A couple of things I've learned (some the hard way !)
1. I am with the "I don't like the shaved muzzle" crowd. But I do like a dark, well blended look to the eyes, inner ears and muzzle. I don't like applying things that could be harsh, so I experimented with the coloring chalk they make specifically for horses. I clip with a 40 blade around the eyes, ears and muzzle, then apply the black chalk somewhat thick. Next I take a baby wipe and blend/thin it. Just before going into the ring, I will very lightly put highlighting oil on and it seems to work very well. I don't oil the ears though, they look just fine without it. I forgot to mention, be sure to wipe the ears out with a damp rag to get the dirt/ scurf out first, then do the chalk and wipe.
2. For a finishing spray... now don't laugh... there is a product at Wal-Mart for African American hair. I don't remember the name of it and it isn't the mink oil (tried that once, too greasy and the dust clings to it) It comes in a yellow can with a purple top and cost about $3.00. I saw a Q.H. at a show once who just looked so good, the guy showed me this stuff and I've used it ever since. It really gives a shine to the coat without looking too unnatural or greasy. It makes manes and tails just absolutely shine and dust doesn't cling as bad to it as some of the products I've seen. At one show, the grass was so tall their was no way hoof black was going to work so I just wiped the dust off with a damp rag(feet had already been scrubbed clean at home) and when they dried I lightly sprayed this spray on them and it worked well. I now use it over white feet to add shine without the yellowing look clear polish gives. The added bonus is you don't have to scrub off hoof polish at the end of the day!!!!!
3. When I'm cleaning hooves I use the soap that runs down the leg when shampooing and a scotch scrubber (like the ones for kitchens) This does an excellent job cleaning up the dried skin at the coronet band without the possibility of scratching/poking them with a wire brush, and it leaves the cuticle in good shape instead of stripped like with the electric sanders. It does a nice job of cleaning the white feet too, so very little else needs to be done. Does take a little elbow grease on particularly dirty ones, but I try to do things as safely as possible.
4. And lastly since we all need a little humor. WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T TRY TO BLEND A MISTAKE MADE WITH A 40 BLADE
I was clipping an Arabian for some friends many years ago. I was using a 40 (I know...dumb idea to start with) to clip under the jaw. Something caught his attention and he turned quickly, causing me to run the blade up the side of the jaw. I thought no big deal, I'll just blend it. By the time I got done trying to fix my mess, he was mostly bald from muzzle to ear
Now he wasn't down to the skin bald, just pretty short, but the poor guy, I'm surprised he didn't bury his head in the sand when we hit the arena
I tried covering with some color blend chalk, but it still was pretty obvious.
