What is the purpose of a dandy brush?

The purpose of a dandy brush is to effectively remove mud and dirt from a horse's coat. This type of brush features stiff bristles that are designed to dislodge debris and dust from the hair. When using a dandy brush, the proper technique is to brush in the direction of hair growth, which helps to lift away dirt and loose hair while also stimulating the skin and promoting healthy circulation.

While other grooming tools may serve different functions—such as styling the mane or providing a softer touch for final grooming—these do not correlate with the primary function of the dandy brush. For instance, tools that style the mane would have different bristle structures and are designed with specific purposes in mind relating to hair management rather than cleaning the coat. Picking hooves is a separate action in horse care entirely. Soft bristle brushes are typically used for sensitive areas or for final touches after the dandy brush has removed the bulk of the dirt, and they do not serve the same primary cleaning purpose as the dandy brush.