List of Equipment for a Horse

Owning a horse is something that needs serious consideration, as their care is time intensive and requires a lot of money. Acquiring the proper equipment for your horse begins with knowing what equipment you need. Tack and similar equipment are only the beginning of the equipment needed to care for a horse. Food, water, shelter, veterinary care and training are also important tools for raising a horse.

  1. Food and Water

    • Horses graze to accommodate the needs of their digestive system.

      Providing your horse with proper nourishment is key to its health. According to The Humane Society, roughly 20 lbs. of food and 8 to 12 gallons of water are needed daily. The digestive system of a horse requires constant consumption in small amounts, rather than eating large quantities. This is why horses are often seen grazing.

    Shelter

    • Horses need some place safe from the elements.

      Protect your horse from harsh weather by building a shelter. Shelters range from elaborate barns to simple, three-sided structures. Building a shelter allows escape from cold winds, snow, rain and hot sun. Clean inside the shelter daily and take measures to keep the inside of the shelter dry. Horses can get cold, even with proper shelter. Horse blankets help keep horses warm during cold months.

    Veterinary Care and Blacksmiths

    • Good foot health is an important factor in your horse's activity level.

      Take your horse to a veterinarian once a year to ensure its health. Make sure vaccinations and dental care are part of your horse's annual checkup. Though your horse needs an annual visit to the veterinarian, always monitor for any abnormal activities and take your horse to the veterinarian if you believe something is wrong. Have your veterinarian prescribe anti-parasite medication to help protect your horse from intestinal worms. Consult a blacksmith every six to eight weeks. Shoeing or trimming, performed by a blacksmith, is important in keeping your horse active and healthy.

    Tack

    • A saddle makes it easier to stay on your horse.

      Acquiring and maintaining tack is important. Make sure you have a saddle that fits your horse and you find comfortable. Stirrups help you mount the horse and keep you in place while riding. Cinch straps attach to both sides of the saddle and wrap underneath the horse, ensuring the saddle does not slide off. Guiding the horse is accomplished using bridle reins. A bit is placed in the horse's mouth and attaches to the bridle reins. Tying your horse requires a halter and a lead rope. The University of Auburn suggests replacing your tack if it begins to look worn.

    Grooming Supplies

    • Grooming your horse helps maintain its health.

      Grooming horses properly requires a number of tools. Having mane combs, curry combs, dandy brushes and body brushes is important to keeping your horse well groomed. Remove dried mud with a mud brush. A combination hoof pick/brush is needed to keep your horse's feet clean and free of debris. Use shedding blades with caution, as they are sharp and can injure your or your horse. Use a polishing towel to remove sweat marks.

    Transportation

    • Horses need to be transported in special trailers.

      Moving your horse requires a horse trailer. You will also need a vehicle, fitted with a trailer hitch, possessing enough towing capacity to pull the weight of the trailer and horse.

    Training and Lessons

    • Horseback riding takes practice.

      Contact your local community stable or horse rescue center to learn the fundamentals of horse care. They will teach you how to tack, lead, mount and ride a horse.

    Things to Consider

    • Horses need room to run on their own.

      Exercising daily will help your horse maintain its health. Riding your horse is likely insufficient exercise for him. Provide a paddock or fence a large section of land, allowing your horse to run freely. Avoid barbed wire fencing, as it can do more harm than good. Confining horses to a pen for long durations can be detrimental to their health, unless ordered by a veterinarian.