March 5, 2003To Groom and Show by Dolores ShenkleTake one dirty pony or horseGroom and groom and groom, of courseMake sure all the dander and dirt are goneHe'll start looking good if you use enough force.Then get your clippers and start to trimBut be sure they are oiled before you beginTake all the fetlock hairs off, unless he's a DraftThen shave the whiskers off his muzzle and chin.Snip the feelers off carefully over the eyesMake a neat bridle path then go to the earsThey have been a debate for yearsTo remove ear hair or keep it for protection from flies.I'll leave that decision up to you, and go on to the feetWhich should be neatly trimmed - clean and neatPull the main if it's too thickBut use "Baby oil" to lessen the pick.Tails are another thing up for debateSome are so long they get caught in the gateSome like them ending at the hockOthers have them only eight inches from the dock.Trim the chestnuts and ergots from the legsIts really a job your farrier should doThen get yourself a conditioning shampooAnd he'll be squeaky clean when the bath is thru.Make sure you remembered the private spotsLike under the tail manure can collectThe sheath and udders gather crud by the peckAnd a good judge will look there I'll bet by heck!
