Checklist of Equipment for First Time Horse Owners!

Your first horse will soon be arriving and the excitement is real! But the reality is between viewing and collecting your horse there is a very little time and an awful lot to do. Whilst there are often a tense few days waiting to see if your new horse will pass a vetting, you need to use that time to ensure you have all the correct equipment for their arrival. Therefore we have put together our handy checklist of equipment for first time horse owners. These are just the basic essentials but we're sure your kit will continue to expand on a weekly basis!

1. Headcollar and Lead Rope

You wont get far without a headcollar and lead rope. Generally these are quite easy to size with pony, cob, full sizes but if you need any help check with the current owner as to what they use. Look for an adjustable one. A leather headcollar is safer for travelling.

2. Grooming Kit and Sprays

A grooming kit is essential for day to day care. The very basic of brushes include a dandy brush, body brush, mane and tail brush and hoof pick. There are tonnes more available and our complete horse grooming kits make for a great starter set. Plus depending on the time of year you may need sprays such as fly spray and fly mask for the field. A handy addition is also a mane and tail spray for a tangle free finish. Get a grooming box or bag to keep everything in.

3.Tack

Are you purchasing tack with your horse? If so that's great because it should be fitted to the horse perfectly. If not with a bridle and bit you should be able to fit these under the guidance of an experienced equestrian. Check what bit the horse currently wears and the size, brand and shape of his bridle. Buy the same shape - for example if he's in a flash noseband then keep him in this initially. Don't make unnecessary changes until you really get to know your new horse. You will also need to know the size of his bit and buy the same. Keep him in the same bit type too. A saddle will need to be fitted by a professional fitted so get this appointment organised as soon as you can.

4. Saddle Cloths

Even if your horse is coming with their saddle a couple of new saddle cloths will be needed. More than one is essential as they do tend to get a bit sweaty and hairy. These are pretty easy to size and there are plenty on the market to choose from. Make sure the shape matches that of your saddle (eg GP/ Dressage saddle etc).

5. Rugs

Every horse owner will tell you you can never have too many rugs! The essentials will depend on your horse so as with everything its worth having a good chat with the current owner. It will also depend on the time of year as to what you need to get now. Common options include a few turnout rugs such as a sheet and middle weight rug, a stable rug or sheet and a fly rug for the summer.

6. Feed and Water Equipment

Feed buckets, feed scoops, feed storage bins, haynets and water buckets are essentials for day to day care and keeping your new horse happy! It's best to keep your new horse's feed exactly the same so get this in before they arrive. If they are on any supplements get these in too. Make any feed changes very gradually in the future.

7. First Aid Kit

Get your first aid essentials in place from the very beginning. Hopefully you won't need it too often but you can rest easy knowing it is there. There are various complete equine first aid kits available that you could get as a starter but some of the essentials we would recommend are - sterile gauze, bandages, vet wrap, Hibiscrub, digital thermometer, disposable gloves, syringe, cotton wool, Filtabac, scissors, ice packs and poultice etc. It might even be worth putting a small first aid kit in for us humans too!

8. Stable Equipment

Whatever your horse's lifestyle you're going to need some stable equipment for those everyday chores. Tools include broom, fork, shavings fork, pooper scooper and a good size wheelbarrow. Make sure you've got the actual bedding stocked up ready for your horse too!

9. Handy Extras

These are a few other items that we would recommend adding to your equestrian gear. If you're an experienced horse owner reading this what else would you add to the list?

• Lunge line
• Whip - school whip/ lunging whip
• Rope halter
• Fly mask
• Shampoo / no rinse wash such as the Fizzy Fillies
• Mountain block
• Boots (brushing boots/ over reach boots)
• Horse treats
• Tack rack/ storage
• Rug storage box
• Yard gloves
• Rescue remedy (that's for you!!)

We're assuming that you yourself are fully kitted out with all your riding gear and up to date safety equipment but if not now is the time to make sure all is in place. Preparing for horse ownership goes way beyond purchasing the horse itself. Having the proper equipment from day one helps create a safe, organized, and enjoyable environment for both you and your horse. Whilst our list covers the equipment you will need it doesn't cover all the other things to organise such as registering at the vets and sorting insurance. If you're stuck or need some help always seek advice from experienced horse owners who will be happy to advise.