For many families, the school bells are ringing and the kids are heading back to school. The promise of a new year is filled with excitement and anticipation, which often kicks off with back-to-school shopping. While school-bound students are stocking up on pencils and pens, we compiled this handy packing list of recommend supplies for bringing your first horse home.

Grooming

An important part of caring for your new equine friend is your daily grooming session. Grooming is a great way to bond with your horse, keeps their coat healthy and allows you to inspect your horse for any injuries. Make sure your grooming kit is well-stocked with these essential items. 

• Hoof pick
• Curry comb – ideally rubber
• Body brush
• Soft brush
• Mane/tail comb
• Hoof conditioner/oil
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Sponge and sweat scraper for baths

First Aid

Having a first aid kit ready for emergencies will prepare you for possible minor injuries that might occur with your new horse. It’s important to have these items on-hand, but of course it’s important to always consult your veterinarian in an emergency. Your veterinarian can also advise you on any specific items your horse might require in their emergency kit.

• Gauze
• Self-adhesive wrap
• Antibiotic ointment
• Thermometer
• Epsom salts
• Clean stable wraps
• Antiseptic scrub
• List of emergency contacts

Horse tack and blankets

Whether you’re looking to ride your new horse or want to keep both feet on the ground, it’s a good idea to have a few basic items on hand to help your horse handle the different seasons. Not all horses need a blanket or sheet. If your horse is used to wearing them or will be outdoors with limited protection, here are a few basic horse clothing items to keep in your tack trunk.

• Waterproof turnout sheet or blanket for harsh weather
• Stable blanket for indoors or mild conditions
• Fly sheet and/or boots for the summer

Every horse should have their own halter and lead (and possibly a spare)! Horses should never be left unattended with a halter that doesn’t have a breakaway clip or leather strap due to the risk of injury if it gets caught. If you want to leave a halter on your horse for any unsupervised period of time, make sure to buy the breakaway variety.

If you’re going to ride your new horse, there are a few additional items you should purchase. Tack varies greatly between disciplines and uses, but this basic list can help you kickstart your trip to the tack store. If you’re unsure about selecting the right items, check with a riding instructor or trainer for advice.

• A saddle specifically fitted for your horse’s back
• A girth to secure your saddle on your horse’s back
• A bridle or hackamore
• A saddle pad that matches your saddle type
• Protective boots or leg wraps to keep your horse’s legs safe during intensive work

And last, but certainly not least, don’t forget to pack your horse’s lunchbox by grabbing a few boxes of treats! 

If you’re ready to learn more about equine adoption and support at-risk horses, visit My Right Horse. There, you can browse hundreds of adoptable horses, learn more about the adoption process and easily share your favorite horses on social media to help connect the right horse to the right person.