Use a flexible curry to stroke into areas like behind the elbows, between the front legs, and behind the ears. Starting on the neck, begin rubbing the currycomb over the coat. A grooming routine usually goes from poll to withers, back to buttocks, shoulder, girthline, and flanks. This seems to do a good job with the cleaning and also relaxes the horse. On a muscled area, push the curry firmly against the skin with the heel of your hand.
Grooming is tactile communication.
As the leader of a pair, you set the level of communication, and you respond to the horse's side of the dialogue. Your attention should be authoritative, yet careful. Use a firm touch so you avoid irritating or tickling the horse. Your horse's expression communicates how he accepts the pressure. Adjust the amount of pressure according to his reaction.