We have a new horse owner in our dressage barn. She’s also a new rider. She started riding for the first time about six months ago and she’s as dedicated as they come, even after a bad fall that means surgery on her shoulder.
She reminds me so much of me, right down to buying a lovely quarter horse mare she named Sienna. Adults who start riding later in life are cursed in a way. Some, like me, become so horse crazy we’re willing to spend all our money on our horse eventhough we don’t know a lot about owning one. What we do know is the time we spend at the barn is time away from the rest of the world. Horses are expensive but so are therapists.
My friend is now grappling with learning everything, like showing Sienna whose boss when she won’t pick up her feet. I can hear her clucking and kissing away asking her in a really loving voice to pick up her feet. We told her she needs to learn to be tough. I remember when my horse, Lady, used to step on my feet. Everyone told me she did it on purpose but I thought “no way” she’s so cute and kind and has such a sweet face. I learned after about the tenth bruised foot that she did it because she could.
You can feel a little stupid and embarrased when you don’t know much but new horse owners should know that we all started that way.
Here’s a list of tack and supplies you should have on hand in your tack locker. It’s a huge list. Make sure you have everything on the tack and barn lists. You can be sure that your friends in the barn will be happy to help you out if you don’t have everything else.
Tack and riding equipment
Saddle
Stirrups and leathers
Girth
Bridle
Bit (probably a snaffle)
Saddle pads (at least 2)
Polo wraps
Lungeline
Approved riding helmut
Gloves
Boots ( high or paddock boots with half-chaps)
Breeches (full seat for dressage)
In the barn
Halter (2)
Leadshank
Blanket for colder climates (2)
Stable sheet (2)
Rain sheet
Fleece cooler
Grooming
Currycomb
Dandy brush Firm (extra brush for muddy work)
Body brush
Hoof pick
Brush/comb for main and tail
Razor for pulling main
Scissors
Sweat scraper
Water Bucket (medium size)
Shampoo
Conditioner or detangler
Health care
Stable leg Wraps
Cotton Pillow Wraps
Vet wrap
Cotton batton/sterile gauze pads
Betadine antiseptic for bathing wounds
Wonder Dust or Blue Coat topical antiseptic
Antibiotic ointment
Peroxide
Thermometer
Tranquilizer
Bute (powder anti-inflamatory)
Banamine (strong, injectable anti-inflamtory)
Duct tape – duct tape is good for everything from securing a shoe to repairing a halter.
Wow. I think I better work more overtime to pay for all of this! Here I thought I could spend all my days off with my horse. Thank-you for telling me like it is. I know I need to use some tough love with my mare, it’s just I didn’t want to inflict fear in our so new relationship. But damn, I will get her to pick up her feet!Everyone at the barn has been so helpful and supportive. Again, thank-you. It’s all so new…..well,better get to work, I need to pay for my little princess. I wonder if I smell of horse at work? Too, bad if I do, manure is my aromatherapy!
I will always think of her as Phyllie. Congrat to Barbara on her new friend!!