Grooming and tacking up are where children often build their closest bond with a pony. They are also where families spot small problems early: a sore back, a rub, a loose shoe, a warm leg, a change in mood. Done calmly and safely, this daily routine teaches care, responsibility and confidence before the child even gets on.
Start with safety
Choose a safe place to groom: a stable, tie area or quiet yard with non-slip footing. The pony should be tied with a quick-release knot or secured according to yard rules. Young children should not groom alone, especially around feet, hind legs or a pony that is new to the family.
Teach children to move around the pony calmly, speak before touching, and avoid crawling under the neck or belly. A kind pony can still step sideways or swish a tail.
A simple grooming kit
You do not need a huge kit. Start with:
- A hoof pick.
- A dandy brush for mud.
- A body brush for finishing.
- A curry comb for cleaning brushes.
- A mane comb or brush.
- A sponge for eyes and muzzle, kept separate from other sponges.
- A clean box so everything stays together.
The best kit is the one that is used regularly and kept clean.
Picking out feet
Feet should be checked every day. Stones, packed mud and bedding can cause bruises, thrush or discomfort. A child can learn to pick out feet, but only with a quiet pony and adult help. Stand to the side, run a hand down the leg, ask the pony to lift the foot, and step away if the pony snatches or stamps.
If a pony is difficult with feet, do not treat it as a child-training job. Get experienced help and speak to your farrier. Our farrier guide explains routine hoof care.
Tacking up calmly
Before the saddle goes on, the back and girth area should be clean. Dirt under tack can rub. Place the saddle gently, check the numnah is smooth, and do the girth up gradually rather than yanking it tight. Bridle quietly and make sure the bit sits correctly.
Children should learn the routine, but an adult should check tack fit, girth, noseband, throatlash, stirrup length and hat before every ride.
Signs something is uncomfortable
Pay attention if the pony:
- Pins its ears when the saddle appears.
- Swishes its tail or bites during girthing.
- Moves away from the mounting block.
- Becomes suddenly grumpy to groom.
- Changes behaviour under saddle.
These signs can be manners, but they can also be pain. Check saddle fit, teeth, back, girth area and general health before blaming the pony.
Make it part of the relationship
Grooming should not be rushed only as a pre-ride chore. It is time for children to learn the pony's normal body, mood and habits. That is how they notice when something changes. For a new pony, read the first 30 days with a new pony and build the routine gradually.
The bottom line
Good grooming and tacking up are quiet skills that make ponies safer and children more capable. Keep the routine calm, check comfort every time, and let children take responsibility with sensible adult backup. In winter, a working pony's thick coat may also need managing — see our guide to clipping a pony.