Our Top 8 Picks: The Best Horse Brushes for a Shiny Coat 

Brushes for Horses

The best horse brushes are comfortable on your horse’s skin, comfortable to hold, durable, and affordable. But how do you select the best horse brush? 

We have years of experience reviewing horse grooming tools and used this experience to create this guide. Every horse is different, so we’ve included reviews of the best brands for different categories. Let’s dig in!

Our Best Pick

Oster Equine Care Series 7-Piece Horse Grooming Kit is our best overall equine brush. We like it because the manufacturer used top-quality materials, an ergonomic design, and included a bag for easy storage. It also comes with seven pieces for different grooming operations.  

Types of Brushes for Horses

There are several horse brush types available in the market. Here are some horse grooming brushes names you can consider: 

Curry Combs

The curry comb is a round brush with short plastic, rubber, or metal teeth. It is for removing caked mud or loosening dirt close to the horse’s skin that other brushes can remove. It has a hand strap to help the groomer grip it.

Hard Brush/Dandy Brush

The dandy brush has long, coarse bristles that remove dried mud and heavy dirt from the legs and face. The coarseness of the bristles is an essential aspect to consider when selecting a hard brush; if you are dealing with a thick dry layer of mud, choose a brush with coarser bristles. 

On the other hand, use a hard brush with finer bristles if the dirt particles are very fine. You should also consider your horse’s climate and whether it frequently comes from a muddy pasture.

Soft Brush

The soft brush is similar to the hard brush except for its bristles, which are finer, more flexible, and denser. These properties make it gentler on a horse’s skin and allow it to pick up more particles. It gets rid of the smaller dirt and dust particles that get trapped inside a horse’s coat.

Body Brush

You can easily identify a body brush because it has a hand strap, short bristles, and an oval-shaped handle. The shorter, denser bristles reach the skin’s surface to remove dirt and dust particles while massaging and releasing oils.

Mane and Tail Comb or Brush

Mane and tail brushes or combs resemble brushes used on human hair. However, mane combs are much sturdier because horsehair is much coarser. Materials for these brushes include plastic, metal, or rubber, and they are for brushing the mane and tail of a horse.

Face Brush

This is a tiny, soft brush or body brush you can use to groom your horse’s face. The brushes are typically one-third the size of standard brushes and are best for grooming around a horse’s face curves. Because they are so small, face brushes are often ideal for young children learning to brush.

Finishing Brush

Like a body brush, a finishing brush is for ‘finishing’ your horse’s coat at the end of grooming. The brush has long, soft bristles made of organic material that guide your horse’s natural oils across its coat, making it shine.

The finishing brush removes any remaining dust from grooming and ensures your horse looks its best.

Water Brush

The water brush is a coarse, hard plastic for cleaning other grooming brushes or buckets. This brush is helpful because it cleans brushes more effectively than a curry comb. The water brush is an excellent tool for cleaning your grooming equipment.

Dandy Brush vs. Body Brush- The Differences

Regarding horse grooming, it helps to have the right tool for each grooming process. In this sense, when do you use a dandy brush, and when should you use a body brush? 

After currying your horse, a dandy brush removes the dirt you raised to the top. Use quick, short flicks of the brush instead of long sweeping motions. If your horse has sensitive skin, don’t use the dandy brush on its face. 

On the other hand, the body brush looks like a dandy brush, but its bristles are soft. You can use the body brush on your horse’s entire body. Experts advise using long sweeping strokes to smooth the coat and bring natural oils to the surface. 

How to Brush a Horse 

You should follow a specific process to give your horse the best brush. Follow this step-by-step guide to grooming your horse: 

1. Tie up your horse: It would help to tie up your horse to ensure it stays in one spot. 
2. Clean the hooves: Use a hoof pick to remove any debris stuck at the bottom of your horse’s hooves. 
3. Curry the horse: Use a curry comb to loosen dirt from the horse’s body. This process helps bring dirt particles up from the skin. Avoid sensitive areas. 
4. Brush away the debris and dirt: Use your dandy brush in short flicking motions to whisk away the debris from the coat. Still, avoid sensitive areas. 
5. Add the shine. Use the body brush on the horse’s coat to give it a plush shine. Since it has softer bristles, you can use it on sensitive areas. 
6. Attend to the sensitive areas: Clean the sensitive face and dock areas. Use a stable rubber or sponge to wipe around the eyes, ears, and muzzle. Then, wipe the dock area underneath the tail using a different sponge for hygienic reasons. 
7. Comb the tail and mane: First, detangle then comb them to give them a shiny and flowing look. You can work on the tangles with your fingers before using the mane brush to straighten the hair. 

What to Look for in Equine Brushes 

Materials

Don’t choose a brush that harms or irritates your beloved horse. Look for brushes made of natural materials like wood because wood is often non-toxic and lasts longer. You can also get stainless or rubber brushes, which are easy to clean and safe for animals.

Bristles

Sharp bristles can irritate your horse’s skin and make grooming a nightmare for everyone. Bristles that are too soft, on the other hand, may not be effective in removing excess hair.

For your horse’s body, it’s advisable to look for brushes with slightly rough synthetic bristles. Use a smaller, softer brush for all those hard-to-reach areas on the face. For your horse’s tail, you can also use a fine-toothed comb.

Grip

It is best to go for a brush with an excellent grip. It will prevent your hand from slipping and offer a firm grip. Look for a horse brush with a strap to slide your hand. You can also get a brush with a long handle to ensure a firm grip.

Use

Consider the type of brush you want to use and what you hope to achieve with it. Each brush’s unique design allows it to do a specific job. Some brushes are particularly effective at removing dirt and mud. It is best to consider horse brushes and their uses.

Horse Coat

What type of coat does your horse have? There are different brushes for different coat types, so ensure you get one specifically designed for your horse’s coat type.

Equine Sensitivity Level

Some horses are more sensitive to their surroundings. When shopping for brushes, keep this in mind because a stiff-bristled brush may be ideal for one horse but irritating for another.

Brush Size

Consider the brush’s size. Go for a brush that fits perfectly into your hands. 

Your Horse Brush Comparison Guide 

1. Oster Equine Care Series 7-Piece Horse Grooming Kit – Best overall
2. SleekEZ 10” Horse Grooming Unique Blade Shed Tool – Best for deshedding
3. WAHL Professional Animal Equine Grooming Rubber Curry Horse Brush – Best for loosening dirt and removing hair
4. Decker FB21 Face Brush for Horses – Best grip on a horse brush
5. BOTH WINNERS Mane and Tail Brush for Horses and Dogs – Best for sensitive skin
6. J.T. International 68-14-0-0 Horse Brush – Best quality horse brush
7. Harrison Howard Horse Grooming Kit – Best brush for horse shows
8.  H.A.A.S Haas Diva Exclusive Grooming Brush with Matte Lambskin – Best for a glossy finish

Our Top Picks Under the Microscope

Oster Equine Care Series 7-Piece Horse Grooming Kit – Best Overall

This seven-piece horse grooming kit will enable you to give your horse fast and easy grooming. The horse brush kit includes a stiff grooming brush, a soft finishing brush, and a coarse curry comb. It also comes with a mane and tail brush, a mane and tail comb, and a hoof pick.

Brand: Oster 

Pros: 

• The grooming tools have an ergonomic design for comfort while grooming
• It is easy to store thanks to the storage case
• The manufacturer uses quality materials

Cons:

• The grooming brush’s bristles are relatively short

Color/s: Blue 

Unit Count: 1

Recommended use: Grooming 

Key Features:

• It comes with a blue storage bag
• The grooming kit includes seven pieces
• Rubber control-touch handles for comfort
• Durable material

SleekEZ 10” Horse Grooming Unique Blade Shed Tool – Best for Deshedding

SleekEZ blade shade tool is a top-rated horse deshedding tool. The manufacturer made the handle using popular water-proof wood. The tool has a unique metal blade design that makes it effective. Moreover, the manufacturer is in the USA.  

Brand: SleekEZ

Pros:

• The patented wave design does not painfully tug the hair
• Users enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee 
• It is effortless to clean 
• Has an ergonomic design making it easy to use 

Cons: 

• It removes too much hair on smaller horses.

Shape: Round

Color/s: Brown

Unit Count: 1  

Recommended use: De-shedding horses, dogs, and cats

Key Features:

• Patented wave pattern to grab the tips of hair without painful tugging
• Stainless steel blade
• Oval ergonomic design for ease of use and optimal grip
• Premium wood grade

WAHL Professional Animal Equine Grooming Rubber Curry Horse Brush – Best for Loosening Dirt and Removing Hair

If you are looking for a horse brush that can help you loosen dirt and remove hair, this is it. You can use it on your horse’s face and whole body currying. It has a comfortable grip making your grooming experience enjoyable for you and your horse. 

Brand: WAHL

Pros:

• Its design is easy to clean
• It is suitable for horses of all ages
• You can use it on dogs
• It enables you to check for injuries and irritants

Cons:

• It does not release the hair

Shape: Rectangular 

Color/s: Black

Unit Count: 1 

Recommended use: Loosening dirt and removing hair 

Key Features:

• Comfortable rubber grip
• Patented ergonomic design 
• Removes loose hair and dirt

Decker FB21 Face Brush for Horses – Best Grip

This is an excellent option for horse owners looking for a small face brush for horses to help clean and maintain the horse’s appearance. Its unique design ensures the brush gives your horse a gentle touch, especially on sensitive areas around the face. 

Brand: Decker

Pros: 

• You can effortlessly clean hair from the brush
• You can use it on other animals as long as they have a short coat
• Its wooden handle offers the best grip
• Its bristles stimulate blood flow

Cons:

• Its size is a bit small for certain horse breeds

Shape: Rectangular 

Unit Count: 1 

Recommended use: Shine enhancing 

Key Features:

• Its small size allows you to brush sensitive parts like around the eyes
• Crafted from a smooth wood block for comfortable use
• Soft white bristles 

BOTH WINNERS Mane and Tail Brush for Horses and Dogs – Best for Sensitive Skin

This horse brush is ideal for detangling and smoothing your horse’s coat thanks to its sturdy bristles with round edges. It will help you get rid of loose hair without hurting your horse. The brush also enables multidirectional brushing and guarantees user satisfaction. 

Brand: BOTH WINNERS

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Its soft bristles ensure it does not scratch your horse
• Its design allows it to penetrate deep to groom the undercoat
• It comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee

Cons:

• The bristles are not long enough for thick, wavy hair  

Shape: Round head 

Color/s: Royal blue

Unit Count: 1 

Recommended use: Smoothing, breakage and detangling 

Key Features:

• Ergonomic handle design
• Large round head with bristles
• Bristles size allows it to groom your horse’s undercoat

J.T. International 68-14-0-0 Horse Brush – Best Quality

This brush by J.T. International is one of the best horse grooming brushes. It is an excellent tool for grooming your horse, leaving its coat well-kept and well-groomed. The brush is gentle on your horse’s coat, making the grooming experience more enjoyable.

Brand: JT International

Pros: 

• It has a convenient design that is easy to use
• Its price is reasonable
• The coarse nylon bristles are comfortable on the animal
• You can use it on different animals

Cons:

• It might be too rough to use on the face

Shape: Oval

Color/s: Black, Brown 

Unit Count: 1 

Recommended use: Grooming 

Key Features:

• Sturdy bristles 
• Ergonomic design easy to use 

Harrison Howard Horse Grooming Kit – Best for Horse Shows

The equine brushes and accessories included in this kit will enable you to groom your horse from head to hooves. This means the kit has all you need to offer your horse a complete grooming treat. 

Brand: Harrison Howard 

Pros:

• The kit is a complete set that includes soft grooming brushes
• The manufacturer uses top-quality materials
• It comes with a bag holder for easy storage

Cons:

• The bag does not have a zipper or buttons, meaning the items can easily fall out

Shape: Multiple shapes

Color/s: Light blue 

Unit Count: 1 

Recommended use: Grooming and bathing 

Key Features:

• The kit includes 11 pieces 
• The grooming brush has a rubber handle for a better grip
• The brushes are skin-friendly 

H.A.A.S Haas Diva Exclusive Grooming Brush with Matte Lambskin – Best for a Glossy Finish

This is arguably the plushest and most luxurious horse brush. The manufacturer uses lambswool with a top-quality horse hair border. It is the perfect brush for removing fine dust particles and dandruff. 

Brand: H.A.A.S

Pros: 

• Easy to use
• Excellent for grooming sensitive areas
• The manufacturer uses top-quality materials
• It gives your horse a glossy finish 

Cons:

• Relatively expensive

Shape: Oval 

Color/s: Black

Unit Count: 1 

Recommended use: Grooming sensitive areas

Key Features:

• It comes with a comfortable leather strap
• It is available in different sizes
• Package includes detailed instructions of how to use the brushes

Some Reader Questions Answered 

Which Brushes are Ideal for Horses? 

The best brushes for horses can groom the horse without damaging its coat. This means they have the right bristles, handles, and sizes. Their material should also be durable and offer value for money. 

How Do You Clean Horse Brushes?

Follow these steps to clean your horse brushes:

Step #1: Remove Visible Dirt and Hair

Use your fingers to pull off any hair thickets on the brush. Then, continually scratch the brush across a curry comb’s surface to remove excess dirt and scrape loose horsehair off its fibers.

Strike the brush on a hard surface with its bristles facing down. This will help remove as much dust as possible.

Step #2: Soak and Wash

Mix one tablespoon of shampoo with a bucket of warm water. You can use horse or human shampoo, as both are effective. If you are cleaning synthetic fiber brushes with plastic handles, you can drop them into the bucket to soak.

On the other hand, if it is natural fiber brushes or brushes with wood or leather handles, simply dip them in the water. Then, scrub two brush faces together, allowing the friction from each brush to clean each other. The soap in the water will envelop dirt molecules, making them easy to wash away.

Dump your water and refill the bucket with clean water. Then, use the same process to rinse the brushes a few times. Rinse until the water from the horse brushes runs clean.

Step #3: Dry the Brushes

Place the brushes on a towel or any other absorbent surface with the bristles facing down. Allow them to sit until dry. You can place the brushes in bright sunlight or near a fan or dehumidifier to speed up drying.

What Horse Brushes Do You Need for Your Horse?

There are various horse brushes every horse owner should have for different uses. Here are the essential ones:

• Dandy brush
• Curry comb
• Body brush
• Water brush
• Sweat scraper 
• Metal curry comb
• Mane brush or comb

Can You Use a Horse Brush on Human Hair? 

Of course! However, ensure you are not sharing it with your horse to avoid health implications. 

Conclusion 

Horse grooming is an essential exercise for every horse owner. This review has presented the best types of brushes for horses suitable for different scenarios. You can now get the best brushes for your horse grooming needs. 

In the meantime, consider the Oster Equine Care Series 7-Piece Horse Grooming Kit, our best overall kit to get you started! It is a seven-piece kit with all the tools required to groom your horse’s whole body effortlessly. The kit has a storage case allowing you to neatly store your grooming supplies. In short, it gives you value for your money!