Yesterday a reader told me she was thinking of getting a new pony and she asked me if I could give her a list of the things she need. I thought this was a great subject to write a post so today I am sharing with you the things I think you need.
Perhaps if you aren’t European, you won’t agree with some things that I am going to say. I am sharing you my opinion as an European jumper.
Last year I got my first horse and when she came I didn’t had everything I needed, therefore I had to buy many things. Here are some tips:
- Before buying anything make sure you make a list of everything you have;
- Make your own list of the things you need;
- Save your money, don’t spend it on things you don’t really need – my parents bought me many of the things I needed but it gets to a point where you need more things and you really don’t want them to spend any more money, try to buy what you need with your own money;
- On your birthday, Christmas, etc., ask for the things you need;
- Try to find the best deals on the things you need.
- First, buy economic tack and then, after buying all the basics, you can start thinking about aquiring and spending more money on better tack – I did that and now I am able to buy great tack with my own money;
- Buy the best for your horse and not what looks better;
- Buy saddle pads, polo wraps, open fronts, etc. in classic colors (black, brown,…) because they will match everything;
Now the list:
– Grooming:
Simplicity and efficiency! Buy a grooming kit, that is cheaper than buying everything separately.
These are only some examples. The Slip Not Pro Pack is cheaper than the others and it brings many brushes, I think I would choose it.
The Oster kit is on my wish list for years, the quality of the brushes is wonderful! Plus it is the only one that has a curry comb.
You would need to add something to all of them! Don’t forget to buy a hoof oil brush, a sponge and a towel.
I like this Microfibre Horse Towel (get it here).
– Mane & Tail Conditioner
Compare the prices before buying them, some of them are very similar, don’t forget you pay for the brand name!
Here are my favorites:
I have already tried the Effol, Leovet and Carr & Day & Martin Conditioners, of those three the last one is the best in terms of quantity/price. I am very curious to try the EcoLicious Equestrian Moisture Maniac, it is definitely going to be my next conditioner.
– Hoof Oil
I’m very picky when it comes to hoof oils! I’m only going to share the one I am currently using because I don’t know all the others as well as I know this one.
Effol Hoof Oil
– Fly Repellent
If you get your horse in the Summer you need to get a repellent but if you get him in the Winter, the repellent can wait.
Be careful, some fly repellents have lots of chemicals. I bought one from EcoLicious Equestrian, it is 100% natural! This Summer it will be my horse’s best friend.
– Polo Wraps
Some colors you could choose, if you don’t have any polos. If you get them in colors like these, it will be easier for you to buy more saddle pads in different colors and match them with your bandages.
– Horse Boots
Usually we use boots on shows so it’s up to you if you want to buy simple or really pretty (and expensive) boots.
First I bought the simple ones and now I am saving to get my Veredus Carbon Gel Vento!
– Saddle Pads
I am not the best person to talk about saddle pads because I am a little obsessed with them! There are so many colors!
My first two saddle pads were purple (one was bought to be used at home and the other to show) but it didn’t take long for me to want a more discrete and classic saddle pad so I bought an amazing navy one.
Here are some that I think that would be awesome first saddle pads:
– Half Pads
Ok. Let me be honest. My first half pad was made of lamb’s wool and it is great, I have it for more than two years and it is like new but I have recently bought my Ogilvy Memory Foam Half Pad and I am totally in love with it, my horse’s back is so much better now!
I know the Ogilvy isn’t the cheaper half pad you can buy but it is so worth it, I swear! Plus, you can choose lots of different combos and change them whenever you want!
My first color combo was very simple: I chose greige, white and chocolate because I wanted a pretty combo that would match all the saddle pads.
– Saddles
Sometimes it is hard to find the perfect first saddle: They are expensive and you may not know which is the ideal shape and size for you.
My parents bought me my first saddle on my 15th birthday, it was such a beautfiful new saddle, I really loved it but then, one year after receiving that saddle, me and my dad found a great deal on an almost new saddle that was better than my first! Therefore, sometimes buying an unused saddle isn´t better than buying an used saddle and getting a cheaper saddle isn’t better than investing on a more comfortable one!
Also – this is very important – always ask a professional his opinion about the saddle you want! They know what you need.
When you buy your new saddle, make sure you buy good quality stirrup leathers that match your saddle.
Some of my favorite saddles (that I have already tried) are:
– Girths
It all depends of your discipline… Try to find a girth that matches your saddle and that is comfortable for your horse!
– Stirrups
Believe me, stirrups really make the difference! Don’t buy stirrups just because they are pretty, they must be comfortable and durable.
– Tack Cleaners
Take care of your tack and it will last for years and years!
– Bridle
Ask your trainer which is the best bridle and bit for your horse and then search for great deals.
Make sure the leather is good and you choose the right size!
– Halters & Lead Ropes
Halters and lead ropes are pretty cheap, unless you want them in leather!
Mine is a simple nylon halter but now I am thinking of getting a leather one.
There are so many options! Choose your favorite colors!
– Stable Bandages
When you have a sport horse, you need stable bandages and bandage liners.
If your horse is like mine, don’t buy expensive and super pretty bandages, he will destroy them! I did that and they didn’t last a year…
But if your horse is a good boy, you can get some amazing bandages and liners:
– Rugs
There are so many types of rugs!
If you get your horse in the Summer, Winter rugs can wait…if you get your horse in the Winter, Summer rugs can wait…
I will show you some examples, you just have to find the best rug for your horse!
– Shipping Boots
If you are going to travel a lot with your horse, think of getting him shipping boots.
If you don’t have enough money to afford them, use the stable bandages. They doesn’t protect the horse as much as the shipping boots but it is better than nothing!
– Breastplates & Martingales
Some horses need them and some horses don’t. If your horse doesn’t need one, wait until you have more money.
I think I wrote all the basics! Of course you will always have things to buy, it’s a never ending list! You may want to get a fly bonnet, horse treats, new brushes, new saddle pads, etc.!
Horse riding is a very expensive sport but if you know all the promotions and sales, you can save a bit!
What do you think about this list? Did I forget anything? Comment your suggestions! 🙂
Such a good post! I am so bad when it comes to saddle pads! Partly because I nearly buy a new one when they're all due washing! (mum hates me washing them so have to do it all together!). I agree about sticking to plainer colours such as black, brown, navy etc! So many people start with colour schemes and it ends up failing!
Thanks!
Haha my mom hates that too!
I know right? Color schemes are pretty but it gets to a point where you get sick of that color!