Dick Brown had said that New York horse-buyers were in the neighborhood, so every night Father gave the four-year-old colts a special, careful grooming. The four-year-olds were already perfectly broken, and Almanzo wanted so much to help groom them that Father let him. But he was allowed to go into their stalls only when Father was there.
Carefully Almanzo currycombed and brushed their shining brown sides, and their smooth round haunches and slender legs. Then he rubbed them down with clean cloths. He combed and braided their black manes and their long black tails. With a little brush he oiled their curved hoofs, till they shone black as Mother’s polished stove.
Chapter 13: The Strange Dog, Farmer Boy
What Is a Currycomb Like the One Almanzo Used on the Horses?
In Farmer Boy, Almanzo Wilder takes great pride in grooming his family’s horses, using a tool called a currycomb as part of his daily chores. The currycomb is a fundamental grooming tool used on horses and other livestock to maintain their coats, keep them clean, and ensure their overall health and well-being.
Description of a Currycomb
A currycomb is typically a small, handheld tool made of metal, plastic, or rubber. It features a handle and a series of short, blunt teeth or ridges along one or both sides. The teeth are designed to lift and loosen dirt, mud, and loose hair from the horse’s coat. The currycomb also helps to stimulate the skin, improving circulation and distributing the natural oils throughout the coat, which results in a healthy shine.
In the era depicted in Farmer Boy, the currycomb Almanzo used was likely made of metal, which was common at the time, though rubber currycombs were also becoming available. The metal currycombs had sturdy, sharp-edged teeth that were effective at breaking up dried mud and dirt, making them ideal for grooming working horses that spent much of their time outdoors.
How Almanzo Used the Currycomb
In the book, Almanzo is shown to be meticulous in his care for the horses, a task that he is especially proud of. When using the currycomb, he would have used circular motions to gently but thoroughly work the tool along the horse’s body. This technique helps to lift dirt and debris while also giving the horse a gentle massage. The neck, shoulders, sides, haunches, and legs are areas where dirt and sweat tend to accumulate, so special attention is paid to these regions.
After using the currycomb to loosen the dirt, Almanzo would follow up with a brush to remove the debris from the horse’s coat. He would then use clean cloths to rub the horse down, giving it a final polish. This grooming routine not only kept the horses clean but also bonded Almanzo with the animals, reinforcing his deep respect and care for them.
Importance of the Currycomb in Horse Care
The currycomb was, and still is, an essential tool for anyone working with horses. Regular grooming with a currycomb helps maintain the horse’s coat by removing loose hair and dirt, which can prevent skin irritations and infections. It also helps to stimulate the skin and promote good circulation, which contributes to the overall health and well-being of the horse.
Almanzo’s careful use of the currycomb reflects his commitment to his chores and his love for the horses. The pride he takes in caring for the animals is a central theme in Farmer Boy, showcasing the importance of responsibility, hard work, and the bond between a person and their animals on a working farm.
The currycomb remains a common and vital tool in horse grooming today, continuing its role in maintaining the health and appearance of horses, just as it did in Almanzo’s time.
