Introduction to Grooming the Racehorse 099
An overview of the basic information a new worker needs to start working with racehorses.

Introduction

• Groom characteristics and responsibilities
• Rules of behavior

Describing horses & tools to care for them

• Terminology
• Tools of the Trade
• Parts of the Horse

Working with horses

• Equine alphabet (body language)
• How a horse sees & how groom uses that knowledge
• Haltering, running shank, leading
• Tying a quick-release knot
• Removing Bridle & Putting on Halter
• Correction or Punishment? How to correct and not punish
• Daily grooming and hoof care
• Tying mud knots in tails
• Bathing

Stall & Barn Care

• Stall inspection and set-up
• Stall cleaning
• Maintaining the Aisle
• Cleaning & disinfecting tubs, brushes & buckets
• Stall "red flags"
• Stable vices

Health

• Obvious signs of Shin Buck, Bowed Tendons, Shoe Boil or Capped Hock
• Hoof: Thrush, Bruise, Abscess
• Colic: Warning signs, what groom should do
• Teeth: Signs of problems

Identification of Equipment & Tack

• Bandages
• Bridle, bits and other head gear
• Yoke, rings and martingale
• Saddle, pads and irons
• Sheets, coolers and blankets
• Care of tack

Feeding

• Introduction to the Digestive System
• Grain, hay - warning signs of bad feed
• Blister beetles

Shedrow activities

• Walkers
• Checking set list
• Helping others
• Cleaning up

Race Day Schedule & activities

• Bath Time
• Lasix Time
• Ice Time and preparing to walk up
• Walk up and holding barn
• Paddock and hand off to lead pony
• After the Race
• Test Barn

Shipping

• Complications
• Preparation for
• Loading

Personal Safety & Fire Prevention

• Fire prevention
• Fan placement
• Chemical & personal safety

Horses on the Farm

• Pecking order
• Turning out and bringing in horses from pasture
• Leading problems
• Group feeding
• Water tanks
• Weather stress
• Fly control