10 Basic Items and ideas for new Horse Owners

10 Basic Items and ideas for new Horse Owners 

As a new horse owner, knowing what you need and what you don’t need can be confusing. Starting with the basics is a good idea, there is no need to go out and spend a fortune on a heap of gear that you may not need. A few quality purchases are a good starting point and from there you can build on your tack room.  

Here are some key essentials that you will need to get you, and your horse, started. 

1. Water – Good clean water is the most essential thing you can provide your horse. No matter what time of year it is, making sure your horse has constant access to a clean water supply is imperative. If you use buckets or a self-filling water trough they need to be kept clean and checked daily and in some cases twice a day.   

1. Feed – Nutrition is of key importance for keeping your horse happy and healthy. Feeding the correct diet for your horses’ requirements and the work they are doing is key. If you are unsure of what you should be feeding, a qualified equine nutritionist can help. They can help explain the correct vitamins, roughage, protein and energy that your horse may require and construct a balanced diet specifically for you. Every horse is different so therefore their needs are different. 

1. Grooming Kit – Brushes, combs and accessories to help remove your horses’ dead coat and keep their manes and tails knot free. Shampoo for washing, towels, fly spray and a hoof pick are found in most grooming kits. There are other more specific things you can add as you go but to begin with a simple kit is sufficient. Your local saddlery may even have a starter kit that will have all these goodies in one bag! 

1. Gear – A good quality, well fitted headcollar and sturdy lead will get you started with your groundwork. As you progress to riding, a bridle, saddle, girth, saddle pad and protective boots for your horse are essential. You can seek assistance from your local saddlery who may even offer a fitting service to assist with saddles, which can be the most complicated part! As for yourself, correct boots and safety helmet are a must have. 

1. Rugs – Nice light quality cotton or a fly rug for summer to keep the bugs away, and a heavy waterproof, warm rug for winter. Not everyone rugs their horses but, in some areas, it can get quite cold in winter and in more northern areas the bugs and flies can irritate your horse, so a rug is a good idea. It is, however, a personal decision and largely controlled by your local weather conditions.  

1. Buckets and feed bins – you will need a mix of buckets to both make, serve and store your horses feed in. For making and mixing feeds, 20L pails are a very popular choice as they can be easily stacked and secured with lids. For serving feeds, a flexi tub, or a purpose built feed bin are easily sourced options, coming in both hard plastic and recycled rubber materials, as well as a variety of colours! And as for storage, drums, bins or custom-built feed bins that have secure lids are a must. Keeping the stored undercover and elevated off the ground will also help in avoiding any water leakage.  

1. First Aid – A general first aid kit is a very good idea. Just something to help you out for those small cuts and scrapes. Keeping your veterinarian’s phone number handy in case of an emergency is most important.  

1. Stable/yard cleaning – Depending on where you are keeping your horse, your cleaning needs will vary. If your horse is going to be stabled you will need a rake, bedding and probably a wheelbarrow, so you can clean it daily. A small yard or pen will also need daily cleaning, in a similar fashion. If you have your horse in a larger paddock, cleaning may not be as regular as daily, however a rake, bucket and wheelbarrow will still come in handy. 

1. Shelter – Not everyone can have a stable or even a shelter shed, but making sure your horse does have somewhere they can get shade is extremely important. A shade shelter or at least, access to tree shade in their yard, is a must. 

1.  Fencing – Lastly, making sure that the fencing or stable you are keeping your horse in is secure and safe, free from any protruding wire or wood they can injure themselves on, and that the fencing is of a high quality so they can’t access any unsafe surroundings.  

Having a horse is a great reward, and whilst there are many boxes to tick, good organisation and planning before welcoming your new friend will ensure a safe and smooth introduction for everyone involved!