Equipment Selection for the Beginner Horse Owner
By Barb Hento
November 2003 Northwest Horse Source Magazine
By Barb Hento
November 2003 Northwest Horse Source Magazine
The variety of items for a horse is endless and to the newcomer, the list may be confusing. Tack stores will gladly help you determine your needs and catalogs are great fun to finger through for ideas. However, to begin the process with a few basic items can make the job easier.
The first thing to know is that expensive is not always the best buy, and inexpensive is not always the way to go. Let's start from the top.
Halter:
When you buy a horse, the halter should come with him. If you have to buy a halter, they are sized by weight, and are best if you can make adjustments at the nose as well as behind the ears.
The rings at the side of the nose should be rounded (not square) to allow for lead chains to run freely when in use. These rings must not rest against the cheekbone and the nose band must be loose enough that the horse can eat, but not catch it on something.
Lead Rope:
The best bet for a lead rope is a one-inch diameter, cotton rope, 8-10 feet long with a heavy "bull" snap. This will hold most horses and be long enough to safely tie your horse up. Nylon leads can be very hard to hold when a horse pulls on you. In addition to a lead rope, buy a 28 inch lead chain that can be snapped onto the lead when you need additional control.
Grooming Tools:
Grooming tools is one place you can go inexpensive. The minimum number of brushes is three: a soft brush for the face and finishing grooming, a stiff brush for removing heavy dirt, and a rubber curry to loosen hair and mud. The grooming box should also have a hoof pick, a regular hair brush for manes and tails, an old towel, and a sponge. You should also include a good hoof conditioner in this list. If you want to wash your horse, the products are endless. A good buy is liquid Ivory dish soap.
Stable Blanket:
This is one of the most confusing items to buy. To blanket or not to blanket is the big question. The horse that is kept blanketed and hooded year-round must have an endless wardrobe, and needs constant supervision so he doesn't become too warm or cold.
Blankets and hoods come in numerous weights, styles and materials. Inexpensive is not always the best buy here. Buy for durability of material (Cordura is best). Blankets and sheets can last for years with a good maintenance program of mending and washing.
The average horse in this country doesn't need to be blanketed, but a warm blanket makes the owner feel warm and fuzzy. If your funds are limited, a good sheet and an anti-sweat sheet (they look like heavy fish net) are good buys and can be used in many combinations instead of a blanket.
The first thing to know is that expensive is not always the best buy, and inexpensive is not always the way to go. Let's start from the top.
Halter:
When you buy a horse, the halter should come with him. If you have to buy a halter, they are sized by weight, and are best if you can make adjustments at the nose as well as behind the ears.
The rings at the side of the nose should be rounded (not square) to allow for lead chains to run freely when in use. These rings must not rest against the cheekbone and the nose band must be loose enough that the horse can eat, but not catch it on something.
Lead Rope:
The best bet for a lead rope is a one-inch diameter, cotton rope, 8-10 feet long with a heavy "bull" snap. This will hold most horses and be long enough to safely tie your horse up. Nylon leads can be very hard to hold when a horse pulls on you. In addition to a lead rope, buy a 28 inch lead chain that can be snapped onto the lead when you need additional control.
Grooming Tools:
Grooming tools is one place you can go inexpensive. The minimum number of brushes is three: a soft brush for the face and finishing grooming, a stiff brush for removing heavy dirt, and a rubber curry to loosen hair and mud. The grooming box should also have a hoof pick, a regular hair brush for manes and tails, an old towel, and a sponge. You should also include a good hoof conditioner in this list. If you want to wash your horse, the products are endless. A good buy is liquid Ivory dish soap.
Stable Blanket:
This is one of the most confusing items to buy. To blanket or not to blanket is the big question. The horse that is kept blanketed and hooded year-round must have an endless wardrobe, and needs constant supervision so he doesn't become too warm or cold.
Blankets and hoods come in numerous weights, styles and materials. Inexpensive is not always the best buy here. Buy for durability of material (Cordura is best). Blankets and sheets can last for years with a good maintenance program of mending and washing.
The average horse in this country doesn't need to be blanketed, but a warm blanket makes the owner feel warm and fuzzy. If your funds are limited, a good sheet and an anti-sweat sheet (they look like heavy fish net) are good buys and can be used in many combinations instead of a blanket.
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