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