| With the ever-increasing range of horse equipment | | | | riding style. Check your saddle every three months |
| available on the market we took a look at the | | | | to ensure it's correct fit. |
| essentials that every horse owner should have. | | | | Rugs and clothing |
| Well other than the horse your first thing you would | | | | Day sheet, used mostly after bathing a horse to get |
| require is a halter. The continental design is the best | | | | the coat to lie flat, of for travelling. |
| as it allows for the use of a chain should it be | | | | Sweat sheet used to cool your horse down and |
| required. Most halters manufactured today are | | | | prevent chills on cool or cold days. Often confused |
| continental in design. Extra features include safety | | | | with a flysheet, a sweat sheet has the same |
| clips (they are important if you intend turning your | | | | appearance as a flysheet. It is however heavier and |
| horse out with a halter on) lining for the nose and poll. | | | | does not have the belly straps |
| Which one you select will largely depend on your | | | | Flysheet if you own a grey horse or one with sweet |
| budget and taste, as they are available in almost | | | | itch this should be second on your list (after bug |
| every possible. | | | | spray that is) placed on horses whilst turned out to |
| Next you will need a lead rope, a thicker softer lead | | | | prevent insect bites and stings. |
| rope is advisable, and if it has a loop on the end cut it | | | | Exercise blanket. If your horse is to be clipped in the |
| off or loosen it, lead reins should never have a loop | | | | winter and it snows in your area this is a must have, |
| at the end. Ideally a lead rein should measure | | | | it keeps the back and quarters warm whist working. |
| between 5-7 feet in length, as they are the most | | | | Rugs Depending on your stabling arrangements and |
| versatile | | | | climate you may require up to three rugs. If stabled |
| Spare feeder and water bucket even if your horse is | | | | your horse could have a lighter duvet rug whilst |
| boarded it is advisable to have your own spare set | | | | indoors, and then have this exchanged for a New |
| to ensure that should your horse get sick or it's | | | | Zealand or Weatherbeta for when turned out. It is |
| bucket suddenly disappears your horse does not | | | | advisable to have at least two turnout rugs should |
| suffer water deprivation. It is advisable to have at | | | | you have wet winters with snow, as this allows for |
| least two hay nets as well | | | | them to dry properly prior to being used on the |
| Grooming kit also advisable to have two of if possible | | | | horse again. |
| allowing for changeover and cleaning without | | | | Should your horse live out it would require at least |
| interrupting the grooming routine. Mark your hoofpick | | | | two New Zealand rugs. Ensure that the waterproof |
| well, as it is usually the first thing to wander off in | | | | lining is intact and not allowing moisture to seep |
| any yard. Invest in a few spares. | | | | through. |
| Two working bridles, it is advisable when buying a | | | | Bandages |
| horse to enquire as to the possibilities of getting the | | | | Exercise bandages, these are made of elastic or |
| bridle with the horse as well, more often than not | | | | ribbed fabric, although not as fashionable as boots, |
| the seller would be willing to part with the bridle | | | | exercise bandages have one benefit over boots if |
| (unless it's a Keiffer or Stubben that is) Buy a spare | | | | applied correctly they are a perfect fit where most |
| bridle and oil it well to have available in the event of | | | | boots are only near perfect. Used to protect the legs |
| the working bridle breaking | | | | whilst in work and to support tendons. Also helps |
| Working boots | | | | with beeping the legs warm in the winter. |
| Brushing boots is advisable for everyday riding, unless | | | | Stable bandages these used to be made of wool of |
| your horse requires specialized boots, which you | | | | flannelling, today they are often made of fleecing. |
| would be informed of when purchasing, or after | | | | Every owner needs at least one pair on stable |
| having had the horse vetted. Speak to your stable | | | | bandages; these are used from bandaging for |
| manager or instructor as to the most suitable boots. | | | | warmth or for the proper drying of legs to extra |
| Saddle a well-fitted saddle that's to your choice and | | | | support for wound dressings. |