I really love the rubber, fit in your palm curry/massagers with big teeth. They work well on mud & thick winter coats, and the horses seem to like the massaging effect. Plus, shed hair comes off of them really easily, and they clean up with soap & water. I have a couple similar to the Equistar Big Touch Groomer, but it has finger indentations. Like this one available at VR Tack.
I also like the mitt-type rubber grooming tools. The hair comes off them well, and they're very practical for removing loose hair & dirt from legs, with or without soap & water. You can wrap your hand right around on the down stroke and they're soft so the horses don't object.
For more on spring grooming, visit me over at It's Sunny in SD. I know shedding's going to be a recurring topic for a while! LOL
How often do you all have to replace your curries before the teeth get all down to the nub? I love the hand shaped tools as well. Thinking about getting one of the ones that are sheepskin. They really get them shiney.
The horse furminator is an amazing new tool to add to your grooming box. You will NOT believe how great it works in conjunction with the usual shedding blade to get that winter coat out fast...it's almost like sweeping the floor:)
I also suggest using a really internal coat conditioner. I use Omega Horse Shine. It's a prepared flax concoction and you will not believe how great your coat will shine with health and sparkle. It also helps keep them clean, the mud falls right off as soon as it dries.
LOVE the furminator, best shedding tool invented, can get the job done in half the time, and it doesn't cut the hair! Got one for my dog and cat too!! Beats the heck out of any other tool, my friends love to use mine:)
My neighbor uses the furminator on their Welsh Corgi doggie. They say it is the best grooming tool they ever invested in. I bet it works great on horses too!