Whether you have horses at home or in boarding, here’s a list of items essential to horse care.
Grooming
Regular grooming is imperative to keep horses healthy. Shiny coats and clean hooves aren’t givens – we need to help them along daily. Grooming is also an excellent way to bond – a shared experience that builds trust between horses and humans.
Hoof Picks
Hoof picks help clean dirt and debris out of your horse hooves. Make sure you do it every day. You know your horse trusts you when it willingly lifts hooves for you to clean.
Brushes
Most horses love a good brushing down. Hard plastic brushes are ideal to remove dust and particles off the horse’s coat.
Follow up with a soft brush which helps to bring out more shine. Horses love the feel of the soft bristles.
Shedding Blade
Horses grow thick coats in the winter. Come spring, use a shedding blade to get rid of the excess thickness.
Hoof Moisturizer
Changes in season can affect a horse’s hooves. Dry spells could result in cracked hooves, while springtime thrush can cause bacterial infections. Tackle both with a high-quality hoof moisturizer.
Fly Control
Keep pesky flies at bay with a good spray or repellent ointment.
First Aid Kit
Horses get up to a lot when running around. So, you might often see scrapes, cuts, and bruises. Most minor injuries don’t need vet attention. You can treat them with first aid or wound powders that dry up any blood quickly. Remember to keep the first aid kit stocked.
Tack
Tack essentials for riding can differ depending on your preferences and what works best for each horse. The bare bone necessities for safe riding are a halter for efficient handling, an all-purpose saddle, a saddle pad, and a bridle and bit.
Treats
A carrot to munch on or some crunchy apples – show your horse some love with lots of treats. Goodies keep them motivated and engaged.
First-time horse owners can use treats to build positive associations during training or grooming sessions.