Important Items Every Horse Owners Tack Box Should Contain

By Dawn Williams


Whenever people have a horse, or in a few cases several horses, they will generally discover very quickly how much hard work they are. They also quickly discover that watering, grooming and feeding them is an immense responsibility. You actually need more than a cowboy hat, gloves and saddle. This is where your tack box is handy, it contains most everything you could need for your horse.

Loading a box often begins with the most basic necessities needed to keep a horse healthy and safe. A wooden stiff bristle brush helps with cleaning your horse's coat with a curry comb for getting out grime and mud. A steel hoof pick for keeping their hoofs clean and some scissors to cut the path the bridle follows. A tail and mane brush are also good. Generally plastic ones work best.

It is also important to have basic vet supplies in case something happens to your animal. Vet wrap for wrapping the wounds and cotton to pack them with. Betadine is used to clean any open wounds. Vaseline and healing salve are good to have on hand for emergencies as well.

There are also some extra items to have when you are out riding on the trail for any length of time. Duct tape has 100 plus 1 uses to temporarily repair different things. Diapers are great to help stop bleeding. Zip ties and a small length of rope to repair broken tack and reins. A long piece of rope and hobbles to tie your animal and let them graze. And never forget a small bottle of water.

Whenever you show your horse there are also some special things you should try having with you. Baby oil and baby powder are useful for many different things. Shampoo for their fur and hoof paint for their hoofs. A linen washcloth is a useful accessory for helping clean them faster and show shine will make their fur coat shine.

If you are fortunate enough to have a horse that is whelping, plan for additional items to add for delivery time. String and iodine can be used to sterilize and tie off the umbilical cord. A rubber bulb syringe is used to clear fluid from the mouth and nose. Inexpensive hand towels and a small bucket for easy clean up.

Generally it is a good idea to keep 2-3 boxes ready for different uses. Plan to have different kits ready for your individual horses. Putting together small kits is not all that expensive and are important for the safety and health of your animals. Larger kits should be kept in the truck and smaller kits can be easily tucked away in a saddle bags until needed.

Always remember, after a long day it is also critical to clean up your tack box after you brush down your horse's coat. Any grime, disease or dirt in your kit could spread over to your horse. You do not need to sanitize them, just clean them. Also remember to take along some trail mix for snacking between stops.




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