When it comes to horse equipment, I’m a bit of a minimalist. I won’t buy or keep anything I don’t need. I think it comes from seeing other people’s tack rooms and back porches stuffed with dusty tack they don’t use. So I tend to keep and use only things that I really like, or that is useful. Here are a few of my favorite things for riding and working around the barn.
Riding Gloves
Winter may be over, but It’s still cold enough that I wear gloves to the barn. Buckets still frost over, and anything metal such as gate latches and tools hold the cold. A pair of gloves that are flexible enough to manipulate lead-rope snaps and blanket fasteners while being warm and waterproof is pretty handy. My daughter gave me a pair a few weeks back and as I’ve had to stick my hand in the waterer to pull ice out a few times recently, these have been very useful.
I also received a pair of Elation fleece lined riding gloves with the grippy bumps on the outside. My fingers are longer than average and I tend to put my fingers through the end of gloves fairly quickly. The Elations are long enough for me though. The thumb is almost too long.
Breakaway Halters
I love my new breakaway halter in bright red. I like turnout halters in bright colors, and because they are easier to find if they do come off outside. The leather crown makes it safer for my horse as it will break much easier than a plain nylon halter if she becomes tangled on something. I can credit my niece for picking out this one for me.
Trillium’s Horse Blanket
I’m really impressed by the fit, warmth and wear of Trill’s Shedrow Elite winter blanket. We just went through the third winter with it and after a little clean up it will be ready for the fourth. It’s still water and windproof as a few hard rains over the last few weeks have proven. The outer fabric is showing a little wear. But all the straps and fittings are in good shape. Thank goodness there are no pasture menaces to rip holes in it, but there are what look like teeth marks on it, so it’s even held up to the odd bite from another horse.
Back on Track Saddle Pad
My Back on Track Saddle Pad was sent to me for review several years ago. I wrote a favorable review back then, and it’s still my favorite pad. The grippy fabric on top keeps it in place and the underside is breathable. I’m a bit of a stickler for keeping my gear clean, so it’s been through the washer numerous times. Each time, it comes out looking like new.
Bud Nippers
The absolute best thing I’ve bought for my horse recently are a pair of Bud nippers. I could almost have bought another small horse for the price I paid to get them here, but after one use I can say I wish I had spent the money a long time ago. I would have saved myself so much struggle. These are called compound nippers because of the way they hinge. They leverage your muscle power so that cutting through even a very hard, dry hoof is easy. Almost too easy—it would be easy to get carried away. So now, if I can’t get a farrier out I can at least do a little cleanup trim with very little effort. The blades can be taken out and sharpened, or replaced. These are a substantial investment, but for me, they are worth every penny.
I'm a bit of a rug hoarder haha. I have a rug for every and any kind of weather - from a thin sheet w/ half fly mesh for really hot summer days, all the way to a 300g snuggly waterproof doona for the worst wet days of winter.
I also love my neon rainbow halter, it really suits my dark coloured mare :P
I'm a bit of a rug hoarder haha. I have a rug for every and any kind of weather - from a thin sheet w/ half fly mesh for really hot summer days, all the way to a 300g snuggly waterproof doona for the worst wet days of winter.
I also love my neon rainbow halter, it really suits my dark coloured mare :P
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