Horse lover and Steed & Style owner shares her favourite grooming item.

As a rider, horse lover and founder of a horse sanctuary, Steed and Style owner Gillian interacts with horses on a daily basis. As such, she is uniquely positioned to select only the best products for horses and riders alike. Find out what one of her favourite products is and why.

Gillian started horse riding at the age of 10 and has never looked back since. Her years of experience with horses mean she knows what good quality and well-made items are essential for both you and your steed.

The essentials

According to Gillian, any rider requires boots, jodhpurs and a hat.  A pair of gloves is “very useful” too, but not necessary. Equipped with these items you will be ready for anything the track has to throw at you. To ensure your horses are as ready as you are, get them a saddle, numnah, bridle, halter, and lead rein.

Don’t put the horse before the cart

Sure, with the above items you and your noble steed will be able to strut your stuff. But you as a rider are going to need more than just these products to guarantee the health and safety of your equine friend. That is why Gillian also lists a grooming kit as one of the essential items any rider or horse lover needs to look after their horses.

Two reasons why grooming is so important

1. It keeps your horses healthy

By grooming your horses, you increase blood circulation to their skin. This will release oils that give a healthy horse’s coat its lovely sheen. Of course, a glossy coat is not achieved over-night, so daily grooming is required if you and your horses want to turn heads at the stables or on the tracks.

2. It allows bonding time with your horses

The time you spend with your equine friends while brushing the dirt and dust, as well as any dead skin and dry hair off of their coat, is precious. Grooming sessions offer a great opportunity for you to really get to know your horses and build a solid bond with them. Additionally, you can use this time to inspect your horses and tend to scratches, bumps or injuries.

Gillian’s favourite grooming item

Brushing a horse’s mane and tail is a vital part of any grooming session, allowing you to remove any dirt from these two areas. This is why it is important to have a good quality mane and tail brush in your grooming kit.

Gillian’s favourite product, currently, is the Cottage Craft mane and tail brush. Why? Well, based on her experience the brush “makes grooming the mane and tail really easy and the horses enjoy its massaging effect”. An added bonus when using this brush is manes and tails do not get pulled, as happens when using a mane comb or a dandy brush. This helps guarantee hassle-free grooming for both you and your horse, making this brush a worthwhile addition to any grooming kit.

Visit the Steed and Style shop page to get your hands on this valuable grooming item which comes in an array of colours for you (and your horse) to choose from.