Stable/Field on clearance

Grooming: which brush for which step

The grooming follows a specific order. The rubber curry comb, used in circular motions, lifts away mud and dead hair; the hard brush, or body brush, sweeps the hair in the direction of growth, then the soft brush shines the coat and cleans sensitive areas like the head and lower legs. We finish by untangling the mane and tail, then by picking out the hooves with a hoof pick, from the heel to the toe, clearing the sides of the frog. This daily routine also allows us to spot any injuries, heat in a leg, or a loose shoe. Brushes should be washed regularly in soapy water to prevent transmitting fungi from one horse to another.

The other clearance items

The equestrian clearance also includes:

• Horse.
• Rider.
• Children.
• Accessories.
• Shoes.
• Dog.

All clearance items are gathered on the equestrian page.

Buckets, feeders and drinkers in the stable

A horse drinks several tens of litres of water a day, more in warm weather or after exertion: the automatic drinker, connected to the water supply, provides access to clean water at all times, as long as its proper functioning is checked every day. The bucket, which is simpler, allows monitoring of the amount drunk, useful for watching a sick horse; it should be fixed to the wall or wedged in a corner to prevent it from being knocked over. The feeder, corner or hanging, holds the pellets and supplements; it should be cleaned regularly to avoid rotting leftovers. In the field, a large container must be protected from freezing in winter.

Electric fence: energiser, wire and insulators

In the field, the electric fence consists of three elements: an energiser that sends impulses, a conductor, wire, tape or cord, supported by insulators fixed to the posts, and an effective earth, without which the current does not return and the fence loses its effect. The wider tape is more visible to horses, who respect it better than a thin wire. The buried high-tension cable, with double insulation, connects the energiser to the fence or passes under a gate without losing current. The voltage is regularly checked with a tester, and vegetation touching the wires that discharges the fence is cleared away.

Rest bandages and exercise bandages

The rest bandages, placed over a thick cotton or foam underband, support a horse's legs in the stable after intense effort, transport or injury, and limit leg swelling. They should be applied without creases, with even tension, going down and up along the cannon, and closed on the outside of the leg, never on the tendon. The exercise bandages, made from fleece or elastic fabric, protect the tendons and fetlocks from minor knocks during the session; they are removed after work. A bandage that is too tight can injure a tendon: in case of doubt, ask an instructor or vet to show the technique.

Frequently asked questions

How to acclimatize a horse to an electric fence?

Introduce it to a small enclosure that is clearly visible, with a wide tape and correct tension, so it can discover the fence gently. After one or two contacts, most horses respect it; a fault fence teaches them to cross it instead.

How long does it take to groom a horse?

A complete grooming takes about fifteen to thirty minutes, depending on the condition of the coat and the time of year. Before a session, focus on the areas of contact of the saddle and bridle; after work, remove any dried sweat before returning the horse to the stable.

How often should you clean a drinker or stable bucket?

Empty and scrub a bucket every day, as saliva, hay and dust quickly form a deposit. An automatic drinker should be cleaned at least once a week with a brush, and it should be checked each time that the flap dispenses water.

How to set up a stable for the horse's comfort?

The stable should be large enough for the horse to lie down and get up comfortably, with a thick bedding of straw or shavings and good ventilation without draughts. Water and hay should always be available, placed away from the door.

What equipment is needed for daily hoof care?

A hoof pick, ideally with a small brush, removes dirt and stones stuck under the hoof every day. A hoof brush then applies an ointment or grease to the dry horn, and the farrier checks the rest at each visit.