Care Guide

Check Water

How often: Daily

Water is essential for health and energy.

1. Look: is the bucket full and clean?
2. Tell an adult if it’s empty or dirty.

Safety tip: Do not change water routines without permission.

Tools: Bucket

Quick Groom

How often: Daily

Removes dirt and helps you notice small changes.

1. Ask where it’s safe to tie or hold the horse.
2. Use brush order from your lesson.
3. End with a soft brush.

Safety tip: Keep one hand on the horse when moving around them.

Tools: Curry Comb, Dandy Brush, Body Brush

Check Hooves

How often: Daily

Hooves can collect rocks and mud that cause discomfort.

1. Look for rocks or packed mud.
2. Tell an adult if you see cracks, heat, or swelling.

Safety tip: Stay close to the horse’s side and follow your instructor’s hoof-picking steps.

Tools: Hoof Pick

Pick Hooves

How often: Before each ride

Clean hooves help the horse move comfortably.

1. Ask an instructor to confirm the safe position.
2. Pick from heel toward toe.
3. Avoid poking the frog.

Safety tip: Never sit under the horse. Stay balanced and ready to step away.

Tools: Hoof Pick

Quick Tack Wipe

How often: After each ride

Sweat and dirt can damage tack over time.

1. Wipe off sweat and dirt with a damp cloth.
2. Hang tack neatly in the right place.

Safety tip: Ask before using soaps or conditioners.

Tools: Tack Cloth

Cool Down Walk

How often: After each ride

Helps the horse return to a calm breathing rate.

1. Walk on a loose rein (with instructor guidance).
2. Check breathing and sweat.
3. Offer water when allowed.

Safety tip: Always follow your instructor’s instructions.

Lower Leg Hair Care

How often: Weekly

Keeping lower legs clean helps prevent irritation.

1. Brush gently from top to bottom.
2. Check for mud stuck near the hoof.

Safety tip: Stay out of kicking range and move slowly.

Tools: Body Brush

Mane & Tail Care

How often: Weekly

Keeps hair comfortable and reduces tangles.

1. Start at the bottom of the hair.
2. Hold a section so you don’t pull.
3. Use a mane comb gently.

Safety tip: Avoid standing directly behind the horse.

Tools: Mane Comb

Before You Meet a Horse

• ☐Closed-toe boots (ask your instructor)
• ☐No loose strings or dangling scarves
• ☐Calm voice and slow steps

Grooming Kit (Basics)

• ☐Curry comb
• ☐Dandy brush
• ☐Body brush
• ☐Hoof pick
• ☐Mane comb

Before Riding

• ☐Helmet fits and is buckled
• ☐Stirrups even
• ☐Girth checked with instructor
• ☐Hooves picked

After Riding

• ☐Cool down at walk
• ☐Untack with help
• ☐Quick groom
• ☐Put gear away neatly

Show Day Packing List (Starter)

• ☐Helmet
• ☐Boots
• ☐Gloves (optional)
• ☐Extra hair ties
• ☐Water bottle
• ☐Brushes

Trail Ride Checklist

• ☐Helmet
• ☐Tell an adult where you’re going
• ☐Safe spacing in a group
• ☐Check tack before leaving