Not clean enough?

[random2]

Before I ride a horse, I grooom them. Whenever I groom, my instructor always says that I need to do it more. I do not know how much to groom. Please awnser.

[Allie]

My goal is always to just get the saddle and bridle area clean, because that way you have more time to ride, but it sounds like your instructor wants more than that. You might not be able to get all the dust out, but there should not be any dried mud/sweat/etc. in the horse's coat, and get all the cockleburrs out of their mane/tail. Make sure you pay special attention to the belly where the girth goes, behind the ears where the crownpiece lies, and under the saddle. Any hunks of dirt will rub the horse and irritate them.

Allie

[olympicprincess]

To add to Allie's message, also be sure to clean between their legs- all 4, dried sweat gets in there and can really irritate them.

So, be sure to clean between the legs and where the tack will go before you ride to not upset the horse. You can put the finishing touches on after along with recleaning all the areas mentioned before.

This doesn't necessarily mean that your instructor feels you're not doing an adequate job, she may just want to be given some respect through you and your horse's turnout.

[Wally]

Never over groom a horse kept out. It will de-grease the coat and damage it's weather proofing. Tell your instructor to give the horse a break, I'd get fed up of folk constantly primping and preening me. Give the animal that extra half hour free in the park not being molly coddled!!

[Northern Dancer]

Use all the brushes, curry, dandy, body, hoof pick, comb ect... The most important thing is to get the girth arean, saddle area and bridle area clean. Make sure your horse lookes clean, but also is comfortable. Some horses have dandruff problems and dust problems. For the dandruff you should ask your vet for a good shampoo. But most of all make sure the sweat, and mud is gone to not irritate your horse when riding or after riding.