What is the primary purpose of a stiff or dandy brush?

• A. To shine the coat for a polished finish.
• B. To detangle the mane and tail.
• C. To remove loose dirt, mud, and hair after using the curry comb.
• D. To pick stones from hooves.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that a stiff or dandy brush is used to lift and remove debris that the curry comb has loosened. Its firm bristles are great at sweeping away loose dirt, mud, and shed hair from the coat, helping prepare the horse for the next grooming steps. It’s not the tool for detangling mane and tail, which would need a detangling comb or brush. It’s also not the tool used to shine the coat—finishing with a softer brush or cloth does that. And removing stones from the hooves is done with a hoof pick, not a brush.