Horse Tack Basics

As a horse owner your tack will constantly grow and evolve. If you are just starting out, there are numerous things you will need to keep on hand for the daily care of your horse and tack. The items needed to care for your horse and tack should include at the minimum the following items.

Horse Supplies for Cleaning Tack

1. Bucket – this is an absolute necessity, as you will be using it for numerous tasks
2. Saddle soap – this will be needed to clean your leather items
3. Saddle oil (leather conditioner) – apply to leather after cleaning to preserve and protect
4. Brush – used to apply the saddle oil
5. Sponges – used to apply saddle soap while cleaning your leather
6. Stiff brush – will be used to remove hair and mud from non-leather girths
7. Metal polish – for your saddle metal work, not used for bits
8. Towels and cloths – you can never have too many of these items

Equine First Aid Kit

You should always have the bare essentials of an equine first aid kit ready at your disposal. There are numerous companies now offering complete first aid kits designed specifically for equine use.

1. Antiseptics – chlorhexidine is best
2. Crepe bandage – for the legs
3. Scissors – with rounded ends for cutting dressings and trimming hair
4. All-purpose dressings – for wounds
5. Other types of dressings – such as hydrophilic polyurethane
6. Zip-up bandage – easy to put on and take off when a dressing needs to be changed often

EquiMedic USA, and SmartPak are just a couple companies that offer full lines of equine first aid kits.

Horse Grooming Kit

You should have a grooming kit for each individual horse to prevent the spread of any infections. This horse grooming kit should include at the minimum the following items.

1. body brush – used to remove dust from your horses coat, mane and tail.
2. metal curry comb – used to clean the body brush
3. rubber or plastic curry comb – best for removing dried-on mud
4. dandy brush – used for removing heavy dirt and dust (don’t use on a clipped horse)
5. hoof pick – used to clean out your horses hooves
6. hoof oil – for oiling the hooves
7. cotton wool pads or sponges – for cleaning the eyes, nose, and dock (use a separate one for each area)
8. storage container or plastic tub – to store your horses tack

Remember, this list is just the bare essentials to get you started. Your tack and supplies will naturally grow as time goes by.