Negative and confrontational energies will only lead to conflict. It is confusing for the horse and dangerous for the human. A groom at the racetrack has more personal contact with the horse than any other individual. His influence on the horse's energetic state is profound. A good groom does not draw or send energy with his actions or attitude, but uses his voice and hands in a caring, helping way.
E is for evaluate.
As you begin to groom your horse, you should be on the lookout for recent injuries or areas of discomfort. The time spent grooming is the perfect time for such discoveries, as your hands and eyes are on the horse. A technique for getting to know the horse that is common to all forms of massage involves gentle stroking with the flat hand. This offers the opportunity to feel areas of increased or decreased muscle tension, as well as search for heat and swelling. Long, firm, gentle strokes along the large muscle groups serve to calm the horse and reassure him about being touched.