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There is a wealth of jargon used throughout the horse world. This is especially true when discussing equine body brushes, curry combs, hoof picks, and other grooming supplies. Learning this vocabulary allows you to better understand articles, event language, and what trainers, farriers, veterinarians, and other horse owners are saying. The following list of terms, while in no way comprehensive, contains |
some of the terms used to discuss horse grooming.
Banged Tail: A tail that has been trimmed level at the bottom, seen in dressage horses and hunters, but not in Arabians and western pleasure horses.
Bloom: Usually refers to hair that is clean and glossy, denoting a healthy appearance.
Body Brush: A large oval-shaped brush with a hand support strap which is used to remove dirt, dust, and dandruff from the horse's coat; the length of the bristles determines the stiffness of the brush.
Curry Comb: A round rubber utensil used in a circular motion to remove caked-on mud and improve circulation.
Dandy Brush: A brush with short, stiff bristles used only to remove caked-on mud.
Groom: To groom a horse is to clean and brush him. Groom also refers to a person who does this.
Grooming Kit: The various brushes, combs, and other equipment used to clean the horse's coat, mane, tail, and hooves.
Grooming: The process of cleaning and caring for a horse's skin and coat, including currying, brushing, and cleaning of the feet.
Hogged Mane: A mane that has been shaved close for its entire length. (See also roached mane.)
Hoof Pick: A metal pick used to remove debris from the hoof.
Mane and Tail Comb: Used to comb tangles out of the mane and tail.
Pulled Tail: Hairs of tail thinned by pulling.
Roached Mane: A mane that has been shaved close for its entire length. (See also hogged mane.)
Water Brush: A narrow brush with tapered ends and long, soft bristles which are used to clean sensitive and difficult areas such as the face, ears, and legs.
