Are You Equipped to Handle Your Horse? Essential Horse Equipment You Need Right Now

November 02, 2020

When you first become a horse owner, you must have all the right equipment. You will need access to standard materials as well as additional gear.  

For you to enjoy owning a horse, you need to know how to care for it properly. You might already have some equipment, such as shovels for cleaning the stall and brushes for grooming. However, your companion needs other horse gear for it to be happy and healthy. 

Here is a list of the essential equipment you need for your horse. 

Barn and Bedding Maintenance 

Like most domestic animals, horses need a warm, dry place to rest at night. Whether it's in a barn or another type of enclosure, keeping their place of sleep dry and clean should be high on the list of horse care priorities. 

For barn cleaning tasks, you will need to own a pitchfork and a wheelbarrow for picking up and depositing manure. A manure fork and a stable broom may come in handy. 

If you store your horse equipment in a barn, you will need to make sure that it's a dry and secure space. Having a neat area for storing horse gear and food supplies will help you keep everything organized. 

A fire extinguisher and spare light bulbs are also useful for emergencies in the stable.

Essential Equipment:

• Pitchfork
• Stable broom
• Manure Fork
• Wheelbarrow
• Bedding straw or other
• Fire extinguisher
• Spare light bulbs
• A dry place to store equipment

Water and Feed 

Your horse should always have access to water. If you're a new horse owner, you should make sure you have full containers or buckets in your stables or out in your pasture. The water should be ready for whenever your horse gets thirsty. 

Containers should be reasonably large. You'll need to top them regularly as horses can consume large amounts of water in a day. 

Feeding is equally essential. You have the choice of feeding your horses from hay nets or loose materials. Each has distinct benefits. 

Loose food spread across the ground allows the horse to eat in a more natural position. Nets keep food neat and contained. 

Essential Equipment: 

• Feed pan (or nets)
• Feed container
• Water trough or large buckets

Handling

Whether your animal is tame or still needs a bit of training, handling gear is crucial. Horses need to learn how to remain calm and relaxed when you're guiding them from one place to another. 

A halter and a lead rope are vital pieces of kit that you will need to lead your horse. If you're taking it out to a pasture or walking it along a road, you will want to ensure its safety. 

Having a warm blanket for cold weather is also critical. The horse's health matters, and even they get cold sometimes! On the other hand, when your horse overheats, sweat sheets can also help keep them comfortable. 

Essential Equipment: 

• Halter and lead rope
• Blankets for cold weather
• Sweat sheet

Grooming Gear 

The process of grooming is as crucial as feeding and watering. Your horse will need proper care to stay relaxed, clean, and healthy. 

In an ideal world, you would be able to groom a horse daily. However, three times a week is the absolute minimum you should do. 

Grooming your horse not only helps to keep it clean but will also give you the chance to check for any issues. While grooming, look out for skin irritations, bites, swellings, and other problems. The sooner you find an issue, the quicker you can resolve it. 

A quick grooming before riding also will help the saddle sit better. It will be more comfortable for both you and your horse. 

After riding, a thorough groom may help to ease itchy skin and break up dirt. Grooming also allows you to build a relationship with your horse. 

Essential Equipment: 

• Hoof pick
• Various rushes and combs
• Cloth
• Fly repellent

Riding 

Whether you ride Western or English style, the way you ride will help you determine the type of horse gear you need. The kind of tack and the saddle also will depend on your personal preference. 

If you're a new horse owner, you should bring your horse home and get familiar with it before buying a saddle. It's crucial to assess the horse first so that you can get a rough idea of what kind of saddle to buy. 

If you've owned horses in the past, you can always try out an old saddle before buying a lovely new one! 

Alternatively, you could hire riding materials. Stables often offer this option. This way, you can test them out before having to make a permanent purchase. 

Essential Equipment: 

• Saddle with cinch or girth
• Bridle and bit
• Blanket or saddle pad
• Helmet
• Stirrups and stirrup leathers

Driving 

If you're into horse driving or would like to try your hand at it, you'll need additional horse equipment. You can buy both heavy and light harnesses, and the type you need will depend on the kind of driving you're doing. 

Whether you're doing cart, carriage, show, race, or plow driving, the harness type will differ. It's essential to keep in mind the purpose of your horse and drive before purchasing the harness. 

Driving is a different art to looking after a horse or going out for a ride. It requires knowledge, practice, and understanding. Whether you buy or hire riding equipment, patience and training are all part of the process. 

Essential Equipment: 

• Harness with bridle
• Driving whip
• A sturdy, safe vehicle
• Helmet

Veterinary Care 

You should always have access to emergency medicines and equipment. Store it in a dry, safe place, preferably near the stall. If an issue is ever beyond your control, call or visit a vet immediately.  

The Bottom Line 

If you would like to learn more about horse ownership and the type of horse gear and knowledge you will need, we're always happy to share tips and ideas. Join our mailing list today, and we'll be sure to get in touch with further information!