Once you have done your research and made the decision to own a horse for the first time, you will have to stock up on some horse riding and horse care essentials! While owning a horse is exciting, it can also be expensive and a bit overwhelming at times.
Although horses have a reputation for being difficult, high-maintenance animals to care for, you can make it as complicated or as simple as you’d like. As long as your horse has clean, adequate shelter for warmth and protection from the elements, access to basic hoof care, as well as daily food, water, and hay, he or she will likely thrive and live a happy, healthy life. Once you get your first horse, there are a few basic pieces of equipment you will definitely need to care for it properly. Other pieces of equipment are optional but will make your life easier when caring for your new horse.
Although tack items such as bits, bridles and saddles might be something you want to acquire before you bring your horse home, it actually might be best to wait. By waiting, you will be able to custom fit your horse, keeping it comfortable and happy. Other items like brushes, buckets, and lead ropes can be purchased well ahead of time. You should also have several week’s supply of hay and any supplements or grain you decide to feed your horse. Your fences and stable should also be ready. Do not forget that you will need some type of bedding if your horse will be stabled.
Here are the items you will need if you plan to care for and use your horse for riding and driving.
Adequate Housing
First and foremost, on your horse equipment list should be housing for your new furry friend to protect him from the elements. Nearly any type of structure will suffice as long as it is sturdy and truly lets him stay dry and warm. Although a stable would be ideal, a shed that offers at least 144 square feet per horse and that has 3 sides and a roof that does not leak will do the trick. The ground inside your horses’ shelter should be dry and clean. If it is cold outside, providing some straw for warmth is a good idea.
Outside Space
Ideally, you will need an appropriate outside area for your horse to graze and relax. Most horses enjoy being outdoors in grassy fields for most of the day. Finding an outside space for your horse is not as big a concern as you might think. A safe, grassy area is sufficient to allow your horse some quality outside time. An additional benefit of allowing your horse to graze is it will cut down on feed costs.
Keep in mind that horses are herd animals and generally enjoy the company of other horses; Therefore, the opportunity to get your horse into a field with another horse is always a good idea. Also remember that you need to exercise your horse properly or they can become overweight or suffer from illness.
Fencing
There are several popular types of fencing that can be used for horses. You will want to consider each type of fencing carefully and note whether it is suitable for your horses, property type and overall needs before committing to one type of fence.
- Electric Fences
An electrified fence delivers a mild shock to a horse when it leans on the fence or runs into the barrier, which can help train the animal to avoid the fence. These fences are usually constructed of coated wire and may be adjusted to different current levels. Electric fences are one of the most expensive fence types and may be less visible to horses, which could increase the risk of impacts and tangling.
- Wire Fences
Simple, strung wire fences without electrical current are very easy to install and one of the least expensive fences; however, they have a high risk of horses getting tangled in the wires, which could lead to dangerous injuries. These fences are not as visible as other types of barriers and may need regular tightening, as they are loosened by impacts and other disruptions.
- Pipe Fences
Pipe horse fencing is suitable for small pen areas or raising difficult horses in a flat area. Because the pipe horse fencing is heavy and durable, it can stand the crash from horse. These fences can be dangerous for very unruly horses, however, because the pipe will not flex with impacts and a horse could be easily injured.
- Vinyl Rail Fences
Vinyl rails mimic the country look of wood rails, but are very low maintenance and have a much longer lifespan. They are also more expensive and can be more difficult to repair if they are broken. These are highly visible fences that are suitable for a wide range of uses and can work for many horses.
Feeding Equipment
Since hay should be on your horse equipment list as well, consider how you plan to feed the hay to your horse. You can either provide a round bale or square bale of hay. Although putting the hay on the ground is perfectly fine, you might find it gets messy fast, and your horse will likely waste some of it, costing you extra money in waste. For square bales, a hay net with a fairly close weave will keep them from strewing their hay everywhere. The hay will last longer with a hay net because your horse will not be able to eat it all at once, and he will be kept occupied longer. If you plan to provide round bales, consider putting a round bale feeder on your horse equipment list.
Feed Buckets
Depending on the breed of your horse and how much land you have for a pasture, you will need to provide grain in some sort of bucket or ground feeder. Although we have seen horses fed straight on the ground, sand colic is a common issue if your horse ingests too much dirt. As a result, you might find yourself with an unnecessary vet bill or a horse with diarrhea. Horses also tend to waste grain when fed on the ground since they stomp it into the dirt. It can also get mushy if mixed with water. We recommend using buckets or ground feeders to save money and avoid waste.
Water Buckets
Another part of owning a horse is providing plenty of fresh water. If you plan to keep your horse in a stall, then providing two 5-gallon buckets of water is a good idea. Larger tubs will require less refilling. In the winter, be sure there is enough water that it will not completely freeze, which makes breaking the surface ice easy.
Barn and Pasture Maintenance
You will spend a good amount of time cleaning up after your horses if they spend any time inside your barn. Invest in a good shovel with tines like a fork that allow you to easily sort through shavings or straw to removed soiled bedding and manure from your horse’s living area. Even if you keep your horse outside and allow him access to a shed, you will want to remove manure from any enclosed areas.
This reduces chances your horse will pick up worms or inhale excess ammonia, which might affect his breathing. You can easily purchase a stall pick at most feed and farm stores. Although this horse equipment list certainly isn’t all-inclusive, these are the basic necessities you should have on hand before bringing home your new horse.
- Pitchfork
- Stable broom
- Wheelbarrow
- Manure Fork
- Fire extinguisher
- Spare lightbulbs
- Extension cord
- Secure, dry place to store hay/feed/tack/supplies
Handling and Grooming
Brushing your horse is an absolute must. If you plan to ride him, you should brush him before tacking him up to ensure he does not get any abrasions or rubs from dirt, and it will protect your equipment. You can purchase both a stiff-bristled brush to work dirt out of his coat and a soft-bristled brush to wick away dirt that you have loosened.
Another item to consider for your horse equipment list is a hoof pick. You should clean your horse’s hooves often, even daily, if possible. Frequent cleaning means you will notice small problems before they become big, and you can avoid dramatic and costly horse hoof problems.
Blankets are another item for any horse equipment list. While they are not strictly necessary for every climate, they are nice to have if it gets very cold where you live. For very cold days, a blanket will help him keep his body heat up, which in turn will reduce the amount of hay he needs to eat to stay warm.
You will also want the following grooming items:
- Halter
- Lead ropes
- Hoof pick
- Curry comb
- Body brush
- Mane comb
- Cloth (an old washcloth will do)
- Fly repellent
- Blankets for cold weather if needed
- Sweat sheet if needed
Riding and Safety Gear
Before you move on to the fun stuff, your first priority should be picking solid safety equipment that you use every time you ride. We always recommend being fitted by a professional to make sure the gear you purchase fits correctly and keeps you safe.
- Saddle with girth or cinch
- A saddle pad or blanket
- Bridle and bit
- Helmet
- Stirrups and stirrup leathers
- Optional: lunge line
- Optional: tendon boots, bell boots, any other leg support or protection the horse may need
Riding Clothing
You can go all out and buy every piece of riding clothing you’ll ever need, but these are the essentials you will require to ride safely and comfortably:
- Suitable Riding Boots – your boots must be heeled to give you grip in the stirrups. Do not wear wellies or trainers as these will not give you enough grip.
- Breeches – Jeans are not suitable for riding as they may be uncomfortable for both you and your horse. It is best to wear leggings, or get yourself some breeches.
- Riding Hat or Helmet – This is your ultimate safety measure when riding, and is a must.
- Body Protector – If you or your child is new to riding, you should also consider getting a body protector. In the event of you falling off your horse, the body protector will be added protection for any nasty falls.
Transportation
With a brand-new horse trailer costing ten of thousands of dollars, a used horse trailer can save you some money. When viewing a second-hand trailer, check everything is in working order, there is no rotting or rust, there is no chance of leaking from the roof, and that the tires are in good condition.
Emergency Care
Emergency information and gear should be posted or stored in a place that is easy to find if there is an emergency.
- List of emergency numbers, including veterinarian, farrier, local animal control
- First-aid kit
The Castlebrook Difference
Castlebrook’s barns have a warm, inviting look which adds to the beauty and value of your property. All Castlebrook barns, round pens and round pen covers and designed and manufactured on site at Castlebrook’s facility. That is why we can provide you almost limitless choice of sizes and styles. Castlebrook can manufacture a barn, round pen and cover to suit your exact needs.
Castlebrook never misses a ship date. We are so confident in our on-time guarantee that we are willing to guarantee it – in writing! Castlebrook understands how important it is for your project to go as smoothly as possible. This begins with your structure shipping on the date we’ve promised. Castlebrook knows of absolutely no other barn company offering this guarantee.
Where other companies disappoint, Castlebrook guarantees to be on time, every time! Please contact our professional team today at 1-800-52-BARNS. We gladly accommodate Saturday appointments!
