the corporal on the ground

Gunner: the corporal on the ground

The terms land corporal, stable attendant or more commonly horseman or groom (from the English "grooming", i.e. the person who governs the hand) indicates the person who daily provides for a set of activities connected to the care and horse hygiene. 

 Grooming the horse is carried out twice during the day: in the morning quickly and in the evening, before returning to the box, more carefully.  The artist brushes the horse roughly to keep its coat shiny and clean and to prevent dirt and sweat from causing irritation and at the same time exercises a pleasant massage which promotes superficial circulation.  He then continues with the cleaning of the eyes and nostrils, taking care to use soft sponges, tidying up the mane and tail with the curry comb and comb and finally cleaning the hooves with the foot cleaner, a curved instrument that allows you to remove deposits of earth between the hoof and the iron.  

The craftsman also takes care of dressing the horse, taking care that the saddle and protections are attached correctly in order to avoid swelling. 

With the same attention, he checks that the harness is very clean and without mud residues which can, if rubbed, cause abrasions.  The craftsman assists and collaborates in all animal care operations, from shearing to shoeing;  he checks the health of the horses and guides them in carrying out all activities;  feed them according to the stable manager's instructions;  he accompanies them out of the box and keeps them moving, collaborating on taming and training with the riders and trainers.  In racing, the equestrian artist has the task of preparing the horses before competitions, attaching them to the sulky in the case of trotting races, and taking them to the track.  

A good artist must have an eye for paying attention to the emotional and physical states of the horse and sensitivity to recognize its needs and insecurities.  In fact, the craftsman, even before being an indispensable collaborator for all those who work in a stable, is an important reference figure for the horses he has in his care, since he understands their needs and aptitudes and works for their well-being. psychophysical.