Use a warm, clean sponge or rag to loosen and gently remove ocular discharge. | Photo: Michelle N. Anderson/The Horse

Elevate your grooming routine with these tips

Basic grooming skills are a key component of horse care. Most horse owners appreciate the value of a thorough grooming session: A curry comb loosens deep dirt and dander and encourages circulation; a dandy brush whisks away loosened crud; a soft finishing brush brings the coat’s natural oils to the surface for an eye-catching shine.

Grooming’s benefits extend beyond a sharp appearance and an invigorating massage. A daily pre-ride grooming provides competitive riders an opportunity to check for cuts, bumps, and even ticks. For recreational horse owners who might ride less frequently, grooming a few days a week is recommended for the same reasons.

“You can see if there is muscle soreness or heat,” says Max Corcoran, a freelance professional groom. She has worked for Olympians Karen and David O’Connor for 11 years and is on staff at the Equine Management Training Center, in Axton, Virginia