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Getting started grooming your new horse will only require some essential tools and lots of your love and attention. Most horses enjoy grooming enough that they don't hesitate to let you do it. Much like combing your own hair, it feels good to them.
What you should have to get started is a mane comb, hoof pick, curry comb and a bristle brush. Other items can be purchased as well, but these are only the basics to get the job done right.
When you comb the mane, you need to take into consideration how long the mane is and whether or not any snarls are visible. Horses not groomed on a regular basis will have naturally braided looking twists in their mane that can be unbearable to get out. If that is not the case, you can start by combing the mane from the top of the neck and stroking downward. If you come across any snarls it is best to support the top of the mane by the neck with one hand if you need to pull harder on the mane than you would like. Truly difficult snarls and tangles will require more diligent attention to small areas of the mane, working out each little strand. Comb the mane in a downward fashion from the neck to the feet, going with the direction of how it naturally hangs. This can be done several times to the entire mane which can give a fuller look to it.
The next step in grooming is often using a curry comb to rid your horse of any dry mud or manure that has accumulated. With a small rubber curry comb with a handle on it, slip your hand into it and make circular motions with it so the hair on your horse moves in different directions and more dirt can be found and taken off. Horses usually like the stimulation of this as well. Move across your horse's body with it, using the circular motion in a fluid manner. If some spots are more difficult to get clean, merely spend more time in one area. If very large amounts of dried mud are on your horse, a stiff curry comb is necessary and it is used in a straight motion to drag of the large pieces of debris. Such combs don't move in a circular motion very well.
Next, is taking your bristle brush and cleaning over all parts of your horse. Small swift motions work better than running the brush along the entire length of the horse. Little sweeps knock off the dirt you have just loosened and allow them to fall to the ground. Don't forget the belly of your horse, bending over to reach the underside. Support yourself with one arm on its back and lean over and use your other arm to brush.
Picking the hoof is the last part and either front or back feet can be done first. For a horse thoroughly trained to be groomed, they will often lift their feet automatically at the touch of your hand on that leg, in anticipation of having their foot cleaned out.
That is all there is to it. More can be done, of course, but those are the basics to get you started.
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