Every horse owner I know has their own version of "the kit" — that canvas bag or plastic tub stuffed with brushes, bottles and the one hoof pick that never seems to be where you left it. Building a proper horse grooming kit isn't about buying everything at once. It's about having the right tools for what your horse actually needs, stored somewhere they stay clean and accessible.
In my 15 years keeping horses across the Southern Highlands, I've gone through more grooming gear than I care to admit. The cheap stuff falls apart in a season. The good stuff lasts years. Here's what I've landed on after plenty of trial and error — ten essentials that cover every coat type, every season, and every budget from $24 to $110.
Most of these come from Ippico, the Australian distributor for GeeGee COLLECTIVE — handcrafted artisan brushes made from natural and sustainable materials. The shampoo and detangler are from Equidae / Sixteen Cypress, an Australian family-owned brand making botanical horse care products. Everything below is stocked at iRide EQ with real inventory.
A thorough grooming routine keeps your horse's coat healthy through every Australian season.
What Goes in a Horse Grooming Kit?
Before we get into specific products, let's talk about what a complete kit actually contains. The basics haven't changed much in decades: a curry comb or equivalent for loosening dirt and bringing up natural oils, a stiff-bristled dandy brush for removing that loosened dirt, a soft body brush for finishing the coat, a mane and tail brush or comb, a hoof pick, and some kind of shampoo or conditioner.
I'd also add a detangler spray for manes and tails — especially if your horse has a thick mane that knots overnight — and a finishing mitt or cloth for that last polish before you rug up or head to a show. A grooming bag or organiser to keep it all together isn't optional in my book. Loose brushes in a tack room end up dirty, broken, or "borrowed" by someone who forgets to return them.
One thing I'll flag: we don't currently stock a curry comb (the Metal Curry Comb is scratch-and-dent only). A good dandy brush covers the stiff-bristle role for most horses. For thick-coated breeds in winter, you can add a shedding blade to your kit from your local produce store until we stock one.
1. Dandy Quarter Marker Brush — GeeGee COLLECTIVE
Every kit starts with a dandy brush. This one from GeeGee COLLECTIVE — distributed by Ippico here in Australia — is handcrafted from natural materials and built to last. The stiff bristles are firm enough to lift dried mud and loose hair without scratching, which matters more than you'd think on a thin-skinned thoroughbred.
At $25.95, it's mid-range for a dandy brush, but the quality puts it up against brushes twice the price. I've had cheaper dandy brushes shed their bristles within three months. This one holds up season after season. The quarter marker pattern on the back is a nice touch — you can use it to lay quarter marks in the coat for show day, which saves buying a separate marker brush.
Dandy Quarter Marker Brush
from $25.95 AUD
View Product2. Copper Therapy Body Brush — GeeGee COLLECTIVE
This is the brush I reach for on my chestnut's coat when I want real shine. The copper bristles stimulate blood flow to the skin and distribute natural oils through the coat. It sounds like marketing speak, but the difference is visible — run this over a clean coat for five minutes and you'll see a gloss that a regular body brush just can't produce.
At $44.95 it's the priciest brush in this kit, but I'd justify it for anyone showing or wanting their horse looking genuinely glossy. What I've found in practice is that copper bristles don't last as long as synthetic ones if you're rough with them — don't use this on a muddy horse. Save it for after the initial clean-up. And keep it dry. Copper will tarnish if left damp in a grooming bag.
Copper Therapy Body Brush
from $44.95 AUD
View Product3. Mane and Tail Brush — GeeGee COLLECTIVE
Don't use a body brush on a mane or tail. The bristles are too dense and they'll pull hairs out, especially on a tangled tail. This dedicated mane and tail brush has wider-spaced teeth that glide through without breaking strands. At $27.95, it's one of those tools that pays for itself in saved tail hairs alone.
I make the mistake of leaving this out on a warm day and the sun baked the handle slightly warped — keep your brushes in the shade, folks. But functionally it's still perfect. Pair it with the detangler below and you can work through a week's worth of knots without your horse objecting or losing half their tail.
Mane and Tail Brush
from $27.95 AUD
View ProductThe rider's take: I'll be honest — I didn't think a "grooming organiser" mattered until I lost my third hoof pick in a single season. They were turning up in feed bins, under buckets, in the float. I finally threw everything into a proper bag and my blood pressure dropped noticeably. If you're riding at an agistment where gear walks off, a bag with a zip is the difference between having your kit intact and showing up with one brush and a dream.
4. Dazzle Gloss Body Brush — GeeGee COLLECTIVE
The Dazzle Gloss Body Brush is your finishing tool. After you've loosened the dirt and swept it away with the dandy brush, this soft-bristled body brush brings up the final shine. None of the stiff bristles or copper teeth — just a smooth, soft finish that leaves the coat flat and gleaming.
At $42.95, it sits at the premium end for a body brush, but the natural materials and construction quality are immediately obvious when you pick it up. What I've found is that soft body brushes are the ones that wear out fastest — the bristles lose their shape and the brush stops doing its job. This one holds its shape well, provided you clean it (more on that below).
Dazzle Gloss Body Brush
from $42.95 AUD
View Product5. Hoof Pick — GeeGee COLLECTIVE
The simplest tool in the kit and the one you'll use most. A hoof pick is non-negotiable — pick the feet before and after every ride, every turn-out, every float trip. This one from GeeGee is solid, comfortable in the hand, and at $23.95 it's priced fairly. Don't overthink it. Buy one. If you're like me, buy two because one will go missing eventually.
The reality is that most hoof picks do the same job, but the handle comfort varies wildly. This one fits the hand well and the metal doesn't bend when you're dealing with a packed sole on a horse that's been in the paddock. That's all you need from a pick.
Hoof Pick
from $23.95 AUD
View Product6. SHINE & FOCUS Citrus Horse Shampoo — Equidae / Sixteen Cypress
Skip the cheap stockhorse shampoo in the big plastic bottle. The Equidae / Sixteen Cypress SHINE & FOCUS shampoo is Australian-made, botanically formulated, and your horse's skin will thank you for the switch. At $36.50 it's more than the hardware store stuff, but a little goes a long way and you're paying for ingredients that don't strip the natural oils out of the coat.
I switched my old gelding to this after he developed dandruff from a generic shampoo, and the difference was noticeable within two washes. The citrus scent is pleasant without being overpowering, and it rinses clean without leaving residue. For a horse with sensitive skin or a tendency to itch after bathing, botanical formulations are genuinely worth the extra cost.
SHINE & FOCUS Citrus Horse Shampoo
from $36.50 AUD
View Product7. SHINE & FOCUS 3-in-1 Detangler — Equidae / Sixteen Cypress
Mane and tail knots are the bane of every horse owner's existence. This 3-in-1 detangler from the same Equidae range is what I use after the mane and tail brush to keep things smooth between groomings. It conditions, detangles, and adds a light shine without making the hair greasy or slippery. At $37.50, it's priced in line with quality detanglers.
What I like about this one is that it doesn't leave that slick, silicone-y residue that some detanglers do — the kind where your hands feel coated after applying it. It absorbs and works into the hair rather than sitting on top. Use it sparingly. A couple of sprays into the tail, work it through with your fingers, then follow up with the mane and tail brush. That's the routine that's kept my mare's tail thick and tangle-free through the worst of winter.
SHINE & FOCUS 3-in-1 Detangler
from $37.50 AUD
View Product8. Suds Sponge Brush — GeeGee COLLECTIVE
You need something to apply shampoo with, and the Suds Sponge Brush does double duty — it holds water and soap for bathing, and you can use it dry for dusting off a light coat before a ride. At $24.95, it's one of the more affordable items in the GeeGee range and genuinely useful beyond wash day.
Pull it through your grooming kit before a ride to remove surface dust in seconds. On bath day, it foams up well and gets into the legs and underbelly where a brush can't reach. One tip: wring it out properly after use and let it air dry. A damp sponge left in a closed grooming bag will smell within a day in an Australian summer. I learned that one the hard way.
Suds Sponge Brush
from $24.95 AUD
View Product9. Black Merino Wool Multi Mitt — GeeGee COLLECTIVE
The finishing touch. After the bath, after the brushing, after everything else — run this merino wool mitt over the coat for that last layer of polish. Merino wool is naturally soft and distributes oils without scratching, which makes it ideal for sensitive-skinned horses or for use around the face where a brush can be too aggressive.
At $23.95, it's one of the most affordable items in the kit. I keep mine in a zip pocket in my grooming bag so it stays clean between uses — you don't want to be finishing a coat with a mitt that's been sitting in dusty hay. Great for show day prep too. A few quick strokes with the mitt and the coat looks finished, not just brushed.
Black Merino Wool Multi Mitt
from $23.95 AUD
View Product10. Premium Equine Grooming Organiser — GeeGee COLLECTIVE
You can have the best brushes in the world, but if they're rattling around the back of a ute or stuffed in a feed bag, they won't last. The Premium Equine Grooming Organiser from GeeGee is $109.95 and worth every cent. It holds everything on this list with room to spare, keeps brushes upright and separated, and has a handle that doesn't dig into your hand when you're carrying it from the float to the stables.
I've thrown mine in the back of the truck, left it in the float in 40-degree heat, and filled it with manure once when a young horse got curious. It cleaned up with a hose and still looks tidy. The compartments are the real feature — brushes don't rub against each other, which is what kills bristles faster than actual use.
Premium Equine Grooming Organiser
from $109.95 AUD
View ProductThe Full Kit Comparison
| # | Product | Price (AUD) | Best For | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dandy Quarter Marker Brush | $25.95 | Removing dirt and loose hair | GeeGee COLLECTIVE |
| 2 | Copper Therapy Body Brush | $44.95 | Deep shine and blood flow | GeeGee COLLECTIVE |
| 3 | Mane and Tail Brush | $27.95 | Detangling without breakage | GeeGee COLLECTIVE |
| 4 | Dazzle Gloss Body Brush | $42.95 | Finishing and polishing | GeeGee COLLECTIVE |
| 5 | Hoof Pick | $23.95 | Everyday hoof cleaning | GeeGee COLLECTIVE |
| 6 | SHINE & FOCUS Shampoo | $36.50 | Bathing sensitive skin | Equidae |
| 7 | SHINE & FOCUS 3-in-1 Detangler | $37.50 | Mane and tail conditioning | Equidae |
| 8 | Suds Sponge Brush | $24.95 | Bathing and dusting | GeeGee COLLECTIVE |
| 9 | Black Merino Wool Multi Mitt | $23.95 | Finishing and face-safe use | GeeGee COLLECTIVE |
| 10 | Premium Equine Grooming Organiser | $109.95 | Storing and transporting kit | GeeGee COLLECTIVE |
| Total individual items | $397.60 (all 10 from iRide EQ) | |||
If buying items individually feels like too much, GeeGee COLLECTIVE also makes pre-built kits. The Express Equine Grooming Kit at $129 is a great starter, the Groom-Tastic Grooming Kit at $199 adds more tools, and the Complete Equine Grooming Kit at $360 has virtually everything you'd need in one bag. Browse the full range of grooming essentials to compare.
A well-organised grooming kit means less time searching and more time with your horse.
How to Clean Your Horse Grooming Kit
One thing nobody tells you when you buy a grooming kit: the brushes need cleaning too. Dirty brushes on a clean horse just redeposit everything you brushed off last time. I clean my brushes once a fortnight — more often in the muddier months.
Here's the routine: fill a bucket with warm water and a squirt of your horse shampoo. Swirl the brushes bristle-down in the water, then work the bristles with your fingers to release the built-up dirt and hair. Rinse under clean water, tap out the excess, and lay them flat on a towel to dry overnight. Never stand them bristle-down in a bucket to soak — it loosens the glue and warps the wood.
The copper body brush deserves special attention. After washing, dry it thoroughly and store it somewhere it won't stay damp — copper bristles tarnish and the wooden handle can crack. The merino wool mitt goes in a mesh laundry bag on a cold, gentle cycle, then air-dries flat. The grooming organiser itself? Hose it out, wipe it down, leave it in the sun for 10 minutes. Simple as that.
If your horse has had a skin condition like rain scald or ringworm, disinfect your brushes with a veterinary-grade spray between horses. Don't skip this — grooming tools are one of the most common ways skin conditions spread through a stable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a horse grooming kit cost?
A basic pre-built grooming kit starts around $67 and covers the essentials. Mid-range kits run $129 to $199 with more tools and better-quality brushes. A premium kit like the GeeGee COLLECTIVE Complete Equine Grooming Kit is $360 and includes everything you need in one bag. Buying individual brushes and tools lets you customise but usually costs more overall — the 10 essentials above total around $398.
What brushes do you need in a horse grooming kit?
You need at minimum a dandy brush (stiff bristles for removing dirt), a body brush (soft bristles for finishing), a mane and tail brush, and a hoof pick. A curry comb or shedding blade is useful for loose hair in spring. The copper body brush adds a shine that regular brushes can't achieve, while a finishing mitt gives the last polished look before rugging or showing.
What should a horse grooming kit for beginners include?
Start with four items: a dandy brush, a soft body brush, a hoof pick, and a mane and tail brush. Add shampoo and a detangler when you're ready to bath. Keep everything in a bag or organiser from day one — loose brushes in a tack room get lost or damaged fast. The Express Equine Grooming Kit at $129 is the easiest way to start with quality tools rather than cheap gear that won't last.
How do you clean a horse grooming kit?
Wash brushes in warm water with a squirt of horse shampoo every fortnight. Swirl bristle-down, work the bristles with your fingers to release dirt and hair, then rinse and lay flat to dry. Never soak brushes bristle-down in a bucket — it loosens the glue. Disinfect brushes with a veterinary-grade spray if your horse has had a skin condition.
What is the best horse grooming kit in Australia?
The GeeGee COLLECTIVE range, distributed in Australia by Ippico, offers handcrafted brushes from natural materials at a fair price point. For a complete ready-made kit, the Complete Equine Grooming Kit at $360 has everything most riders need. For those building their own kit, the individual GeeGee brushes paired with Equidae's botanical shampoo and detangler give you a premium kit for under $400.
Can you buy a horse grooming kit with brushes and bag included?
Yes. GeeGee COLLECTIVE offers three pre-built kits with brushes and a bag: the Express kit ($129), the Groom-Tastic kit ($199), and the Complete kit ($360). All include a selection of brushes in an organiser bag. If you prefer to choose your own brushes, the Premium Equine Grooming Organiser at $109.95 is sold separately and fits the full range with room for extras.
Build Your Grooming Kit at iRide EQ
Every item on this list is stocked and ready to ship. Browse the full range of grooming brushes, grooming essentials, coat health products, and horse rugs to complete your kit. Free shipping on orders over $150 Australia-wide.
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