Important Items Every Horse Owners Tack Box Should Contain

By Dawn Williams


When people own a horse, or in some cases horses, they generally find out very quickly that they are a lot of work. They also find out in a hurry that feeding, watering and grooming them is a huge responsibility. You also need more than just a saddle and a cowboy hat. This is where the tack box comes in, it should have almost everything you 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 critical to have simple veterinary supplies if something were to happen to your horse. Veterinary wrap for covering wounds and fiber cotton to pack them in. Betadine is generally used for cleaning out open wounds. Healing salves and vaseline and are important to have for any emergencies.

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 best to have 2 or 3 different boxes set up for different uses. You should also have different kits for different animals. Setting up small kits really is not that costly, and are critical for the health and safety of any animal you ride. Larger kits can be kept in your truck, while smaller ones can be safely carried in your saddle bags until you need to use them.

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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