"I just bought a horse today!"
My sister just got her first pony, a nice grey TB named Lady. After owning Ruby for almost 10 years, I have acquired a tack box full of stuff and have found out which brands I like the most.
Here is the start of a 'buyers' guide to get ready for your new horse/pony:
Horse Care:
Farrier-every 5-8 weeks depending on how fast her feet grow
Vet- for Spring/Fall shots and to be on call
Chiropractor- if you ride a lot, it is good to have this one a few times a year
Dentist- usually only need once a year
Saddle Fitter- you should have your saddle checked and adjusted 1-2 times a year
Insurance- optional; I use EMO Agency
Tack:
Bit- I would have 2, one for a dressage bridle and one for a jump bridle; basic bits are a
dee ring snaffle for jumping and an
eggbut snaffle for dressage
Bridle (
jump, and
dressage with a flash)
Saddle- good fitting saddle makes a huge difference in performance and back health; I have a Hastilow for jumping and a Custom Steffen's Advantage for dressage but there are a ton of brands out there
Support Boots- I use open front boots for jumping (
thinline) and brushing boots (
woof) for dressage; some people prefer polo wraps for dressage, so ask the trainer what he/she prefers
Saddle Pad (support)- if your saddle doesn't fit perfectly, use a half pad; I use the
thinline sheep
Baby Pad- to keep your nice pads clean or to use if your saddle fits really well; I use the generic
smarkpak baby pads (free monogramming days occasionally!)
Stirrups- obviously; I have the
flex ones which some people love and other people hate
Girth- if your horse has sensitive skin, look for a fleece lined girth; otherwise the leather ones are fine
Horse Care:
Turnout Blanket- I would get a heavy for the winter if she doesn't grow a lot of hair and a light rain sheet for rainy days. Weatherbeeta is the brand I use, but the high end is Rambo
Fleece Cooler- for those sweaty rides in the cold
Leather Halter- always good to have a nice one for shows and photos
Breakaway Halter - for all other times
Fly Mask- fly barrier
Grooming Supplies:
Hoof Pick- get one with the
bristles on it
Curry comb- most horses prefer the
rubbery ones
Hard Brush- for body
Soft brush- for face
Mane and Tail Comb
Sweat Scraper
Scissors- spend the extra money on shears, not just cheap scissors
Solo Comb- if she doesn't like her mane being pulled, you can thin with a
solo comb
Grooming Tote= super convenient for traveling; I like Kensington
Sunscreen- especially for grey horses, she will appreciate this in the summer on her nose
Medical Kit:
Farrier's Fix-
hoof oil
No Thrush-
Thrush
Shampoo- get a normal shampoo and a conditioner, but also an antifungal for rainrot season
Detangler- I like
cowboy magic products a lot
Wound Ointment
Wraps
Fly Spray
Fly repellant (I love EquiSpot)
Shows:
Haynet
Water and Feed bucket
Trailer Clips
Mucking supplies
Other
Tack cleaning supplies- cloth, sponges, soap, conditioner
