SmartPak Monday Morning Feed: Shopping List for New Horse Owners

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So you’ve done it. You’ve finally made the decision and pulled the trigger. You’re getting a horse. So what do you need? Here’s a list for new horse owners:

By SmartPaker Lindasy Brown

It’s been about seven years since I sold my first horse, Bella, when I went to college. I’ve waited (often not so patiently), and the time finally came for me to buy a new horse! But it’s been several years since I’ve owned a horse, so I’m starting my new horse equipment list from scratch. Thankfully, SmartPak has everything I need to prepare for my new friend, Rory.

One of the best parts about my job at SmartPak is I get to write all our horse product descriptions, which means I get an inside look at all our new products before they hit the warehouse. This made shopping for my new horse a lot easier. Plus, it was fun to finally have a use for some of the fantastic products I’ve seen come across my desk! So if you’re looking to buy a new horse soon or looking for great product recommendations, you can check out my new horse equipment list!

SmartPaks

The first thing I did when I decided to buy Rory was get him started on SmartPaks. Rory will be boarded at a barn with several other horses, and with SmartPaks, I know he’ll always be able to get exactly what he needs every day.

Working at SmartPak, I’ve learned much about equine health and nutrition. I’ve especially come to appreciate the importance of supporting joint health, no matter your horse’s age or workload. Rory’s only five and is about a year into his training, so I put him on SmartFlex Pellets. It’s a great economical choice for horses in light work, and I love that it comes in pellets, so I know he’ll eat it.

There are a lot of day-to-day events around the barn, hay fluctuations, training, and traveling to shows that can cause digestive stress. I put Rory on SmartDigest Ultra Pellets to help keep his digestive tract healthy. As a bonus, it also means I may be eligible for ColiCare, SmartPak’s $15,000 colic surgery reimbursement plan, which gives me peace of mind as a new horse owner.

Since summer is just around the corner, I also decided to add SmartBug-Off Pellets to his SmartPaks. I love this product because it works to deter biting pests and contains omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and MSM to support a normal inflammatory response and healthy skin.

If you want to start your new horse on SmartPaks but are still determining his needs, try our awesome Supplement Wizard. All you have to do is answer a few questions about your horse, and it will recommend a customized supplement plan on various budgets.

Rider Apparel and Gear

  • One K Defender CCS MIPS Riding Helmet – Safety is always a top concern for me. The One K Defender helmet has a Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) to protect against rotational motion transmitted to the brain from angled impacts to the head.

For the Barn

  • SmartPak Soft Padded Leather Halter – As part of Rory’s training, I will take him to a few schooling shows this summer so he gets used to being off the property. I wanted him to look sharp wherever we went, so I chose this halter because of its supple leather and really stylish padding. I also got it engraved with his name!
  • SmartPak Cotton Lead- Along with a new halter, Rory needed a nice new lead rope. I love these cotton leads because they don’t slip through your hands like the nylon ones.
  • SmartPak Travel Boots with COOLMAX® Lining — I want to ensure Rory’s legs are protected when we travel, so I got him these shipping boots because they provide a lot of protection—and they come in a pack of 4.
  • SmartPak Stable Sheet – I wanted something lightweight to throw over Rory when we’re at shows and in the trailer to keep him clean. I love the SmartPak stable sheet because it’s affordable, comes in classic colors with stylish piping, and has nylon-lined shoulders, so it won’t rub.
  • Passier Lederbalsam – I want to be sure I had a good leather dressing to get new leather soft and supple. After reading customer reviews, I decided to go with the Passier Lederbalsam because it protects against water, helps keep leather soft, and won’t stain it.

Horse Tack and Equipment

  • USG Ear Bonnet — I love this ear bonnet because it pulls double duty. It protects his ears from biting pests during our rides and is super stylish with trim and piping.
  • Saddle — I sold my saddle back when I sold my horse, so I’m in the market for a new one. Searching for the right saddle can be long and tricky, but SmartPak’s Test Ride program makes it much easier! You don’t even have to wrap your stirrups. You can just ride in the saddle like you would as if it were your own, which helps you get a real feel if it’s right for you and your horse. I haven’t found the perfect saddle yet, but thanks to the Test Ride program, I’m confident I will find the right one.
  • SmartPak Lined Stirrup Leathers – When I find the right saddle, I will need stirrup leathers. I love these ones because they’re super soft, affordable, and lined with nylon to prevent stretching. Plus, they have close-set, numbered stirrup holes.
  • Fillis Stirrup Irons – Stirrup leathers aren’t much good without stirrups! With all the things I have to buy for my new horse, I didn’t want to spend a ton on stirrups. These are affordable, and they get the job done!
  • SmartPak Dri-Lex Fleece Dressage Girth – Just like with the stirrups, I didn’t have a big budget, but I wanted something comfortable. I chose this girth because the Dri-Lex lining provides breathability and moisture management, so Rory won’t get as hot. Plus, the synthetic material gives a secure, non-slip grip, which is especially important for a young horse—just in case.
  • SmartPak Medium Diamond Dressage Saddle Pad – This is a great choice if you’re looking for a nice, everyday schooling pad. Plus, it comes in several fun colors. You can also get your saddle pads embroidered if you’re looking for a personalized touch.
  • SmartPak Sport Boots – I want to protect Rory’s legs while we’re schooling, and these fleece-lined boots fit the bill! Plus, this high-quality product at a low price gets the job done, which is great for a new horse owner on a budget!

Grooming and Horse Care

  • Quic Silver ® — Rory’s a bay with four white socks, so you can never have enough Quic Silver around! It’s a color-enhancing shampoo for white and gray coats that’s great for removing grass and manure stains on legs. If you have a horse with any white on him, this is a MUST!
  • ShowSheen — This is a staple in my grooming box. Rory has a thick mane and tail, so I spray a little ShowSheen and the comb goes through easily! Just spray responsibly if you use it on your horse’s body, as it can be a little slippery.
  • Oster Mane & Tail Brush — I need a serious comb to keep Rory’s mane and tail in order, and this is a real workhorse! It’s ultra-durable, but it’s still gentle on the horse.
  • UltraShield EX Fly Spray — With summer on its way, you’re always going to want to have some good fly spray handy, and this stuff means business. It lasts up to 17 days and kills and repels 70 different types of insects.

This should help you get started on your new horse equipment list. Don’t forget, SmartPak is here to help! If you need help anywhere along the way, just call them to chat.

Go SmartPak and go riding!