Every horse owner knows the importance of having the right equine essentials to keep their horse healthy and happy. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced horse owner, having the right supplies is a must. This blog post will cover the top 10 equine essentials every horse owner needs to provide the best care for their horse. Horse ownership goes beyond being ‘able to ride’. Owners should also be able to care for the horse on a long-term basis and be prepared to act in many unexpected situations. From horse care and bedding to grooming supplies and riding equipment, this list covers all the basics. Read on to learn more about the essential items you should have on hand for your horse.
1) A good knowledge of horse care
Knowing the basics of equine care, including essential items, is pertinent for any horse owner. A good start is to learn about primary care, such as nutrition, stabling, grooming and exercise. You can gain valuable knowledge on care and handling with the British Horse Society or online training courses. Researching your particular breed and its needs can also be beneficial. Equine nutrition can is divided into macro-nutrients, such as proteins, fats and carbohydrates, and micro-nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and electrolytes. Having a regular worming routine and understanding of vaccinations is also essential. Knowing how to recognise any signs of pain or illness in your horse is also a must.
2) A head collar and lead rope
One of the most important yet basic equine essentials is a head collar and lead rope. The head collar should fit snugly but not too tight, allowing freedom of movement around the ears, eyes, and nose. It should be made from strong material that won’t chafe the horse’s skin and provide plenty of padding, especially around the headpiece. The lead rope should be long enough for the horse to move freely but not so long that it could get caught on something. It should also be made from strong material such as heavy-duty cotton and be free of any knots or buckles that could come loose. Both the head collar and lead rope should always be used with caution and respect when handling horses.
3) A good set of yard boots
Equine essentials are fundamental to the health and well-being of your horse, but what about you? First, consider a good set of yard boots to protect your feet. Yard boots are an essential part of an owner’s wardrobe and will keep your feet protected from excess moisture, mud and your horse’s hooves!
It is essential to select the correct type and fit of yard boots to prevent rubbing. If you want to be able to ride and muck out in your yard boots, be sure to check the soles to see if they are suitable for use in stirrups. A good yard boot manufacturer often adds ‘can be used for riding’ in the description. Additionally, it is essential to clean and care for your yard boots regularly to ensure that they stay in good condition so you don’t have to buy new ones every few months. Re-proofing sprays are available, and a good saddle soap or leather conditioner will pay dividends! Regular spraying down with a hose when leaving the yard should also help keep them in good condition.
4) A variety of horse rugs
When it comes to equine essentials, one of the most important collections of equipment for your equine is a selection of horse rugs. Different horses need different types of rugs depending on the weather and their lifestyle. Stable rugs help keep your horse warm and dry when in the stable and can be used as an additional layer during cold winter. Turnout rugs are made for use outside, protecting from the elements and providing a layer of insulation against the cold. Depending on the climate you live in, you may need several turnout rugs with varying levels of insulation so your horse is comfortable throughout the year.
Exercise, clip, time of year, feed and roughage will all play a part in choosing the right rug for your horse. For example, a horse with a thick coat not in work will have very different requirements from a horse that is clipped and jumping. Other types of rugs include sweat rugs, thermal/insulator rugs, fly rugs, rain sheets, stable sheets, travel sheets – and many more!
You may choose not to rug your horse at all.
5) A first aid kit
A horse and rider first aid kit is essential with no compromise. Every horse owner should have a well-stocked kit in the stable and in their trailer when travelling.
A first aid kit for the horse should include wound dressings, bandages, antiseptic spray and cream, scissors, a thermometer, tweezers, hoof packing, an electrolyte supplement, sterile saline and other items as necessary.
And for the rider, items such as plasters, antiseptic wipes, steri-strips, bandages, clean cotton wool, and eye wash too.
It is essential to know how to use the items in your kit and to update it as necessary when supplies get low.
6) A good grooming kit and hoof pick
A grooming kit is an essential item for all horse owners, as regular grooming is necessary to keep your horse healthy and looking great. It also helps build a bond, and a keen eye will also notice lumps, bumps and hidden cuts. A typical kit should include a body brush, a dandy brush, a mane comb, a hoof pick, a rubber curry comb, a sweat scraper and various other tools. With the right horse essentials, you can make sure your horse’s coat stays clean and well-maintained. A hoof pick is also an essential tool in any grooming kit and should be used regularly to clean out dirt and debris from your horse’s hooves.
7) Suitable bedding, dust and mould free
Horse bedding is one of the most important parts to consider. The type of bedding you use will depend on your horse’s preferences, your budget, and the weather conditions. Generally, it’s best to use high-quality, dust-free bedding that will allow your horse to stay comfortable in its stable. It is also important to ensure that the bedding is free from mould, which can cause respiratory problems for horses. Mould-free bedding will provide a healthy environment for your horse and help keep it safe from respiratory diseases. Buying bedding in bulk not only saves money but time too. It saves on multiple trips to the bedding store, and you always have more to hand should you need it in an emergency.
8) Correctly fitted tack
When it comes to equine essentials, having correctly fitted tack is essential. Incorrectly fitting tack can cause discomfort for the horse, leading to potential health and behavioural problems. When selecting a saddle, it is important to measure the size of the horse and choose the correct type. A saddle should fit with enough space around the gullet to allow for freedom of movement. There should be adequate space around the pommel (at least three fingers with a rider onboard) and a clear gullet; the seat should be big enough for the rider and the saddle an adequate length over the horse’s back. The same goes for bridles, girths and other pieces of tack. A qualified equine professional can help you with choosing the right size and fit of tack. It is also important to regularly check all your equipment to make sure it is in good condition and not causing any irritation or discomfort to your horse. Tack should also be cleaned daily, with a thorough clean weekly, to help prevent damage and rubbing on the horse.
9) Stable Yard Equipment
Having the right stable yard equipment is essential for any horse owner. Stable equipment includes items like feed buckets, hay nets, water buckets, tools for mucking out and grooming tools (as mentioned above). It’s important to have the right size and number of items to ensure your horse’s health and comfort and for your own convenience. Some yards offer shared equipment use. However, is not recommended due to biosecurity.
Feed buckets are essential for providing meals and snacks to your horse. Make sure you choose buckets that are heavy-duty and safe (such as rubber), as they’ll need to be able to take the weight of your horse should they stand on them! Also, choose a size appropriate for your horse so they don’t struggle to reach the food.
Hay nets are an essential item to keep your horse’s hay fresh and clean. Choose a hay net that has small holes, as this will help slow down your horse’s eating habits and can prevent digestive issues caused by large meals. Feeding from the floor is also recommended. However, you may still need a net to weigh the amount of hay being fed and to transport it from the hay barn to the stable.
Water buckets are necessary for keeping your horse hydrated. Select a bucket that won’t tip over easily and is deep enough for your horse to drink from comfortably. A water bucket without a metal handle is advisable, as horses can get their hooves caught in them should they become empty and roll around the stable.
Grooming tools are essential for keeping your horse healthy and comfortable. Brushes, combs, and hoof picks are all necessary items for keeping your horse groomed and free of dirt, debris, and parasites. Make sure you have the right size tools for your horse’s coat type and hoof size.
Having the right stable yard equipment is essential for ensuring your horse’s safety, comfort, and well-being. By investing in the right horse essentials, you can keep your horse happy and healthy for years to come.
10) Insurance
Insurance is one of the essential equine essentials for any horse owner. This can include equine insurance for vet bills, riders, third parties and equipment. Horse owners can ensure that animals are adequately covered by discussing particular needs with a specialist. Having a comprehensive insurance policy in place is important to cover any expenses that may arise from an unexpected situation. Additionally, the policy should provide coverage for riders who use your horses and for any equipment that may become damaged during normal usage. Knowing that you have the right level of coverage in place can give you peace of mind and help to protect your finances in the long run.
Conclusion
No matter what level of horse owner you are, having the right type of equine essentials is important to help you take care of your horse. Investing in the right equipment and understanding basic horse care will help ensure that your horse is healthy and happy. Make sure you have all the essentials in place before you bring your horse home, and be sure to check that they are in good condition regularly. With the right horse essentials, you can make sure your horse stays safe and healthy for years to come.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.