Horse Supply Checklist

Congratulations, you've finally found your right horse. Before bringing your new horse home, you'll have to prepare your barn and fill your tack room. Use this comprehensive equipment list to help you and your new horse get off on the right hoof.

Daily Equine Care

For day-to-day care you need an assortment of items to keep your horse healthy and feeling his best.

• Curry comb
• Soft brush
• Hard brush
• Mane and tail comb
• Fly spray
• Shampoo
• Hoof pick
• Hoof oil or conditioner

• Gauze
• Self-adhesive wrap
• Antibiotic ointment
• Thermometer
• Epsom salts
• Clean stable wraps
• Antiseptic scrub
• List of emergency contacts

Consult with your veterinarian to assess any additional items your horse may need.

• Waterproof turnout sheet or blanket for harsh weather
• Stable blanket for indoors or mild conditions

Your horse's coat will naturally help keep him warm, but he may need the extra warmth from a blanket in some conditions. A horse without access to shelter or an older horse may need to be blanketed more often than a horse who lives in the barn. It's important to ensure proper fit of your horse's blanket and be sure to remove it daily when you check for fitness and health. A stable blanket or sheet typically isn't waterproof, but can be used to keep your horse warm when indoors. A turnout blanket or sheet should be waterproof. A turnout blanket with approximately 200 grams of fill is considered medium weight, and 400 grams of fill constitutes a heavyweight blanket.

• A halter and lead rope are essential gear for any rider. If you plan to leave your horse haltered while unattended, make sure the halter has a leather breakaway strap or is made entirely of leather that will release should the horse become caught. Use nylon halters only when the horse is supervised.
• Saddles come in many shapes and sizes and are best purchased after bringing home your horse to ensure best fit and style match. For English-style riding, choose a close contact or all-purpose saddle. Western saddles are sold in a variety of styles depending on their intended use. A saddle fit professional or instructor can help you determine which are right for you.
• Saddle pads sit underneath your saddle and come in a variety of thicknesses. English pads are smaller and lighter than Western pads, but may be bolstered by a half-pad or fitted pad for extra cushion. Western saddle pads are thicker and designed for use without additional padding.
• Girths or cinches safely attach your saddle on the back of your horse. You'll need a cinch with your Western saddle or a girth with your English saddle. The size of cinch or girth will be dependent on the size of your horse and is best purchased after you've adopted your new horse.
• Bridles are most often designed for use with a bit, the piece that the horse carries in his mouth and is used for guidance. Bitless bridles are available for horses who prefer them. Many bridles are sold as a set with reins.
• Horse leg protection comes in many shapes and sizes. Leg boots offer varying levels of protection and riders typically opt for only front boots. Your use of leg protection will depend on riding conditions and preference. You may elect to place boots or leg wraps on your horse if you're riding in a situation or discipline where his legs may brush against sticks, trees or obstacles. Ask a professional if you need help determining your and your horse's needs.

For horses at your home or on your property, gather these items. Horses boarded at a professionally staffed facility will likely already have these on hand.

• Manure pick
• Wheelbarrow or muck bucket
• Several feed and water buckets
• Tub and hose
• Sturdy fencing
• Horse shelter

If your horse will spend much of their day in a stall or small paddock, you may also want to consider adding enrichment to his environment. Multiple feed stations, treat dispensing toys and grooming stations (for example, you can attach the brush from a broom to the wall to act as a modified scratching post) can add enrichment to your horse's daily routine. Overall, the supplies you'll need to care for your horse depend on where you keep him and his individual needs. Talk with your adoption agency and equine professionals to be prepared and set your new horse up for success.

Horse Illustrated Horse Owner Resources

Access the New Horse resource hub created by our friends at Horse Illustrated. You'll find a stable full of information on equine care, equipment, adoption, and more as you explore the exciting world of equine ownership.