I opened the BHS complete Training Manual for Stage 1 stored on my Kindle to learn about the instruments that are necessary to groom a horse. So, it’s called “gooming kit” and it includes the following:
Water brush: Used to lay the mane and dampen the tail. It is also suitable for washing off manure stains.
Body brush: This brush with the soft and close-set bristles can be used on all body parts of stabled and thin-skinned horses, as well as manes and tails. But it is unsuitable for our equine friends living outside, to protect their warm and waterproof winter coat.
Used on unclipped or coarse-coated horses for the removal of mud and sweat. Not to be used on the horse’s head, bony parts, mane, tail or thin skin. It is also unsuitable for sensitive horses.
Tail comb: Used to pull the mane and tail. Unsuitable for brushing out the tail.
Mane comb: Used to comb out sections of the mane and as a tool for plaiting.
Plastic curry comb: Used to remove mud and sweat from horses with long coats. Unsuitable for horses that are sensitive or have a thin skin.
Rubber curry comb: Used to remove sweat and grease from a stabled horse. Also useful to remove the winter coat in spring.
Hoof oil and brush: It is used to oil the horse’s feet. This job should not be done every day, as the feet must be allowed to breathe.
Hoof pick: Made to remove mud from the horses hoof. It comes in various designs.
Hay wisp (or leather massage pad): Used to stimulate blood circulation and tone the musles. This activity is called “banging”.
Stable rubber: It is used in conjuction with the wisp for banging, or to remove excessive dirt and polish a stabled horse.
Sponges: At least two of them must be maintained. One for eyes and nose and one to clean the animal’s dock.
Sweat scraper: It is used to remove excess sweat or, after bathing, to remove excessive water.
Cactus cloth: A rough, cloth used in a similar way to a rubber curry comb.
Tail bandage: This elastic bandage is put on the horse’s tail after grooming, to make sure that the tail is kept tidy.
Metal curry comb: Used to clean the body brush, from grease and hairs. Never use it directly on the horse’s body!
All grooming instruments must be kept clean, to stop disease spreading.
Source: Islay Auty & Margaret Linington-Payne, “The BHS Complete Training Manual for Stage 1” (Official handbook), The British Horse Society, Kenilworth Press, 2012
