New Horse owner/guardian? Some of the things you will need from the tack store...

This list is going to be an ongoing project and you can double check with your own power of reasoning and a trusted trainer. Every horse has specific needs that help him to be a happy individual. I am compiling this based on two students that are currently in the process of going from total beginner with no horse to adopting a horse in one week. One got a skinny whinny from a local ranch and another has purchased one from the Kaufman Kill Pen in Texas.

An ongoing evolving list (feel free to comment):

Halter/leadrope (if horse is young and untrained you may want a breakable leather one)

Basic Grooming Supplies:

Brush Box (a plastic or wood tote box to keep all your grooming supplies in)

Soft Brush (face and legs)

Stiffer Body Brush (some horses don't like very stiff brushes)
note: for instance I have a Percheron that you could rub with a metal brush and he would lean into it like it was the best thing ever and on the contrary I have a very feminine T bred that I have to use the softest of stiffer brushes or she looks at you like you are abusing her and she's going to call the SPCA

Curry Comb (oval shaped usually rubber in the US but you can order metal ones)
This is used to bring up dirt and gently exfoliate skin before using the brushes to remove dirt.

Comb or Brush for Mane and Tail ( choose whichever-eventually you will have both;)

Hoof Pick (lots of options: The plastic ones with the brushes on the back are good. No horse head)

Sweat scraper (Used to remove water after a bath-metal or rubber depending on your horses sensitivity and your needs. Some of the metal ones have a shedding blade on one side.)

Towels/shammies (For wiping eyes etc.You can use old clean towels from your house too.)


Products:

Fly Spray (Depending on your region and the time of year-most horses need fly spray-There are chemical ones and natural-get something with Tea Tree Oil if it's natural or it doesn't work)

Fly Mask (a mask to protect eyes from flies getting in corners and laying eggs...yucko!)

Hoof Oil ( Depends on region and time of year-used to moisturize hoves to avoid cracking)

Anti Fungus/bacterial hoof tx (you can use a liquid or a powder/you can use Tea tree oil as a natural alternative too. It's important to have something on hand as horses step in their poop and it rots feet)

Shampoo/Conditioner ( Can use human products, but go more natural to avoid irritation)

Spray in Conditioner/detangler (Show sheen or a more natural alternative you can find)

A first aid kit of sorts:
peroxide, neosporine, large gauze squares, vetwrap (2),neosporine, swat (fly repellent)-Natural alternatives exist for all of this too...Farrier's Wife has a nice product to replace Swat for instance...

More equiptment:

Longe Line and Longe whip (used for exercising your horse, this takes some training to use the longe line so free longing with no line is safer for horse until you get some training with line.

To be continued but this is a good start:)

Remington-Premarin Pharmaceutical Rescue

-German Bit-Less Bridle sold by MALIBU HORSES Reviewed by UK Horsewoman Hilary Bassak -

"A growing number of riders have come to the conclusion that much pain and unnecessary damage has been caused by conventional bridles. There is no justification for using bits when there is now so much evidence available that proves that there is a much better option –  bit-less bridles.

As a riding instructress, I have witnessed many unfortunate horses being ridden by heavy handed riders who have no idea how much pain and anxiety they are causing horses by leaning on the reins to compensate for a poor seat and lack of balance.

 Even light handed experience riders are creating a lot more discomfort than they think.

The good news is that horses are now being ridden up to advanced dressage levels as well as in ceratin bit-less bridles that recreate the best aspects of the action of a bit.

Perhaps you are wondering how it works and whether it would be suitable for your horse.

What a pity horses can’t talk – if they could, I am sure you would be in no doubt about the fact that no horse wants a piece of cold hard metal in his mouth and the painful pressure which is applied to his tongue and sensitive gums!~

How can you have contact with your horse  and put your horse into a "Frame" without a bit? Well, you can pick up contact with your horse through the reins and as you do that-the metal wheels on both sides rotate- the pressure on the horse’s nose creates the leverage that recreates the bit.

This German Bitless Bridle has been specially designed to restrict the energy of the horse's forward movement through the front end, thus the horse’s core lifts and the energy is directed up under the rider-creating balanced movement.

This has a calming effect on your horse.

This superior bridle has been designed, manufactured and tested up to the highest standards that have given German manufacturers their excellent reputation for quality and efficiency.

This is the latest design on the worldwide marketplace.

 Up until now it has taken months for buyers to get these bridles in the U.S.  That can be so frustrating but now - MALIBU HORSES has Stock Available in The U.S.A. so you can get your bridle right away.

The choice of colors is: Brown, black or natural

The Introductory price of the a Leather “snaffle” style with a curb chain is- $139.99 USD (Reg Price $159.99)

For stronger horses that require more pressure (or to have versatility) shanks are available that attach to the wheels to add more leverage

The German Bitless Bridle + Shank Set Grand Opening Price: $187.96 USD – (Reg Price $199.99)

MALIBU HORSES has received testimonials praising the quality and design of these superior bit-less bridles and the service of MALIBU HORSES. Buy yours today! Your horse will thank You!"

WWW.SHOPMALIBUHORSES.COM

I think it is important to be conscious of what the pressure of metal does to the hard and soft tissues of the mouth. 

What does the pressure of a bit do to the mouth? Well- Think about it! How do you think BRACES work? 

1. pressure on hard tissue changes its shape over time.

2.soft tissue rips and bleeds and changes shape with pressure overtime too.

~ Inge Halliday- Registered Dental/surgical Assistant /Horse Trainer/Instructor

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If you must use a bit, be conscious of its action and the resulting physicality, including demeanor changes. One should move towards using a NO BIT option more often. We should be riding from our seats! Right?

Give your horse's mouth and and mind a break from the metal bar. Your horse will thank YOU! <3

 This picture is amazing to me, I will have to figure out one that works for my horse Remington..........

                 

                                          INge & REmington

           

                                          Remington