The Groom

Directives for the Groom:

Xenophon's directives include fastening the halter so as to avoid rubs, keeping the areas in which horses are stabled clean, and the handling and grooming of horses.

He recommends that a horse be muzzled when led or groomed without a bridle, in order to prevent biting.

Xenophon also recommends tying leads above the horse's head, so that if the horse tries to shake the halter off the straps will not break.

A groom is expected to begin cleaning the horse by currying his head, mane, neck and body. Certain areas of the body are to be cleaned with all grooming instruments, against the stroke of the hair, but Xenophon recommends minimal or no grooming of the back, belly and legs because these areas are sensitive and the legs are liable to become soiled almost immediately after cleaning.

The forelock and head are to be washed with water, as well as the mane and tail. As riders today will recommend, one should face towards the horse's tail when grooming it, for safety and to facilitate the easy lifting of the animal's feet.

One should also be careful not to approach a horse from directly in front of his head or behind his head, for fear of startling him.

When led, a horse should walk at his handler's shoulder for the sake of control. Bridling should be done from the left, and a bridled horse should not be led by a single rein, as this makes one side of the mouth harder than the other.

Riders should learn to mount themselves, without the aid of a groom or of the horse kneeling, and horses should never be punished in anger.