Caring from Head to Hoof: Your Complete Horse Grooming Checklist
by PetsDrugMart

Grooming goes beyond appearance — it’s a key part of your horse’s overall health and well-being. Regular grooming supports healthy circulation, enhances coat condition, and helps you to spot minor issues before they become serious. It’s also a valuable opportunity to strengthen the bond between horse and handler through consistent, hands-on care.

A well-stocked grooming kit is essential for keeping your horse healthy, comfortable, and looking their best. Whether you’re prepping for a competition, race or a trail, having the right grooming products on hand makes all the difference. Here are the must-haves we think every equestrian should keep in their grooming kit:

Grooming

If you’re looking to elevate your grooming routine, a few additional tools can make a noticeable difference—especially during seasonal coat changes. Shedding blades and grooming blocks are essential during spring and fall when your horse is transitioning between lighter and heavier coats, helping to remove loose hair efficiently and keep their skin healthy .For manes and tails, a quality detangler like Absorbine ShowSheen Hair Polish & Detangler helps smooth knots, boost shine, and repel dust. Everyday coat care is easier with a lightweight, moisturizing spray like DermAllay Oatmeal Spray Conditioner—a gentle option safe for horses, dogs, and cats. Mane 'n Tail Conditioner is another go-to for promoting longer, healthier hair growth.

Maintenance

For overall maintenance, hoof oil or conditioner keeps hooves hydrated during dry spells, while a sweat scraper removes excess water after baths or a sweaty ride. To finish, a grooming mitt or towel—like the JD Anima Grooming Gloves 2-in-1—adds a final polish and doubles as a relaxing massage.

Seasonal Shifts

Seasonal shifts often call for a few adjustments to your grooming routine. During the warmer months, reliable protection from pests becomes essential for keeping your horse comfortable and protected from pests. Veto Equine Insecticide with Citronella offers great protection with a fresh scent your horse won’t mind. For bath days, a gentle horse shampoo like DermAllay Oatmeal Shampoo soothes sensitive skin while cleaning deeply, while DermaLyte Shampoo is a great soap-free option for everyday use. After tough rides, a cooling wash or liniment like Absorbine Veterinary Liniment can help ease muscle soreness and support skin health. A dedicated blanket brush is ideal for cleaning saddle pads, blankets, and other gear, helping to keep equipment in top condition. For tidying up whiskers and fetlocks, a quality set of clippers or trimmers is a worthwhile investment. And during fly season, adding a bot egg knife or grooming stone to your kit can help safely remove botfly eggs before they become an issue.

Grooming is about more than just appearance—it’s about taking the best possible care of your horse. With the right tools and a little extra know-how, it’s easy to keep them looking and feeling their best. Browse our carefully curated collection of horse grooming essentials at Pets Drug Mart and find what works best for your horse’s needs.