My Groom Tote Must Haves
A few years ago I designated January as “clean out and organize” month. It’s usually too cold and yucky to spend much time outside so I turn my attention towards cleaning out closets, drawers and cabinets in my house and barn. It pays to be ruthless and really go thru and get rid of stuff that no longer serves a purpose and feels amazing every time you open an organized drawer or cabinet.
I did this in my barn a little earlier than normal because my husband remodeled my feed and tack rooms and in the process I organized and cleaned out everything. This really made me realize the main grooming items I reach for over and over and have become tried and true staples. Besides the obvious items (variety of brushes from stiff to soft, curry comb, wide tooth comb and hoof pick) these stand outs really carry their weight too.
My Groom Tote Must Haves That I Use Everyday (and would be lost without):
Epona Tiger’s Tongue Horse Groomer: I reach for this strange, rough but still soft brush everyday. It leaves my horses soft and shiny because it’s rough texture (like a cat’s tongue) really gets down and removes embedded dirt and dander. It also gently and easily removes dried sweat and saddle marks and dried mud. It’s unique texture also traps the dust and allows you to groom without a dust cloud (which my allergies appreciate).
Sport Horse Essentials Hoof Oil: I am on my third bottle of this and I love it. This “clean” non-toxic hoof oil leaves my horses’ hooves shiny and moisturized. I have also seen less cracks and chips since using it and their feet just seem more durable over all. It also has a magical blend of essential oils that kill fungus and bacteria and keep thrush away. It’s blend of coconut and sesame oil work to nourish and strengthen hooves.
Betty’s Best StripHair Gentle Original Groomer: This super versatile tool allows you to groom, curry, shine, shed, shampoo and massage all in one. It really does an amazing job of clearing shedding hair and can take the place of a curry comb, if you are in a hurry and doing a quick groom. I especially like how it’s soft, flexible rubber allows me to scrub the canon crud that develops on their back legs, helping banish it. It is super gentle when you want to curry their faces.
Tangle Wrangler Mane and Tail Brush and BioMane Mane and Tail Brush: Besides a wide-tooth comb (which is best for combing wet, conditioned manes and tails during a bath) I am constantly grabbing for these two brushes. They are both designed to do the minimum amount of damage while still leaving manes and tails tangle free. The Tangle Wrangler has flexible rows that bend out and snap back to loosen knots quickly without pulling out any hair. The BioMane Brush has stiff bristles that leave behind a soft, glistening mane and tail and gently ease tangles and knots. These are a must have if you have horses with long manes.
Equiderma Skin Lotion: I swear this treats everything and I reach for it all the time. It is the equivalent to “put some windex on it” (from My Big Fat Greek Wedding). It clears up fungus, bug bites, small cuts, dandruff, scratches, tail rubbing and face crud. You name it, it helps it!
