World-Class Grooming for Horses ─ The English Rider's Complete Guide to Daily Care and Competition

When owning, training, riding, and showing horses, there is a certain ?look” to which one aspires. Often it is set by the horses seen on television, at special events, in public performances, and in top competition around the globe. World-class ?turnout”?a horse in peak condition, perfectly coiffed and luminous with good health, outfitted with gleaming and well-fit tack appropriate for his sport?literally takes your breath away. And while it can certainly play a significant role in a competitive rider’s success, it is just as appealing to have any horse ?groomed to the nines,” whether he’s headed for an afternoon lesson or just out on the trail.

But achieving this superior look is not just about clean tack, shiny brass, spotless stockings, or the perfect braids. The most important steps are found in the day-to-day, nitty-gritty of grooming and caring for the horse: noticing ?something not-quite-right” about the way the horse looks or moves before it becomes ?something wrong”; brushing and combing and trimming a little every day so the horse’s skin and coat remain healthy and he always has a neat appearance. It is knowing how to prepare a horse properly for training sessions on the flat or over fences, and cool him down appropriately afterward. It’s protecting his body from injury, whether at work or play, and treating it when necessary.

No one knows how to do all of this better than those working as ?professional grooms” in the barns of the world’s top riders and trainers. It is the responsibility of these elite experts to keep their four-legged charges happy, healthy, and primed for peak performance?in body and mind. Now, two of the best professional grooms in the business share their trade secrets, with over 600 color photographs demonstrating how to clean the horse from nose to tail; wrap, clip, braid, and ship him; prepare him for or present him in various English competitive scenarios; and care for him after work or showing so he is rested and ready to do it all again. This book is everything you need to know from the pros: The ultimate modern-day guide for all riders who want their horses to look and feel their best.

Cat Hill grew up in upstate New York on a working farm. Her first clear memory is of the day her parents got her a pony for her fifth birthday. She grew up on that pony, who was followed by a series of Arabian show horses. In college, she started riding show hunters through the Intercollegiate Horse Show Team at the University of Geneseo. After receiving her degree, she followed her love of horses to Ireland. Upon returning to the States, Cat spent time as a working student for a top Grand Prix Dressage Rider, a winter working the Winter Equestrian Festival for a Grand Prix Showjumping rider, and moved on to manage a AA Hunter barn. More recently she began freelancing as a groom in every discipline. Throughout the years she has worked at almost every type of competition, from the local fair to the Pan American Games.

Emma Ford originated from North Devon England and was brought up in the hunt field with her dad as Master of the Foxhounds. Emma was raised surrounded by horses. She grew up in the Pony Club system, receiving her B” designation and culminating with jumping at the Horse of the Year Show in 1991. After completing her BS at the University of Wales she moved to the United States to follow her passion with horses. She has groomed at almost every four-star event in the world, and has been a member of the U.S. Eventing Team at multiple Olympic, World, and Pan American Games. Throughout the years, in addition to eventing, Emma has had the opportunity to turn horses out at many upper level show-jumping competitions including the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington Florida as well as work for a promising young dressage rider at many upper level dressage shows.

Jessica Dailey is the owner of Jess Lynn Photography, located in the picturesque Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York. Her work includes commercial, event, landscape, and portrait photography.