As spring approaches you will no doubt be looking forward to brighter mornings, milder weather, and more time spent outdoors riding your horse. But spring is also a time to think about grooming- it is the shedding season after all. Your horse will be losing their winter coat, and they will need your help to get rid of all of the loose hair.
Grooming should also be done before clipping and trimming your horse, but also as a regular form of maintenance to keep your horse’s coat healthy and clean. Grooming is also a great way for you and your horse to bond and relax together. You can also use it as an opportunity to check for any injuries or skin irritations that your horse might have.
Shedding tools are useful for removing loose hair, but they also remove dust and dirt from your horse’s coat. They remove flaky skin, and distribute the natural oils across the horse’s coat to keep it shiny and healthy.
There are lots of different shedding tools available, from combs to blades to gloves. It can be difficult to know which one is best for you and your horse, as there are so many to choose from.
To make it easier for you, we have put together a list of the best shedding tools available. To help you make your decision, we have also gathered some information on how to choose the right product.
We have also included some handy tips on how to groom your horse and answered some common questions about grooming. Keep reading to find out more.
Best Shedding Tools For Horses
SleekEZ Deshedding Grooming Tool
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The SleekEZ deshedding grooming tool is made from premium grade poplar wood with a stainless steel blade. It is 10 inches wide and has an ergonomic oval design for a comfortable grip.
The unique Wave Pattern Blade is patented. It is designed to remove loose fur, dirt, and dander gently and without snagging.
The small teeth on the comb softly pull at the tips of the hair to extract from the skin without pain. The hair falls to the ground to be easily cleaned up later. This saves you time as you don’t have to collect hair from the comb as you go.
You can also use the comb on pet bedding, saddles, car upholstery and carpets. It is ideal for horses but can also be used on dogs, so if you have multiple pets this product is ideal.
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NRTFE Shedding Blade Horse Brush Scraper
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This shedding blade is perfect for removing loose hair from dogs and horses. The rounded curry comb is smooth on one side and small teeth on the other for shedding and heavy cleaning. It also removes caked on mud and can help to increase blood circulation. You can use the comb looped or straight, depending on what suits your needs.
The blade is made from stainless steel so is very durable and is resistant to rust.
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StripHair Gentle Groomer – Original for Horses
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The StripHair Gentle Groomer is a flexible and comfortable all in one grooming tool that is made in the USA. It contours to the body for ultimate coverage and collection of loose hair.
One side has small bumps for very gentle exfoliation of face and legs. The other side has large bumps for the removal of stubborn dirt, sweat and stains.
This groomer can be used dry, or with shampoo and lather. It can be used to shed hair, clean the skin, add shine to the horse’s coat, evenly distribute natural oils, improve circulation, and massage your horse. There is no way for dirt and hair to accumulate on the groomer, so it will not grow bacteria and will remain hygienic.
There are no blades, so it is safe to use on all parts of the body. It can also be used on other animals like dogs, so is perfect for households with multiple hairy pets!
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BOTH WINNERS Dual-Sided Shedding Blade
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The Both Winners Dual-sided shedding blade has a non-slip handle which has been ergonomically designed to comfortably fit in your hand for an easy grip. This helps to prevent accidents from slipping as you groom your horse.
One side of the blade are coarse teeth for longer coats, and on the other side are fine teeth for shorter coats. It is suitable for use on other animals as well as horses.
You can keep the loop closed and cover a smaller area, or open the loop and hold the handles apart to cover a larger surface area at one time. Guide the loop gently over the hair and it will trap any loose hair and dirt. Grooming your horse with this tool will help to keep their coat clean, shiny and healthy.
This shedding tool comes in a choice of blue or burgundy for the handle and the blade is made from stainless steel.
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Highland Farms Select Deshedding Grooming Tool for Horses – Ergonomic Design Wood Groom Brush
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The Highland Farm Deshedding tool comes with a lifetime guarantee. The ergonomically designed handle is made from premium grade eco-friendly wood and the blade is rust-resistant stainless steel.
The 5 inch brush will remove up to 95% of all loose hair within 5 minutes for quick and easy grooming, without causing pain or damaging your horse’s skin.
The handle fits your hand comfortably and is easy to grip so it won’t slip out of your hand. It will brush away loose fur, remove dirt and flakes of dry skin, all without snagging.
This tool comes with a protective cover to keep it safe and in good condition when you aren’t using it.
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Wahl Professional Animal Equine Grooming Rubber Curry Horse Brush
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Wahl is a longstanding and well respected brand. Their rubber curry horse brush glides gently along the skin, effortlessly loosening any dirt removing loose hair.
The comfortable rubber handle is designed to be easy to grip and it won’t slip from your hand while you groom. The ergonomic design is patented and will make the grooming experience more comfortable for you and your horse.
Your horse’s coat will be healthy, shiny and clean with regular use of this grooming brush. The brush is gentle enough to be used on the whole body including the legs and face.
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Furbliss Equine Horse Tack/Horse Brush Deshedding Massaging Grooming Curry Comb for Horses
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The Furbliss Horse Deshedding brush is multifunctional and can be used for brushing, massaging and cleaning. This tool will help to relax your horse’s muscles whilst keeping their coat clean and healthy.
The patented two sided design eliminates the need for multiple grooming accessories. You can remove loose hair, get rid of dirt and dry skin, and distribute the skin’s natural oils all with one tool. The medical grade silicone attracts hair.
This brush can also be used on dogs, cats, pigs, goats and other livestock so is perfect for homes with lots of short-haired animals. It is gentle enough to be used on the face and legs as well as the well padded areas of the body. You can use it when your horse is wet or dry, and can also be used to lather shampoo.
You can rinse the brush in warm water, or put it in the dishwasher or even the washing machine. This product is made in the USA.
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Farnam Slick ‘N Easy Horse Grooming Block
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The Farnham Slick ‘N’ Easy Horse Grooming Block is a traditional deshedding tool that has been used in liveries for many years. It works in minutes to leave your horse’s coat silkier and shinier by removing loose hair, dust and dirs. One block will groom the equivalent of 10-12 horses.
The block should be scraped vigorously in short rapid strokes in the same direction as the hair grows.
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Weaver Leather Livestock Shedding Comb
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The Weaver livestock shedding comb is an ideal tool for pulling dead follicles from your horse’s undercoat to leave a smooth finish.
The handle is non-slip and comfortable in the hand which means it won’t slip as you are grooming. The stainless steel comb is 4 inches wide with 29 teeth which work well on both thick and thin hair.
The teeth are rounded rather than sharp, so will not snag the healthy hair or cause damage to the skin. The frame is ‘Y-shaped’ for stability and sturdiness.
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Handson Pet Grooming Gloves
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The Handson pet grooming gloves can be used to shed, bathe and massage animals like horses and dogs.
The gloves have bristle tips on the fingers and round tips on the palms so one glove can be used for different types of grooming. You can remove loose hair, get rid of dirt and debris from the fur, detangle fur, massage muscle and distribute oil, all while keeping your hands clean.
The bristles are made from non-abrasive rubber, so they won’t damage your horse’s skin. You can get to hard to reach places with these gloves that could be more challenging with a comb.
You can also use the gloves on a wet or dry coat. Once you have finished, you can rub your hands together to remove any hair, rinse the gloves with water and leave them to air dry. Alternatively, you can put them in the washing machine.
The other benefit of these gloves over a comb is that they are lightweight and can be folded up to fit inside a bag or even your pocket.
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Buyer’s Guide
Now that you know what products are available to you, how do you go about choosing the right one? With so many shedding tools available, it can be difficult to decide which one will be best for you and for your horse.
The first thing you need to decide is what style of grooming you find most comfortable. Do you prefer a comb with a wooden handle or a blade with a dual handle for covering large areas of the horse’s coat at one time.
Perhaps you favour a more traditional grooming brick without a handle, or even gloves which are the more modern choice. If you have no preference, then consider which style of grooming your horse will respond better to.
Another thing you will want to think about is whether you want a stainless steel blade or comb, or whether you would prefer rubber bristles or teeth that are more gentle and can be safely used on the face. The rubber grooming tools are also more suitable for use on other animals like dogs.
Finally, consider how you would like to clean your shedding tool. Some combs don’t collect any dirt or hair so will remain clean. Others will need to be rinsed in warm water. Some of the products listed above can be cleaned in a washing machine or dishwasher, which is very convenient.
Remember that you will be using this tool regularly, so it is important that you make sure it meets your individual needs. There are some features that we recommend to ensure a positive grooming experience.
The first is a non-slip handle, as this will prevent the toll from slipping from your hands as you groom. This is especially important if you are using a shedding tool with a blade, as it will stop you from accidentally injuring yourself or your horse. It is also useful for combs and rubber shedding tools.
It is helpful if the tool is gentle enough to be used on all areas of the body, as this eliminates the need for multiple tools to be used in one grooming session. It is also handy if the shedding tool can be used on a wet or dry coat, as it will make it easier for you when you are washing your horse.
Frequenty Asked Questions
How Often Should I Curry My Horse?
Currying is the first step in grooming. It involves using a curry brush or comb in a circular motion to remove dust and dirt, and bring the natural oils to the surface to keep the coat shiny and healthy. You will need to be fairly vigorous, but make sure you are gentle on bony areas like the hips, shoulders and legs.
Can I Use The Same Grooming Tool On Multiple Horses?
You can use the same brush or comb on multiple horses or animals, as long as you wash the tool in between. If you don’t, then you could risk spreading fungal infections between your animals.
Which Direction Should I Brush In?
You can brush in sweeping motions or short, straight strokes, depending on what stage of grooming you are at. However, you should always brush in the direction that hair grows, not against it.
How Can I Look After My Horse’s Hooves?
You should pick out your horse’s hooves every day to keep them in prime condition, even if you haven’t been for a ride. Once a week you should treat your horse’s hooves to a conditioning treatment. You can also apply hoof oil which nourishes their feet and makes them look smart and shiny.
How Could I Look After My Horse’s Mane and Tail?
The mane and tail do not necessarily need to be brushed every day, as this could stunt the growth of the hair. Check the mane and tail daily for tangles, or any twigs or debris that may be caught in it.
When you do come to comb the mane and tail, start at the ends and work your way up. If you come across a stubborn knot, use a detangler to soften it and then gently tease it with your fingers or a comb.
To increase blood flow to the follicles of the tail, brush the dock of the tail and the upper part of the tail bone to stimulate growth.
What Other Products Will I Need For Grooming?
You might want a soft bristle brush, and a comb for the mane and tail. You will need a horse shampoo for those days when a brush down isn’t enough and they need a thorough clean. It can also be useful to have a detangle spray for stubborn knots in the mane and tail.
Should I Leave My Horse Tied Up During Grooming?
This comes down to personal preference. Some horses will stay nice and still for grooming, and will enjoy the feeling of being pampers.
Others will be more skittish and may need to be tied up. If your horse is a little more skittish, then you could start off with the grooming gloves as these will feel more like you are just patting them with your hands. Once they get used to this then you can introduce a tool like a comb or a blade.
Should You Groom Your Horse Before Or After Tacking?
Grooming before tacking up your horse will help keep your gear clean. It will also be more comfortable for your horse as it will prevent chafing.
However, it is also important to groom your horse after a ride as their coat will have picked up some dirt and dust, and they will have some sweat on their skin. It also helps to distribute the natural oils to keep your horse’s coat shiny and healthy.
