Everything You Need to Have a Successful Start With Your First Horse
Becoming a first-time horse owner is an exciting and fulfilling experience, but it comes with the responsibility of ensuring your new equine companion has everything they need for a happy and healthy life. As you venture into the world of horse ownership, it’s important to be well-equipped with the right gear and supplies. This list is a general guide to the essentials, but it’s important to note that the needs of every horse are different, as are the expectations of barns and trainers.
This list is by no means set in stone, you may find that you need to add to it, or that some items aren’t necessities for you or your horse. Something else to consider with this list is that some items, especially tack, are specific to your chosen discipline. Tack includes saddles, bridles, bits, and anything else worn by the horse while in work. It’s best to consult your trainer When shopping for these items. With that being said, here are your first horse essentials:
For the Horse
- Multiple halters
- Multiple lead ropes
- Grooming supplies
- Saddle
- Stirrups and stirrup leathers (for English saddles)
- Girth (for English saddles)
- Cinch (for Western saddles)
- Saddle pad(s)
- Half pad (for English saddles-consult trainer/saddle fitter)
- Horse boots
- Bridle
- Bit
For the Rider
- Helmet
- Riding boots
- Riding pants (breeches/tights/jeans depending on discipline)
- Riding gloves
- Body protector
For the Barn
- Water buckets
- Feed buckets/pans
- Pitchfork
- Manure shovel
- Muck bucket/wheelbarrow
- Storage (tack trunk, bridle hook, saddle rack, feed bins)
- First aid supplies
Seasonal Items
- Fly spray
- Fly gear (mask, sheet, boots)
- Blankets/sheets