Horse Care Equipment: Keep Your Animal Healthy and Thriving

 Taking care of your horses is a full-time job. These magnificent creatures don't only require food and shelter. You already know that you always be observant and maintain their well-being. This horse care equipment shortlist should help you navigate your purchase.

Feeding Equipment

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First things first. Before you dive into horse care gear, it's important to purchase the feeding equipment first. You'll see that it's more than just a feeder.
•    Rubber feeder - use soft rubber feeders because they are both durable and safe. Be cautious with buckets that have hooks, as they can lead to injuries in the stalls.
•    Slow feeder - if your horse tends to gobble down their food too quickly, consider using hay bags, nets, or racks to slow them down. These feeders can also minimize waste. Choose a high-quality hay net, as cheaper options often break easily, which can cause injuries. Plus, they help prevent horses from eating too much dirt and sand, which can lead to colic and hinder nutrient absorption.
•    Corner feeders - these are great for horses that eat in the stalls. Some models come with multiple compartments, allowing you to offer hay, grain, and salt all in one place.

Other Feeding Accessories

Salt Block Holder

Horses require salt for proper electrolyte balance, muscle and nerve function, and hydration. A salt block holder makes it easy to provide the necessary salt. When buying your horse care equipment look for one that’s easy to mount, sturdy, and capable of holding your salt blocks securely. Alternatively, you can use a salt block on a rope or powdered/paste electrolytes if your horse doesn’t use a salt block.

Feed Storage And Waterer

Choose a container that effectively keeps moisture and insects away from your horse’s feed. There are various ways to ensure your horse stays hydrated, including troughs, buckets, and automatic waterers. You can also find heated buckets, de-icers, and heaters to prevent water from freezing.

Grooming Supplies

To keep your horse's skin and coat in top shape, you'll want a grooming tote (basically a bag for all your grooming tools) filled with a variety of essential items.
•    Curry comb - this tool helps loosen dirt, dander, and debris from your horse's entire body. Metal curry combs are great for tackling dried mud, while rubber ones can give your horse a nice massage during grooming. If you find the comb hard to handle, a curry mitt or glove might be a more comfortable option.
•    Dandy brush - after using the curry comb to loosen up dirt and hair, grab a dandy brush with stiff bristles to effectively sweep it all away. Just avoid using it on sensitive spots like the face, belly, or legs, where the skin is more delicate. If your horse is sensitive to stiff bristles, opt for a medium-stiffness brush instead.
•    Finishing brush - it features soft bristles and is perfect for smoothing out the coat and adding a nice shine. It's also suitable for more sensitive areas of the body.
•    Mane and tail brush or comb - if your horse's mane or tail tends to get tangled, this tool is a must-have. Pair it with a horse detangler to make the job even easier.
•    Face brush - a horse's face is quite sensitive so the brush is specifically designed for it. With its soft bristles and smaller size, it makes grooming this area a breeze.
•    Hoof pick - it helps remove rocks, dirt, dry mud, manure, and other debris from the grooves of the hoof, especially around the frog (the V-shaped part on the hoof's underside). Some hoof picks even come with brushes to simplify the process. After cleaning, you might want to polish the hooves for a nice shine.
•    Clippers - If you need to trim your horse's coat, having a good pair of clippers in your grooming kit will make the task quick and easy.
First Aid Supplies
•    Thermometer - monitoring your horse's temperature is essential for spotting any issues that might require a vet's help. Digital rectal thermometers designed for horses give quick readings. An adult horse's normal temperature ranges from 37 to 38.5 Celsius degrees, while young foals can have a slightly higher range, reaching up to 39 Celsius degrees.
•    Gloves - Always keep latex gloves on hand to protect both you and your horse whenever necessary.
•    Bandage scissors - use them for cutting bandages before applying them to injuries and for taking them off later
•    Gauze - gauze pads and rolls are handy for cleaning and covering wounds.
•    Surgical scrub or solution - it's important to have a wound management solution that includes antiseptic ingredients to eliminate bacteria and cleanse the skin.
•    Non-adherent dressings - these dressings are great for covering wounds since they don’t stick, making removal less painful.
•    Vet wrap -this self-adhering bandage has various uses, such as securing medication and gauze against your horse's skin with the right pressure.
•    Elastikon tape: This stretchy adhesive tape is perfect for keeping bandages secure, especially on uneven body areas.
•    Poultice pads - these pads simplify the application of a poultice—a soft, moist mixture often containing herbs—to reduce inflammation, fight infection, and alleviate soreness.
•    Standing wraps - these help prevent swelling in a horse's legs while they’re in a stall or trailer. Similar to horse boots, it can also aid in injury prevention and support healing.
•    Wound spray - these are effective for cleaning and promoting healing of abrasions, cuts, and minor injuries.