So you bought a new horse. Now what? Well, now you need all the things that go with it. When I bought Valerie, I only had a bucket of brushes and a halter. Since then I have amassed two saddles, three bridles, four blankets, and one trailer! My tack box and trailer tack room are both filled with more stuff then my clothes closet.
Get the Basics
To begin with, you will only need the basics. You can buy these used or new from your local tack store, tack swaps, or online sites. For a list of online sites, see my post entitled 12 Websites to Buy Horse Supplies.
In addition to buying tack or grooming supplies you will need to look for a vet, dentist, and a shoer. Get suggestions from your barn mates or trainer. (You may have selected a vet already since you should have had a vet check the health of your new horse.) After you try them out, you can decide if you like your choices.
I have created a list of the basics you need to buy for your first horse. Here they are:
- halter* and lead rope
- lunge whip
- lunge line
- grooming supplies: stiff brush, soft brush, hoof pick, rag, curry, comb/brush, fly spray, detangler for manes and tails like Cowboy Magic, thrush treatment like Thrush Buster, ointment for cuts and scrapes like Horseman’s Dream veterinary cream
- blanket*
- wraps or sports boots*
- bridle*, bit, reins and chin strap
- saddle with cinch*
- saddle pads/blankets*
- feed bucket
- grooming bucket
- washing supplies like shampoo and condioner
- tack cleaning supplies
- first aid kit
*You will need to size these items for your horse.
Note: Be sure you also know what type of hay to feed and what type of supplements if any.
Now enjoy yourself and get shopping! Please let me know what I missed. Thanks.
Photo by greenchartreuse
