5 Things You Need Before You Buy A Horse.

by Staff

If you’re thinking of buying a horse, you may not realize how many things you’ll need to provide it proper care right away. Horses require a lot of special equipment that differs from a lot of other animals, so you want to make sure you have everything they need before bringing them to their new home. Here are the top 5 things you need before you buy a horse.

1. Rugs

Fitting your horse with a rug can be beneficial. Not only can they keep them warm, but they can also protect them from the harsh elements. There are different types of rugs, but the main two that you’ll need are turnout rugs and stable rugs. A turnout rug is for your horse to wear when roaming outside and it offers a waterproof, durable layer to keep them dry and comfortable throughout the day. A stable rug is to be worn indoors and their main job is to keep your horse snug throughout the night.

2. Emergency First Aid

Like any animal, horses can get ill and have accidents that lead to injury, so it’s vital that you are prepared. Make sure you have details of the closest equine veterinarian and an emergency telephone number as you never know when something could happen. You also want to build a first aid kit that’s specifically for your horse. Make sure to include bandages, gauzes, antiseptic horse-friendly ointments, and a thermometer. You want to have everything you need so that if your horse does suddenly fall ill, or cut itself on something outside, you can help them immediately.

3. Riding Gear

You’ll want to take some time to browse the riding equipment that’s available, as you’ll probably need this sooner rather than later. You’ll need at the very least a saddle, a bridle and bit, stirrups and their leathers, a helmet, and a saddle pad. This way you can ride your horse comfortably and safely.

4. A Full Grooming Kit

Horses need a lot of grooming and everything from their mane to their tail will need caring for. Brushing your horse helps to stimulate their skin to promote healthy blood flow and increases their natural oils. It’s also necessary to groom them to remove any dirt or debris that’s become stuck to their coat during their day. You don’t want to use the same brush for every part of their body either. You’ll need different brushes of different hardness to combat the tougher and softer areas. It’s also a good idea to add a sponge to your grooming kit. This way you can carefully remove any dirt from delicate areas without making your horse uncomfortable. You’ll also want to add a hoof pick to allow you to get any stones or caked-on mud off of their hoof.

5. Food And Equipment

Horses mainly eat the pasture grass, but they’ll also need high-quality feed and hay to ensure that they’re getting the right nutrients in their diet. As well as the food itself, you’ll need a feed pan that’s large enough for them to eat from and a container to safely store it too. Hay and feed can easily become damp from the moisture it attracts which can then cause it to ferment and go off. You’ll also need to ensure you have a suitable water receptacle for them to drink from. It needs to be sturdy enough to withstand the motion of them drinking without being consistently knocked over.

Caring for a horse requires a lot of equipment, so it’s crucial that you make sure you have everything you need before buying one. If you’re ever unsure, be sure to speak to an equine vet and they’ll be able to let you know if you’re missing anything. Try making a checklist of things you need and tick them off as you go, that way you’ll bring your horse home to a well-prepared, safe home.

About the Author/s

All posts

The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.

Related Articles

Leave a Comment

Yes, I would like to receive emails from The Digest Online. Sign me up!



By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: New Jersey Digest. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact