How should a grass-kept horse be properly groomed?

Grooming a grass-kept horse is essential for maintaining its health and comfort, and using a curry comb followed by a dandy brush is the best method for several reasons.

The curry comb is designed to loosen dirt, mud, and debris from the horse’s coat. Its rubber teeth effectively massage the skin and promote circulation, which is particularly important for a horse living in a natural setting where it may accumulate more dirt and dust. After using the curry comb, the dandy brush is employed to remove the loosened dirt and hair. This brush has stiffer bristles that can effectively flick away dust and debris, ensuring a clean coat.

Using only water and a sponge does not provide a thorough cleaning that horses need, especially those that may roll in the grass or mud. A body brush alone lacks the effectiveness of the curry comb in loosening dirt, making it less efficient for overall grooming. Relying on a vacuum is impractical for most horse owners and can also be stressful for the horse.

Thus, the combination of a curry comb followed by a dandy brush represents a standard and effective grooming routine that ensures the horse's coat remains healthy and clean.