Bringing your first horse home can be very exciting. However, you may feel that you don’t have all the supplies you need, or don’t even know where to start. The process of gathering all your horse’s needs can be overwhelming, especially if this is your first time. Trust me, I was in the same boat! Let’s look at the essentials you should have when bringing your horse home.
Basic Gear
Let’s start with the basics. You need to have a halter and lead rope. Are you stuck on what type of halter to choose? Head to my article, Types of Horse Halters to see your options. Next you need to have a grooming kit. You can find a grooming kit here, and it comes with a travel bag! Everything comes in this kit- an assortment of brushes, a hoof pick, and sweat scraper. It is also a good idea to have first-aid items on hand just in case.
You need to make sure to have plenty of buckets for your horse. Start with a large bucket or trough for water. You can also get a heated plastic bucket, so you don’t have to worry about your horse’s water freezing in the winter. Are you going to feed grain or supplements to your horse? If so, then you will need a bucket or bowl for that.
If you are planning to bathe your horse, then you will need a shampoo and conditioner. There are so many options for shampoo and conditioners for your horse, I just try to find something that doesn’t have any harsh chemicals in it. I also love to use a garden hose attachment that has a soap dispense, such as the Equi-Blaster.
Shelter and pasture
Before bringing your horse home, you need to decide where your horse will stay. Is your horse going to be out in the pasture 24/7 with a run-in shed, or in a stall? Once you answer this question, you will be able to move further in deciding what you will need. If your horse is going to be in a stall, then you will need to purchase bedding.
For cleaning your horse’s stall, you will need a wheelbarrow and manure fork. Most people use a wheelbarrow, but I will let you in on a tip. Using a wheelbarrow is not the only option! highly recommend checking out the Gorilla Cart. This heavy-duty cart is so easy to use, and it even dumps, so that makes your job easier!
You also need to have plenty of hay for your horse. If your horse is going to stay in a stall, then you will need hay more often. If you plan to have your horse out in the pasture most of the day, then you will not need as much hay. For example, a horse may have 24/7 turnout in the pasture. You may need to feed hay in the winter, or if your horse is in a stall or dry lot. Speaking of hay, you need something to put the hay in! I like to use a hay net for my horse, as it is healthier for her to take in small bites at a time and the hay lasts longer.
A tip on hay nets, get a good quality one! For a few years, I was getting cheap hay nets that would get a hole in it after a few months of use. It may be worth spending $50 or more on a hay net that will last you a lot longer than a cheaper net would. I love the Hay Chix nets, they are high quality, and will last you many years (from what I have researched). Head here to read more about Hay Chix nets.
Companions
Horses are herd animals, meaning that they do best when they have a friend to live with. Most people have more than one horse, but it's okay if you can’t afford more than one horse. Goats make great companion animals for horses, and they are not that expensive to care for. If goats are not an option for you, then you can consider having other animals such as alpacas or llamas. However, if you are looking for a cheaper way to have a companion for your horse, a goat is your best option.
Riding Gear
If you plan to ride your horse, then you need to have some tack and other gear. Are you going to ride English or Western? If you know what discipline you want to ride, then you can start looking for your tack. For western riders that may barrel race, or just want a secure deep seat, I recommend Tacktical saddles. Their saddles are in a higher price range, but it will last you a long time. If you cannot afford a brand-new saddle, then there are many used saddles out on the market for a cheaper price.
You can go to a tack shop and get some advice on which saddle may be best for you. You also need to make sure that whatever saddle you choose will fit your horse correctly. You can get advice from a saddle fitter when purchasing your saddle. You will also need a bridle. You can choose to use a bit or have a bitless bridle. You can also ask the previous owner of your new horse about what your horse was used to, and if your horse performed well with a bit.
Farrier/Vet
Before bringing your horse home, I highly recommend that you find a great farrier and vet! You want to make sure that your horse will have regular hoof trimmings and a great farrier that will put your horse’s needs first. If you want to learn more about hoof care, go read The Basics of Hoof Care. Your farrier can also recommend certain products that may come in handy such as hoof clay or hoof supplements.
You also need to find a reliable vet that has a lot of experience with horses. It is also a good idea to have a vet look at your horse before purchasing it, so you won’t be bringing a horse home with unknown health issues.
Food and Supplements
Besides forage, you will need to decide what food your horse will need. Some horses need special supplements such as hoof or digestive support. You should also ask the previous owner of your horse if there are any supplements that the horse was fed, so you can continue feeding those supplements if needed. Over time, you may see that your horse has weaker hooves and is getting a lot of cracks and chips. In this case, I would recommend feeding a hoof supplement to support healthy hoof growth and improve the hoof quality. If you are searching for a hoof supplement, I highly recommend Farrier's Formula.
Not all horses need grain, it just depends on how much exercise your horse is getting and what their lifestyle is like. If you are not sure what food your horse needs, then you can speak with an equine nutritionist, and they can help you decide what your horse needs. If you want to feed your horse more than one supplement, then I recommend going to SmartPak and have your horse’s supplements packed in SmartPaks. SmartPaks are created to make your life easier, and save you money!
Some horses that are on a forage-only diet may not get all the minerals and nutrients they need. In this case, you could supplement their diet with a ration balancer and provide a mineral/salt lick. If you are looking for a salt lick for your horse, I recommend the Redmond Rock. This rock on a rope provides trace minerals and electrolytes for your horse.
Blankets, Sheets, and Fly Gear
Is your horse clipped, or does he have a full coat? Is your horse going to live outside with no shelter? Blanketing a horse is a very controversial topic in the horse world, but it is ultimately up to you to decide what your horse needs. If you want to read more about blanketing, head to my article, To Blanket or not to Blanket.
In the warmer months, it is handy to have a fly mask for your horse. There are different options for fly masks, such as a lycra fly mask or a mask that has velcro. I also recommend having fly boots for your horse if your horse tends to stomp frequently. Stomping can lead to more hoof cracks and chips, so why not prevent that? I highly recommend the deluxe relaxed fit fly boots by SmartPak.
Aside from fly gear, it is vital to have a high-quality fly spray that works. You can experiment with different fly sprays and try them out, but I have found the Absorbine Ultrashield EX fly spray to work best for my horse. If you want an alternative to fly spray, you can also try feeding a fly control supplement that has ingredients such as garlic and apple cider vinegar. You can read more about fly protection here.
Conclusion
There you have it, all the essentials you need for bringing your horse home! Owning a horse is a learning experience, so don’t feel bad if you don’t know everything. I have had my horse for many years, and I am still learning. I have learned that it is great to have a fellow horse friend or professional with experience by your side to help you. If you are needing advice about horse care or tips, head to my social media to see some horse tips and facts!
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