The Best Equipment for Your Horse
Before you bring home your new horse, you have to make sure you are prepared to care for the horse with all of the proper equipment. Horses require a variety of basic tools and equipment in order to ensure that their standard of care is upheld. If you are planning on driving or riding the horse, you will also need to pick up some equipment so that you and your horse can properly enjoy the activity. Though you might want to buy a bridle and saddle ahead of time, you should wait until you’ve brought your horse home so that the horse’s equipment is properly fitted for them. Below is a list of equipment that you will need to care for your horse.
Barn and Pasture Maintenance
- Pitchfork
- Stable broom
- Wheelbarrow
- Manure fork
- Premise spray if insects are a problem
Feeding Equipment
- Feed tub
- Water trough or large buckets
- Water heater or heated buckets (if you the area you live in experiences freezing temperatures)
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Handling and Grooming
- Halter-leather or breakaway halters
- Lead ropes
- Hoof pick
- Curry comb
- Body brush
- Mane comb
- Cloth (an old washcloth is fine)
- Fly repellent
Riding
The type of tack you buy will depend on whether you are riding English or western. You should wait until after you bring your horse home to buy a saddle so that you can ensure the saddle fits the horse.
- Saddle with girth or cinch
- A saddle pad or blanket
- Bridle
- Helmet
- Safety Stirrups or boots with a one-inch heel
Driving
There are several different types of harnesses, depending on the type of driving you will be doing.
- Harness with bridle
- A safe, sturdy vehicle
- Driving Whip
- Helmet