Hobby

When you begin to research the cost of horses, equipment is one of the main expenses that may shock you with the price. What equipment is absolutely necessary for a new horse owner, and how can you save on the equipment that you plan to purchase?

In order to raise horses, there are some things that cannot be overlooked. For example, small items for daily care, such as a mane and tail brush and a coat brush must be purchased. Shampoos must also be supplied, though conditioner is optional. However, for best results and a shiny, flawless appearance, it is recommended to use both. Food and containers for such are necessary. While you can purchase horse troughs new, you many want to check with horse ranchers that have recently retired from the business or that have recently upgraded their facilities to see if they have used troughs that you can start with.

You will need some riding and training equipment. A bridle, reins, and a saddle are all necessary tools for riding. Any and all of these can be purchased new or used. Since a saddle can run anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars new, you may want to check on used equipment. You can look in local ads, check with ranchers in the area, or search internet auction sites for used saddles.

Other equipment you will need just to get started is hay and a pitchfork. The stalls in a stable should be cleaned daily, with fresh hay lining the stall for the horse’s comfort and your sanity (hay will aid in keeping any less than pleasant smells from becoming overwhelming). Eventually, you will need other things, like shoeing equipment, vitamins and treats, and any number of medications that can keep a horse healthy. However, these things can get you off to a good start, and looking for used equipment for your horses can save you a bundle.