09 / Common questionsQuestions horse owners ask about hoof cleaningShould you pick out hooves before or after riding?Both are useful. Before riding, check for debris and shoe problems. Afterwards, remove anything picked up during exercise and look for changes, especially after riding on stony or muddy ground.Can you damage the frog with a hoof pick?Yes, sharp or excessive pressure can injure sensitive tissue. Clear the grooves beside the frog carefully, working heel to toe. Never dig into a sore or damaged area.Do barefoot horses need their hooves picked out?Yes. Stones, mud and debris can collect in barefoot hooves, too. Regular inspection and a farrier-led trimming plan remain important.What if my horse will not lift a hoof?Check whether the horse is balanced and comfortable. Avoid pulling or forcing the foot. Seek help from a competent handler; reluctance linked to pain or lameness requires appropriate professional assessment.Does picking out a hoof prevent thrush?Daily cleaning can reduce packed debris and help you recognise changes early. Thrush also relates to hoof condition and environment, so good hygiene, suitable footing and professional advice are important.Should you wash your horse's hooves with water every day?For routine checks, picking out loose debris is usually the priority. Hosing is not automatically required every day. If you wash the feet, consider the horse's skin and the conditions underfoot, and avoid prolonged exposure to wet, dirty standing areas. Ask your farrier about any individual hoof-care needs.Do hoof dressings replace daily cleaning?No. A dressing does not remove stones or reveal changes in the sole and frog. Whether a hoof dressing is appropriate depends on the individual horse and its environment. Ask your farrier before adding one simply because the weather has changed.Premier Equine / Horse Care NotesNotice the detail. Care for the horse in front of you.Thoughtful hoof care starts with a safe routine, a suitable tool and the habit of checking what has changed. The same principle belongs on every yard, whether your horse is in training, in regular work or enjoying quieter days.Explore hoof picks, grooming tools and everyday yard essentials within the Premier Equine range.Explore Grooming & Yard EquipmentHow this guide was preparedThis Premier Equine Horse Care Note brings together published British Horse Society hoof-care guidance and verified Premier Equine product information. The everyday yard examples help explain what to check and when to seek advice. For individual concerns, speak to your farrier or vet.Further reading and horse welfare guidance:British Horse Society: Essential care for your horse's hooves BHS: Hoof penetration injuries BHS: Thrush Blue Cross: Essential hoof care.General care guidance. Seek individual advice from your registered farrier or veterinary surgeon for suspected injury, disease or lameness.

Premier Equine / Horse Care Notes / 01 A better grooming routine starts with knowing your horse. How to groom a horse, step by step. The everyday checks, the right tools and the small details that matter before and after a ride. HORSE CARE GROOMING EVERYDAY YARD ROUTINE Premier Equine Soft-Touch 9-Piece Grooming Kit. Each tool has a different role in the routine. First, the answer How do you groom a horse properly? Start by observing your horse and securing them safely. Remove loose mud and hair with a suitable curry comb and dandy brush, use a softer body brush to finish the coat, gently tidy the mane and tail, then pick out and inspect all four hooves. Before riding, check the areas under the saddle and girth carefully. Adapt the pressure and tools to your horse's coat, sensitivity and condition. 01 Observe & prepare 02 Loosen dirt 03 Brush & finish 04 Mane, tail & hooves 05 Recheck before tack The Premier Equine approach: observe, choose, check. Good grooming begins with the horse in front of you. Look for what has changed, select a tool that suits the job, and check how your horse responds. A tidy coat is useful, but the information you gain while handling your horse is just as important. 01 / Horse-first care Why grooming is part of the daily health check Grooming removes surface dirt, dried sweat and loose hair. It also gives you time to feel along the body and notice differences in the skin, coat and muscles. A horse that normally enjoys a brush but suddenly resents contact around the back or girth is telling you something worth investigating. Look for cuts, swellings, heat, rub marks, changes in the coat and unusual sensitivity. Check beneath rugs as well as around the saddle, girth and leg-boot areas. Observe your horse standing and walking as part of the wider daily check. Premier Equine / Why the detail matters From professional racing roots to everyday horse care Premier Equine's founders worked professionally in horse racing, where daily preparation and close attention to a horse's condition formed part of the routine. That heritage still informs the brand's focus on considered equipment, fit and practical horse care. The useful lesson for any owner is simple: notice the small changes before they become easy to miss. Check how your horse moves, responds to touch and accepts tack. Then choose the grooming tool and pressure that suit the horse in front of you. Read more about Premier Equine's heritage and approach. There is no fixed length for a useful grooming session. A horse living out in a natural winter coat may need careful, targeted cleaning rather than a long all-over brush. A clipped horse with a finer coat may benefit from softer tools and lighter pressure. The approach should change with the horse, the weather and the work planned. For wider lower-leg management in wet weather, see our separate guide to turnout boots and mud fever boots. 02 / Choose the tool by the task Which grooming brushes should you use? Different grooming tools solve different problems. A curry comb helps loosen dried dirt on suitable areas. A dandy brush lifts it away. A softer body brush deals with finer dust. Hoof picks and mane brushes have their own distinct jobs. Buying a complete set is convenient, but understanding what each tool does is what makes the set useful. Rubber curry combLoosens dried dirt and shedding hair on suitable, well-muscled areas. Use lightly and avoid the face, bony points or sore skin.View rubber curry comb Long-bristled dandy brushBrushes loose mud and hair from the coat. Adjust pressure and avoid stiff bristles on thin-skinned or sensitive areas.View dandy brush Soft-Touch body brushUses soft bristles for finer dust and a neater finish. Useful when a gentler pass is needed after removing heavier dirt.View body brush Mane & tail brushFor gradual detangling. Separate the hair first and work upwards from the ends to avoid pulling or unnecessary breakage.View mane & tail brush Soft-Touch hoof pickRemoves stones and packed debris while you inspect the hoof. Work carefully around the frog and other sensitive structures.View hoof pick Flexi massage brushFlexible rubber nodules help lift loose hair and surface dirt. Use light pressure and follow the horse's response.View flexi massage brush Want to compare the wider range? Explore Premier Equine horse grooming brushes. 03 / The daily method How to groom a horse, step by step Use the following order as a practical starting point. Change it where your horse's needs, the condition of the coat or safe handling require a different approach. 01Observe first. Then secure your horse.Before reaching for a brush, check behaviour, posture and movement. Work in a safe area with good footing. Tie your horse with an appropriate quick-release arrangement, or use a competent handler where needed. Never leave a tied horse unattended. If your horse shows pain, marked distress or sudden abnormal behaviour, deal with that concern before grooming. 02Loosen dried mud and shedding hair.Use a rubber curry comb on suitable areas of the body, with controlled, gentle movements. It can be useful for loosened winter coat and dry dirt. Avoid the head, spine, prominent bony areas and irritated skin. If the coat or skin is sensitive, use a softer alternative or skip this stage. 03Brush away loose debris.Follow with a dandy brush to lift dirt from the coat. Work mainly with the direction of the hair. A firm brush can be useful on a thick, muddy coat, but should be used sparingly or avoided on thin-skinned areas. If mud is heavily packed around the lower legs, take particular care not to rub or damage the skin underneath. 04Use a softer brush for the finish.Move to a body brush for finer dust and a smoother coat. Pay attention to the areas beneath the saddle, pad and girth. Dirt or dried sweat here can contribute to friction during riding. Clean the surface gently and check that there is no soreness before putting on tack. 05Tidy the face, mane and tail carefully.Use an appropriately soft brush or cloth for the face, avoiding the eyes and other sensitive areas. For the mane and tail, separate tangles with your fingers, then brush from the ends upwards in small sections. Do not pull through tight knots. Check for rubbing around the poll, mane, dock and where a rug or hood may sit. 06Pick out and assess the hooves.Lift and support each foot using safe handling techniques. Remove loose stones and packed dirt, working carefully around the frog. Look for damage, an unusual smell, a loose shoe or signs of discomfort. Ask an experienced handler for help if you are not confident. If an object is embedded in the sole or frog, do not pull it out: contact your vet urgently for advice. 07Recheck before riding.Before tacking up, make a deliberate final check of the areas most likely to come into contact with equipment. If you notice pain, damage or a change in movement, stop and arrange appropriate advice before riding.Back & withers Any soreness, rubbing or trapped dirt?Girth area Clean, dry enough for tack and comfortable?Shoulders Any pressure marks or rubbing from rugs?Legs Any cuts, heat, swelling or sensitive skin?Hooves Free from packed stones, debris and obvious damage? 04 / Make it work on a real yard What should change before and after riding? Before a rideObserve the horse and check its general condition.Clean the saddle and girth areas thoroughly but gently.Check the hooves and remove debris.Look for rubbing where boots or other equipment may sit.Make sure the coat and skin are suitable for tack. After a rideCheck for rub marks, heat, swelling or injuries.Remove sweat and dirt as needed.Pick out the hooves after work, particularly on stony ground.If you wash the horse, remove excess water appropriately and consider drying needs.Clean and put away used tools and tack. In wet weather, protect the skin.Repeated scrubbing or unnecessary washing of muddy lower legs may irritate vulnerable skin. Where practical, let mud dry and remove it gently, while still checking for soreness and signs of a developing skin problem. If the skin is broken, hot, swollen or painful, seek veterinary advice rather than treating grooming as a solution. 05 / Everyday, not just show day How often should you groom your horse? Every horse needs daily observation and appropriate routine care. That does not always mean a full, prolonged grooming session. The level of brushing should be guided by coat condition, whether the horse is ridden, its living arrangements and any particular sensitivities. Different horse, different grooming decision Use the condition of the coat and skin to guide your approach. The same set of brushes may be useful across several situations, but the order, pressure and amount of grooming should change. After muddy turnoutCheck the skin first. If mud is dry and loose, remove it gently with a suitable brush. Avoid forceful scrubbing, particularly on vulnerable lower legs. Clipped or sensitive coatChoose softer bristles and lighter pressure. Watch for discomfort or redness; do not assume a firm dandy brush suits every horse. After exerciseCheck for rubbing and unusual sensitivity, then remove sweat and dirt as appropriate. If washing, consider the conditions needed for the horse to dry comfortably. Our daily question: what does this horse need today?A full competition finish and a quiet field-day check can look different. Both should start with observing the horse and end with making sure it is comfortable. If a new problem is found, prioritise the horse over finishing the grooming routine. 06 / A practical PE example Building a grooming kit that makes sense The best kit is one that makes the routine easier to follow. Start with the jobs you actually do: loosening dirt, brushing the coat, tending the mane and tail, picking out hooves, and dealing with water after washing. Keep tools clean and easy to find. Premier Equine / Product focus Soft-Touch 9-Piece Grooming Kit The set brings together a body brush, long-bristled and large dandy brushes, face brush, mane and tail brush, rubber curry comb, hoof pick, bucket brush and sweat scraper. That covers the main parts of a typical grooming routine. The bucket brush is for cleaning yard equipment, while the sweat scraper is used to remove excess water after washing. Choose how and when each tool is used according to your horse. Explore the 9-piece grooming kit Keep the tools as well as the horse clean Remove trapped hair and dirt from brushes after use. Wash equipment when needed, rinse away cleaning products where appropriate and allow it to dry properly before storage. Take extra care with equipment used on horses with suspected contagious skin problems; avoid sharing tools until appropriate advice has been followed. Good storage helps avoid a frantic search for a missing hoof pick and makes it easier to notice damaged tools before the next use. Compare grooming kits and bags if you are assembling or replacing a set. 07 / Small details, better care Common grooming mistakes worth avoiding Using one brush everywhere. Bristle firmness and pressure should change between the body, face and sensitive areas. Brushing over pain or irritation. A horse reacting strongly to touch deserves closer attention rather than more pressure. Forgetting the tack contact points. Check the saddle, girth and leg areas before exercise. Rushing the feet. Hoof care deserves its own daily check even when you are short of time. Putting dirty brushes back into the bag. Tool hygiene matters, especially where equipment may be used on more than one horse. Treating grooming as a substitute for professional care. Persistent sensitivity, skin changes, lameness or swelling may need a farrier or veterinary assessment. 08 / Knowing when to stop When grooming reveals something that needs attention Grooming is a useful opportunity to notice changes. It cannot tell you exactly why a horse is sore or behaving differently. If your horse flinches repeatedly in one area, shows unusual heat or swelling, has broken skin, or is moving abnormally, avoid brushing over the area or putting tack on it. Pause the routine and seek advice from your vet or another appropriately qualified professional according to the signs. For sudden lameness, marked pain or severe swelling, seek veterinary advice promptly. A farrier is the right professional for routine hoof balance and shoeing, while suspected injury or disease should be assessed by a vet. 09 / Questions from the yard Horse grooming questions, answered What is the correct order to groom a horse?Observe and secure the horse first. Loosen suitable dried dirt with a curry comb, remove debris with a dandy brush and finish with a softer brush. Gently care for the mane and tail, check and pick out the hooves, and inspect tack contact areas. Adapt the order to the horse and the condition of the coat. Should you groom a horse every day?Daily observation and basic condition and hoof checks are important. The amount of brushing needed varies. A horse with a clean natural coat may need less intensive grooming than one being prepared to ride or compete. Can you use a curry comb on a horse's face?A rubber curry comb is generally intended for suitable areas of the body. Avoid using it on the face, bony points or sore skin. Use an appropriately soft brush or cloth for sensitive areas and follow the horse's response. How do you groom a muddy horse in winter?Let surface mud dry where practical, then remove it gently with a suitable brush. Pay close attention to the skin, particularly around the lower legs and places covered by tack or rugs. Avoid aggressive brushing or repeated washing that may irritate the skin. Which grooming tools are essential for a beginner?A suitable body brush, dandy brush, curry comb, mane and tail brush, hoof pick and basic cleaning tools cover most everyday needs. Match the tools to your horse's sensitivity and environment. A complete grooming kit can help keep the essentials together. Premier Equine / Grooming & Yard Care starts with the details you notice. A good routine is calm, consistent and suited to the individual horse. Choose equipment that helps you do each job properly, then keep checking how your horse responds, day after day. Explore grooming & yard equipment About this guide: This is practical horse-care guidance for everyday owners, informed by Premier Equine's published heritage and product information, with independent horse-welfare reading from the British Horse Society. It does not replace individual veterinary advice. Further reading: British Horse Society Stage 1 Care Syllabus (routine grooming and horse handling) and British Horse Society Hoof Care. Use qualified veterinary or farriery advice when a specific condition requires assessment.

Nations Cup glory too, with Burke, Brennan and Derwin among individual winnersCiaran Nallon was a five-star winner this week at Rabats closing leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour, during which he has been a consistently high achiever this year.The Mayo man also helped his team to second in the last Global Champions League competition, with his team, Riesenbeck International having already bagged the overall title.There were a number of other strong performances from Irish riders in top level competition, with Denis Lynch in particular maintaining his stunning consistency to place second in Sundays Grand Prix and finish third overall in the individual standings.The Tipperary rider and Kildare native, Mikey Pender joined forces to finish third in the team contest and ensured that they would also take the bronze position in the overall standings.At Lyons World Cup show, Mark McAuley posted two top-four results, including a brilliant third-place return in the Equita Masters and a fourth in the Grand Prix.Elsewhere, Galwegian Jessica Burke was a dramatic winner of the three-star Grand Prix in Vejer de la Frontera, where Westmeath athlete, Francis Derwin was a two-star victor.The highlight for the Irish, however, was the duo joining forces with Dermott Lennon and Tom Wachman to win the Nations Cup for third year in a row, and the first under the stewardship of Jessica Krten.Meanwhile, also in Spain, Kilkenny pilot, Eoin Brennan, scored at two-star level in Oliva.Nallon delivered his sensational victory aboard Christians Carado, owned by Beerbaum Stables, in Saturdays 1.50m Prix Ministre de la Jeunesse, de la Culture et des Sports, holding off a star-studded field in Rabat.First to enter the arena in an 11-horse jump-off, the Ballymacredmond rider and his talented horse (below and top) attacked the course with gusto, without compromising their accuracy. The pair set a blistering time of 39.65 seconds, which in conjunction with a flawless clear would prove impossible to beat. Some were quicker but could not navigate all the obstacles. Those that left the rails in place were not quick enough.Italys Emanuele Gaudiano was the nearest challenger, with Nikolaj de Music. Producing another exceptional clear, Gaudiano stopped the clock in 40.26 seconds, just 0.61 behind the winner, to secure second place. Germanys Christian Ahlmann was third with Diamantino.I honestly wasnt expecting this at all, so it makes the win even more special, said a smiling Nallon.To go first in the jump-off against so many incredible riders, you never really think your time is going to be enough, so I was just hoping Id done enough to be competitive. To watch everyone else come in and not quite catch us was an unbelievable feeling. It really means a lot to me, especially at this stage of my career, and Im so grateful to the whole team behind us that make moments like this possible.Rabat is an amazing event, the venue is incredible and the whole show is organised to such a high standard. To win here, against this level of competition, is something Ill remember for a very long time.Nallon was also a major contributor as Riesenbeck International finished second at the end of the two speed competitions, just ahead of the New York Empire team of Lynch and Pender.In the opening class, Nallon and Inglesias D.V. (EARL Global Dreams Stables & Jerome Lassime) jumped clear but picked up two time faults, and then, he came back out for the second class and went clear with Christians Carado.The New York Empire team spearheaded by Lynch and Pender took the bronze medal. Lynch had three time faults in the first speed class with Cordial (Onyx Consulting Y Tipperarys Finest) and followed up with a clear on his other 17-year-old marvel Brooklyn Heights. Pender made sure to keep the rails intact with two rounds of one time fault each on the Irish Sport Horse he owns and bred, Madgeslane Louis.Nallon was ecstatic with the overall victory for his German-based team.I honestly struggle to find the words to describe what this means to me, he declared. This year has been absolutely indescribable, and to be part of a team alongside some of the biggest names in our sport, and to have been able to contribute to their success along the way, is a dream come true. To ride alongside the best riders in the world, with the support of the best management team, is an incredible privilege. It has been a year I will never forget, and an experience I will carry with me for the rest of my life.Lynch was pleased also.First of all, we have had incredible support from our team owner, Georgina (Bloomberg), throughout the entire season, and that has been hugely important to us. Every single person in this team has a role to play, and everyone has given 150% from start to finish. I think this is our best championship result, certainly since I joined the team, so to finish third overall is something we can all be extremely proud of.Maintaining that level of focus and commitment throughout such a long season when everyone gives their absolute best, the results follow. I always compare it to a football team. You look to your left and to your right, and when you know you have great people beside you who are giving everything for the team, it makes all the difference. That is exactly the feeling we have at New York Empire, and I think that has been key to our success this year.Nallon threatened to take out another big prize when making the jump-off for Sundays lucrative Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Rabat, where he was joined in the battle for a share of the pot and the prestigious title by Lynch and Harry Allen.The jump-off went very wrong for Nallon and Iglesias D.V., however, and they finished ninth with 31 faults that included 23 time faults. That still earned more than 12,000 and it was a memorable week once more for the German-based rider.Lynch was the man who went closest to prompting a rendition of Amhrn na bhFiann in the Moroccan capital, guiding the remarkable Cordial (above) to the runner-up berth.The venerable stallion was fresh as a daisy in the jump-off and was one of only two horses to keep all the obstacles in place. And when the timers froze, the son of Casall and his Tipperary town pilot were just 11 hundredths of a second shy of the 201,993 pot won by Angelica Augustsson Zanotelli (SWE), with Iron Dames Calvino II de Nyze Z.However, their safe jumping was enough for another top-flight podium for the pairing, and the plum sum of more than 120,000.Christian Ahlmann (GER) and Untouched LB were third, having clocked the fastest time in the jump-off but with a rail down.Allen and Aloga Stables Edison de Hus were last to have a tilt at the eye-popping first prize but unfortunately also had four faults. The Enniscorthy athlete made sure to keep going forward , however, and their time was fast enough to claim a considerable share of the prize money in fourth.Finishing third overall was a reward for Lynchs support of the series, and consistency in it, since the begging of the year.First of all, a big thank you once again to Jan (Tops) and his entire team for what they have delivered here this weekend and all year. It really is incredible, and we are very lucky to be able to compete at events like this. For me, our goal from the beginning was the team, and when you are riding for a strong team and performing consistently, you naturally put yourself in a good position in the Grand Prix and the overall championship as well. Finishing third in the individual championship is really the icing on the cake.Of course, I have also been incredibly fortunate to have Cordial, who has been an unbelievable horse for me and so consistent throughout the season. He has played a huge part in everything we have achieved. Now we look ahead to Verona, and I think it is going to be very exciting. There are so many strong combinations heading into the Playoffs, and I am sure it will be another spectacular event, just as we have seen in Prague and Riyadh in previous years. I am really looking forward to it. I will be bringing my best horses, making sure I am on top of my own game and giving it absolutely everything.Mark McAuley (above) narrowly missed out on a podium in the Longines Grand Prix at Equita Lyon, guiding the exciting Clooney van Spalbeek Z (SCEA La Tuiliere) to the jump-off with a brilliant clear. Only Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) managed a double clear, with Hylanderhofs Saruschka, but the Irish combo recorded the second-fastest of seven scores of four faults to finish fourth.The pair edged their way onto the plinth 24 hours later, however, in the Equita Masters, the signature class at the Concours Hippique International. This was an incredibly competitive and rigorous class, in which no combination managed to record a tally of zero faults.McAuley and Clooney ensured they would make the top 13 progressing to the second round by being one of only there combinations to go clear first time around.There were lots of time faults, as riders chose a safety-first policy and this strategy continued as the final group returned minus two of the qualified bakers dozen.By the time McAuley and his nine-year-old entered the arena, it was home favourite Pnlope Leprvost who had the lead, she and Hileklaire Un Prince adding two time faults to the one registered in her opening outing, and significantly, a second round time of 53.97.As the penultimate athlete, the Louth man opted to ensure he avoided any jumping blemishes too, to secure what would be a magnificent podium in such a prestigious class with a young horse, and he was penalised three points for exceeding the time limit in 54.79.That had him in the silver medal position momentarily but Martin Fuchs (SUI) bumped him down a slot by getting the balance between jumping and time sufficiently right to claim victory, picking up one time fault on his first five-star outing with Fave dAuthuit.Unfortunately, McAuley also had time trouble in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup, as he and Rossi vd Hefflink (SCEA La Tuiliere) missed out on the jump-off by virtue of being 0.74 seconds outside the time allowed of 79, incurring one time fault.Frano Derwin and Parvati AEG, his own 11-year-old mare, are in a rich vein of form at present, and they made it a second victory in three shows in Fridays two-star speed class in Vejer de la Frontera.The Athlone equestrian and his fast chestnut were second of a whopping 93 contestants to take on the 1.45m test but one by one, they all fell by the wayside, failing to threaten the clear round in 62.31 posted by the duo.In the end, they had more than a second to spare from Briton Matthew Sampson, who guided his Michael Kelly-bred Irish Sport Horse, the Pacino gelding Latte Macchiato, around in 63.40.They would go on to finish fifth in Saturdays two-star Stephex Grand Prix, posting the quickest time in the jump-off but having a rail down to deny them victory.Also on Saturday, Jessica Burke stewarded BWE Windsor (ISH) to fourth in a three-star 1.50m jump-off class. It was a brilliant effort by the Brian McConville-owned-and-bred eight-year-old, who registered two excellent clear rounds and showed plenty of speed too to stop the timers in 28.92. Darragh Ryan and the nine-year-old As You Want Z (Mary Elle De Ruschi) also had a good class, finishing sixth after bagging a time that was an exact second slower than Burke.Burke brought the curtain down on the week with victory in the three-star Grand Prix, the Gort athlete launching a smash-and-grab effort in the three-star Andaluca Grand Prix (above).In the end, however, there was no doubting the dominance of the Galway native and Liam Nicholas Fly For You, when the smoke cleared.There were six combatants in the tiebreaker, having cleared the initial 16 jumping efforts, and Derwin and Flexi K were looking like the unluckiest of pairings, when they arrived and appeared to do everything right, but failed by just two hundredths of a second (35.36) to supplant Germanys Jens Wawrauschek and Mava S at the top of the rankings.Burke removed any lingering feelings of regret her compatriot might have felt, however, even if she bumped him down to third. The westerner and her 11-year-old mare were electric, and clean, and their time of 34.56 brought about an airing of the National Anthem and a joyous victory lap (below).By then, Burke and Derwin had joined forces with Dermott Lennon and Tom Wachman to win the three-star Nations Cup on Friday. It was the third year in succession for the Green Jackets to prevail, thanks to a cumulative tally of four faults.That was what they carried from the first round after a great start thanks to clean sheets from their individual winners during the week Derwin, with the Knightfield Stud-bred Irish Sport Horse Flexi K (Kerry Anne) and Burke with Billy Fern (Ballyward Equestrian), the latter duo ending up recording the fastest double clear of the event.Goolds Cross rider, Tom Wachman and Do It Easy (Coolmore Showjumping) had the drop score of the opening round, with Down native, Dermott Lennon providing the counting four faults with another Irish Sport Horse, the Gerrard Marron-bred Right On Time (ISH).They repeated that effort second time out but by then, Derwin and Flexi K, and Burke and Billy Fern had maintained perfection, and Wachman and Do It Easy also went clear to cement the victory in the Don Antonio arena.Friday turned out to be a red-letter day for Irish show jumping, as Eoin Brennan raised the Tricolour in Oliva with Augustus Z, owned and bred by his father Tim. The pair had more than two seconds in hand in the jump-off of the Grand Prix qualifier on the Mediterranean Equestrian Tour.The Kilkenny pilot excelled in the cockpit, as did the eight-year-old gelding in galloping to victory in Fridays GP Qualifier in the Oliva Nova arena. They never touched a pole in a consummate round of jumping, while displaying the easy athleticism so crucial in speed events.There were 71 participants but only one likely winner once the Irish pair(below) rocketed to a phenomenal time of 62.54, which was more than two seconds quicker than that recorded by the runner-up, Graham Babes (GBR) with Monks I Am Casall.The show ended with two Irish in the jump-off for the Grand Prix, and it is worth noting the performance of 73-year-old Belgooly maestro, Robert Splaine, the former national chef dquipe who guided Sarah Devines Laranco to seventh, after having a rail down in the jump-off. That placed him just ahead of Sligos Richard Howley, with Caprice dElle (Esm Equestrian)Conor Swail remained in Mexico for the three-star show in San Man Miguel de Allende, and Theo 160 (Mannon Farm) provided a silver medal on Thursday evening Irish time, just four days after his five-star heroics.There were nine clear rounds despite it being a fairly difficult test for , with an average of 6.4 faults per combination, and while six of those backed that up in the jump-off, the home win for Nicolas Pizarro, with Calua Blue PS, was dominant, via a time of 36.14. Theo and his Darragh Cross partner were second, in 37.45.There was another podium for Michael Duffy and Camina Z (Christoph Kuck) on Thursday, the duo repeating their runner-up return from last week by narrowly missing out on the top spot in a speed class at the two-star event in Riesenbeck.Hessel Hoekstra (NED) and Stargos VDL held the lead in the 1.45m class with a clear in 59.85 when the Turloughmore athlete trotted in with his nine-year-old grey stallion and they did everything bar snatch the major ribbon, stopping the clock a tenth of a second shy, in 59.95.Bertram Allen guided Danger 76 (Turn A Blind Eye) to third in Fridays Grand Prix Qualifier at the Peelbergen two-star show on Thursday. The 1.45m speed class was won by Giampiero Garofalo (ITA) with Kadessa Z, going clear in 65.35.Allen and his nine-year-old gelding were just under a second behind that standard in the EquiHome Arena, registering 66.34 to grab a significant share of the prize fund.BREEDINGMADGESLANE LOUIS (ISH) 2017 ch gelding by Luidam (KWPN) out of Madges Lane Karol (ISH) by Obos Quality 004 (OLDBG). Breeder: Michael Pender: Owner: Pender Sport Horses. Rider: Michael Pender (IRL)LATTE MACCHIATO (ISH) 2013 gelding by Pacino (BWP) out of Torboy Lady (ISH)[TIH] by Boherdeal Clover (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: Michael Kelly, Co. Longford. Owner: HMF Equestrian. Rider: Matthew Sampson (GBR).FLEXI K (ISH) 2013 gelding by Flex A Bill (ISH)[TIH] out of Deeply Dippy K (ISH) by Luidam (KWPN). Breeder: Knightfield Stud, Co Kildare. Owner: Kerry Anne LLC. Rider: Francis Derwin (IRL)KINMAR RIGHT ON TIME (ISH) 2017 br gelding by Aganix du Seigneur (SBS) out of Kinmar Dancing Queen (ISH) by Dancing Boy (ISH) Breeder: Gerry Marron, Corduff, Co Monaghan. Rider: Dermott Lennon (IRL)PHOTO CREDITSDenis Lynch/Ciaran Nallon: LGCTJessica Burke/Nations Cup: Moiss BasalloteEoin Brennan: METThe post Nallon nails it in Rabat appeared first on .

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A new independent Eventing Horse and Rider Safety Commission is to undertake a comprehensive review of safety across the sport, British Eventing (BE) has announced. In collaboration with the British Eventing Support Trust, the FEI and British Equestrian, BE is establishing The Commission, which will have a majority of independent members. The Commission will bring together expertise from within eventing alongside specialists from other sports, safety, welfare, medicine, research and risk management.This is bigger than any one organisation, said BE Chair Julia Mulligan. Eventing is delivered by a wide community of people and organisations, and we want this review to draw on that collective knowledge while also bringing in independent expertise and learning from outside the sport.The Commission must be prepared to ask difficult questions, follow the evidence and identify where meaningful change can be made.Reducing avoidable riskThe Commission will be chaired by Dame Caroline Spelman, former Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and a recent board member of the British Horse Society. Dame Caroline brings experience in senior leadership, governance, agriculture and the equestrian sector and will lead the Commission as it examines what more can be done to reduce avoidable risk to horses and riders.With over two decades of knowledge since the Hartington Report in April 2000 and in light of several recent serious incidents, the British Eventing Board said now is the right time for a broad, independent examination of safety and risk management across the sport.The review will take a sport-wide approach, looking at the systems, practices and culture that influence safety and identifying where progress can be made.I am pleased to have been asked to chair this important work, said Dame Caroline Spelman. My starting point will be to listen to those who know and understand eventing, to those responsible for delivering the sport and, crucially, to the evidence.The purpose of an independent review is to be prepared to ask difficult questions and test existing assumptions, while also recognising the considerable work that has already been undertaken to improve safety.No outcome has been predetermined. We will look carefully at the data, research and experience available to us, both within eventing and beyond it, and consider where further practical and proportionate improvements may be possible. Our focus throughout will be on learning and identifying what more can be done to reduce avoidable risk to horses and riders.Working for a safer futureEstablished in collaboration with the FEI, BEF and British Eventing Support Trust, the independent Commission will undertake an evidence-led examination of the systems, policies, practices and culture influencing safety across the sport.The review will also seek engagement and input from organisations across the wider eventing and equestrian community, including the British Horse Society, British Riding Clubs, The Pony Club and providers of unaffiliated eventing.Its purpose is not to reinvestigate individual incidents, determine liability or attribute blame, but to identify learning and opportunities for further improvement.Making eventing safer is a shared purpose, and the strongest progress will come from stakeholders working together across the whole sport, said Jim Eyre, Chief Executive of British Equestrian. British Equestrian fully supports this independent Commission and the ambition to bring organisations, experts and participants together around this critical goal.Significant work has already been undertaken to improve safety, including investment in research, course design and construction standards, frangible technology, education, medical and veterinary provision, ground preparation and rider education. The review provides an opportunity to examine that work objectively, understand where it is delivering positive results and challenge the whole sport to consider what more can be done.Our role is to support an open and thorough review, respecting the Commissions independence and freedom to reach its own conclusions, added Mr Eyre.By sharing evidence, listening to experiences from across the sport and evaluating current practice, recommendations will come that benefit horses and riders at every level for the generations to come.Lead image by ShutterstockRelated contentWhat to do if you fall off on a hackHow to care for your riding hat so that it offers maximum protection for your headBody protector or air jacket or both together? Expert explains the differencesCross-country fences most often associated with falls revealedThe post New eventing safety review must be prepared to ask difficult questions appeared first on Your Horse.

A new awards scheme has been launched to support veterinary students and new equine vets.The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) initiative has been funded by Professor Padraic (Paddy) Dixon MVB PhD FRCVS, a long-standing BEVA supporter celebrated for his pioneering work in equine dentistry and upper airway surgery. The Paddy Dixon Award Programme will provide financial support for BEVA members to attend recognised veterinary conferences in the UK and internationally, helping them to bring new knowledge and ideas back to the equine veterinary community. It is a privilege to have helped establish this prestigious award, said Professor Dixon. Investing in the new generation of equine vets is fundamental to advancing our profession. By supporting them as undergraduates and in the early stages of their careers, we can foster a lasting commitment to clinical excellence, continuous professional development and the highest standards of veterinary practice. Id hope that this award programme might, in some small way, help to shape confident, capable and accomplished vets who will make a meaningful contribution to the future of this wonderful profession.The awards categoriesProfessor Paddy Dixon is celebrated for his pioneering work in equine dentistry and upper airway surgeryThe programme comprises of The Student Travel Award, for BEVA members enrolled on an accredited veterinary degree programme, and The Early Career Travel Award, for qualified equine vets that are BEVA members, within their first four years after graduation.The programme has an annual budget of 10,000, shared between the two awards. There will be four application review points each year, with multiple awards available annually. Priority will be given to applicants presenting an abstract or poster, particularly in areas reflecting Professor Dixons clinical interests: equine dentistry, upper airway surgery, sinus surgery and maxillofacial surgery. The funding year will run annually from 1 November to 31 October, with the first year beginning in November 2026. Successful applicants will receive up to 1,500 towards conference attendance and travel.Paddy Dixon Session BEVA Congress Louis James-ParkerAlongside the travel awards, BEVA is introducing a Paddy Dixon Session at BEVA Congress 2027, which will focus on equine dentistry, upper airway surgery, sinus surgery and maxillofacial surgery.Thanks to Paddys outstanding generosity, our new Awards Programme opens up considerable opportunities for our members to build their knowledge and skills, said BEVA President Kate Blakeman. This, together with our new session at Congress next year, reflect a commitment to developing future generations of equine vets, supporting early-career research and strengthening the profession through continuing education and collaboration.To find out more visit The Paddy Dixon Travel Awards BEVA.Lead image by ShutterstockRelated content5 things your horses vet really wishes you wouldnt doThis is how to check a horses vital signs *VIDEO*Why are horses more prone to colic in the autumn? Vet answersBeware sycamore seeds this autumn: important vet advice about atypical myopathyThe post New scheme launched to support next generation of equine vets appeared first on Your Horse.

This week, a new fundraising project benefiting the Carolina Horse Park began in earnest and its a creative one: From October 31 to November 20, the Horse Park Foundation is seeking 2,206 donations of $20.26...

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The eventing season at Virginia Horse Center came to a close this weekend with the crowning of four new FEI champions, all with their own unique storylines. Featuring on the competition schedule as an end-season...