What are the different brushes used on a horse and what are they used for?

There are several basic type brushes, all with a different use. It's good to have at least one of each. I'll list them in the order of use.

Rubber curry-used in small circular motion to work up dirt and loose hair and the first brush used in the grooming process.

Body brush (sometimes called a mud brush)-This brush has stiffer bristles and works great after the rubber curry has worked up the loose dirt and hair on the horse's coat. The body brush should be used in small, quick wrist 'flicks' and this brings us to the next brush.

metal curry-used with the body brush. After every couple of flicks with the body brush use the metal curry to clean the body brush. The metal curry should not be used on the horse directly.

finishing brush-Also called a face brush, this brush is usually smaller than the body/mud brush and has softer, finer bristles for more sensitive areas like the face and legs where the hair is thinner and a stiffer brush is too harsh. Once the face, legs and stomach has been brushed with the face/finnishing brush, use it to finish the rest of the body after the stiffer body brush. This gets anything left from the body brush and helps shine the hair.

Mane/tail comb or brush-This is self-explainitory, used to untangle the mane and tail. I always use a spray-on detangler so as not to break the hair off.

Polishing rag-This is optional but I always use them and it puts a great shine on the coat and gives the horse a 'finnished' look.

There are all sorts of variations on these basic brushes. Pick the ones that work best for you and your horse. Grooming is essential for your horse's health and it's a wonderful way to bond with your equine friend. As a last thought, don't forget your horse's feet. Pick them daily as part of your grooming routine.