Basic Equipment You Need for Your First Horse By Katherine Blocksdorf Katherine Blocksdorf Kathy Blocksdorf is an equine expert and writer with over three decades of experience in training and riding horses. She was raised caring for horses, rehabilitated rescue horses, shows her own horses, and rides long distance. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 07/25/25 Reviewed by Anna O'Brien Reviewed by Anna O'Brien Dr. Anna O'Brien, DVM, is an accomplished veterinarian and award-winning writer with more than a decade of experience treating livestock, domestic animals, and exotic animals. She has won the Maxwell Medallion from the Dog Writers Association of America. Dr. O'Brien is part of The Spruce Pets' veterinary review board. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Veterinary Review Board Credit: The Spruce Key Takeaways Essentials like brushes, buckets, and lead ropes can be bought ahead of time.Saddle and tack should be custom-fitted after acquiring the horse for better comfort.A well-stocked first-aid kit and emergency contacts are crucial for horse care. Once you get a horse, you'll need basic equipment to care for it and enjoy activities like riding or driving. If you have a country property, you might already own some items. Pitchforks, wheelbarrows, and shovels for horse care can be found at any hardware store for gardening or yard work. You'll also need specialty items from local tack shops, like specific brushes and tack for riding and driving. While you may be eager to buy bits, bridles, and saddles collectively known as tack it's best to wait until you can custom fit these to your horse for optimal comfort. Items like brushes, buckets, and lead ropes can be bought in advance to be ready for your horse's arrival. Ensure you have several weeks' supply of hay, supplements, or grain. Prepare your fences and stable, and make sure to have appropriatef bedding if stabling your horse. Fresh water is essential. Warning Some items, such as feed and water troughs, can be made from repurposed buckets and barrels. Ensure no toxic substances were previously stored in them, and clean them thoroughly, ensuring they have no sharp edges. Here are the essential items you'll need to care for and use your horse for riding and driving. Feeding Equipment Feed pan for individual feedingFeed container (preferably metal or plastic with a secure lid to prevent rodents) to hold feedWater trough or large bucketsWater heater or heated buckets if you live in an area that experiences freezing temperatures Barn and Pasture Maintenance PitchforkStable broomWheelbarrowManure forkFire extinguisherSpare lightbulbsExtension cordSecure, dry place to store hay/feed/tack/supplies Handling and Grooming Halter Lead ropes Hoof pick Curry comb Body brush Mane comb Cloth (an old washcloth will do) Fly repellent Blankets for cold weather if needed Sweat sheet if needed Riding You’ll probably decide to ride either English or western, and this will help you decide what type of tack to buy. To help with saddle fit, you should probably buy a saddle after you’ve brought your horse home, or had a chance to try any saddle you’re thinking of buying on the horse. Saddle with girth or cinchA saddle pad or blanketBridle and bitHelmetStirrups and stirrup leathersOptional: lunge lineOptional: tendon boots, bell boots, any other leg support or protection the horse may need Driving There are several types of harnesses, both light and heavy horse. You’ll need to learn which is the right type for the driving you wish to do. Harness with bridleSafe, sturdy vehicleDriving whipHelmet Emergency Care Emergency information and gear should be posted or stored in a place that is easy to find if there is an emergency. List of emergency numbers, including veterinarian, farrier, local animal control First-aid kit Explore more: Horses Horse Stables & Equipment