What’s in Your Grooming Kit?

Just like how every horse is unique, every horse owner is unique as well. We all have our favorite grooming tool, our preferred way to store our grooming tools and our own grooming routine for our horses.

We thought it’d be fun to see what the team members at Tough1 keep in their grooming totes and if they have any preferred pieces:

Maddie, Sales:

Maddie is a trainer, riding instructor and a Mustang challenge veteran. 

“I use a plastic FortiFlex grooming tote that sits in the aisle.”

• Metal spring curry
• Great Grips rubber cone curry
• Stiff brush (“I prefer the Junior size with the nylon bristles because it fits my hand.”)
• Hoofpick (“I prefer the ones with a scraper and a brush.”)

“During the summer, I like to use a hanging grooming organizer because it gives me room for all my fly sprays and grooming products in an easily accessible and transportable bag, perfect for at home and at the shows.”

• An “old fashioned” curry
• A dandy brush with stiff nylon bristles
• Horsehair finishing brush

Shane, Product Development:

Shane’s daughters show at 4-H, open and breed shows in all-around events.

Crystal, Sales: 

Crystal grew up on the backside of the racetrack with her mother, who is a Thoroughbred trainer. 

“We do a lot of back and forth between the farm and the racetrack.”

Wash Rack Supplies:

• Mesh tote to keep everything organized and items can easily dry out
• Half-Moon body sponge
• Genie brush
• Sweat Scraper
• Mane & Tail Comb
• Wash bucket
• Soap
• Liniment

At the Stalls: 

“I use a hanging folding basket. These are great because they can be hung in front of each stall. Also, there’s room for anything extra our horse may need. Each horse has their own grooming supplies to keep skin infections and irritations to a minimum.”

• Angled Brush (“This is by far my favorite! It gets the grime off with the medium bristle and sweeps the dust and loose dirt with the soft bristles.”)
• Great Grips Hoof Pick – The handle is comfortable. I like the pointy end and brush on the other side, plus it won’t fall through the bars on the basket.”)
• 3-blade curry (in the spring)
• Coarse Sponge – This is great to brush the dust and sawdust off.
• Great Grips Mane & Tail Brush
• Rubber Magnetic Massage Mitt (“The horses love this after a work or race.”)
• Muzzle Shaver (These are great for a quick touch-up)

Megan, Marketing: 

Megan grew up showing 4-H, Open and breed shows, while also competing at rodeos and intercollegiate horse shows. She now has a daughter that competes at Miniature Horse shows and some open shows.

“I prefer to use my Tough1 Hanging Grooming Caddy because I love all the pockets and the ability to easily unhook the hanging straps and move it to the stalls when we’re heading to shows. At the barn, we keep our grooming gear in an old milk crate in the tack room.”

While horse owners may have their own preferences when it comes to grooming tools, the key to maintaining their effectiveness lies in proper storage and organization. By investing in suitable storage solutions and establishing a routine for cleaning and maintenance, horse owners can ensure that their favorite tools remain in top condition for years to come.

Whether it's a trusty curry comb or a reliable hoof pick, a well-kept grooming kit is essential for the health and happiness of both horse and rider. So, take the time to organize your grooming arsenal, and enjoy the bond that comes from caring for your equine companion with the tools you cherish.