For a new horse owner, it’s essential to have the right gear and supplies to ensure the safety and comfort of both the horse and rider. Here’s a list of items to consider purchasing at your local tack shop:

New horse List
What are you going to need?

Basic Tack

  1. Halters and Lead Ropes
  • Halter (preferably leather or breakaway for safety)
  • Lead rope (with a sturdy clip) With or without a chain depending on your horse
  1. Bridles and Bits
  • Bridle (type depending on riding discipline)
  • Appropriate bit (consult with an experienced rider or trainer for the right type and size)
  1. Saddle
  • Saddle (English or Western, depending on your riding style) Make sure your saddle fits your new horse. If your horse starts misbehaving or exhibiting behavior that is new, always check your saddle fit to make sure he/she is not in any discomfort or pain.
  • Girth or cinch (ensuring proper fit) Your horse may need a different size girth for different diciplines
  1. Saddle Pads and Blankets
  • Saddle pad (correct style and thickness for your discipline)
  • Half pad or shimmable pad if needed for your horses comfort or saddle fit problems.

Grooming Supplies

  1. Brushes and Combs
  • Curry comb
  • Hard brush (dandy brush)
  • Soft brush (body brush)
  • Face Brush
  • Mane and tail comb
  1. Hoof Care
  • Hoof pick w/ brush
  • Hoof dressing (optional, depending on hoof condition)
  1. Cleaning Supplies
  • Sponge
  • Sweat scraper
  • Towels

Health and First Aid

  1. First Aid Kit
  • Bandages (self-adhesive, gauze)
  • Antiseptic wound spray or ointment
  • Thermometer
  • Vet wrap
  1. Fly Protection
  • Fly spray
  • Fly mask
  • Fly Boots
  • Fly Sheet
  1. Supplements and Feed
    • Any specific supplements recommended by your vet
    • Basic feeding supplies (feed bucket, water bucket)
    • Horse Treats
    • Horse toys – if your horse gets bored in his/her stall

Stable Supplies

  1. Stable Tools
    • Muck bucket or wheelbarrow
    • Pitchfork
    • Rake
  2. Stable Equipment
    • Stall guards or door chains
    • Water and feed buckets (if not provided by the stable)

Safety Gear for the Rider

  1. Riding Helmet
    • Properly fitting, safety-approved helmet
  2. Riding Apparel
    • Riding gloves
    • Boots (with a heel to prevent slipping through stirrups)
    • Appropriate riding pants or breeches

Miscellaneous

  1. Tack Cleaning Supplies
    • Saddle soap
    • Leather conditioner
    • Tack Sponge or cloth
  2. Training Aids
    • Lunge line
    • Lunge whip
  3. Horse Identification
    • ID tags for halter such as a name plate if you are at a stable with multiple horses

Optional Items

  • Blankets and Sheets
  • Rain sheet or turnout blanket
  • Cooler or stable blanket
  • Additional Tack
  • Martingale or breastplate (if needed for your discipline)
  • Boots or wraps for leg protection
  • Bell Boots

When purchasing these items, it’s essential to consult with knowledgeable staff at the tack shop, your trainer, or an experienced horse owner to ensure you are getting the right equipment for your horse and your specific needs. Additionally, prioritize quality over quantity to ensure the safety and comfort of both you and your horse.