Basic Western Equipment Needed

[WannaBe Cowgirl]

Hi all. I am so excited about the prospect of buying my first horse and I am starting to plan ahead for the equipment, such as tack, that I'll need to do some western riding. Really, all I plan on doing, at least at first, is trail riding. I used to do that as a kid and loved it so much.

For you western riders out there, what is the basics western equipment I'll need to get started? I know I'll need a saddle and bridle, but I have no idea about buying either one of these. What about halters and grooming supplies. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I'm totally excited... can you tell

P.s. I'll be boarding my horse, so I imaging I won't need as much equipment as others, but I'm not sure.

[horse99]

Well I don't know too much about western per se, but aside from the saddle and bridle you will need a few brushes, hoof pick, a rain sheet and a winter blanket, some kind of halter - nylon or leather, I prefer leather, shampoo, fly spray, first aid kit. You can get all these things at a tack shop. I would suggest taking lessons and then leasing a horse so you are familiar with how to use all these things before you buy a horse.

[joanpeterson]

As for a western saddle, I recommend that is something to buy after you have bought your horse. Then you can get a saddle that is going to fit your horse. Rather useless picking up a saddle first, only to find out that it is too big or too small to fit your horse.

Many western saddles can be taken to a saddle maker and modified to fit your horse but even that means that the saddle has to still be a reasonable fit for your horse without adjustments done.

And the western saddle you want will depend on what your goals for riding are. Are you just going to be pleasure riding and if so, where? Mountains...flat lands?? Most won't need one of the big saddles that people in the rodeo's will use but if you wanted to get into reining or some other western discipline, then your saddle requirements can be much different that they would be just for pleasure riding down the road.

You also don't want to get a saddle that is too heavy and awkward for you to throw on the horses back. Consider buying a used saddle too. These can be much cheaper than a new one and can last you many years of riding.

Same thing goes for the bridle. I suggest waiting till you have your horse and then you can select a bridle that will fit him well.

And there are your basic's that you can get anytime...like those mentioned by horse 99.

[WannaBe Cowgirl]

Joan, your advice about buying the horse before buying the saddle and bridle is something I wouldn't have thought of, but makes a lot of sense. It's so hard not to run out and start buying stuff I like before I even have a horse to ride. Must be patient, but it's sooo hard

Thanks horse99 for your suggestion of leasing a horse to learn the basics. I have considered this option as well. I think that leasing will give me an idea of what owning a horse will be like without the actual major financial investment. I'm just not sure what leasing a horse would be like. Can you go in and ride whenever you want? What happens when there are vet bills? Etc...

Thanks for all of the advice

[horse99]

Usually with leasing a horse, depending on the owner and the situation, if you do a half lease you ride 3 days per week. A full lease is about 6 days per week. If you do the half lease you will most likely have set days you can ride on that are "your" riding days. The cost for a 1/2 lease is usually 1/2 the board. The cost for a full lease is usually all of the board. Depending on the owner, they may want 1/2 the farrier bill paid for the 1/2 lease or all of it paid for the full lease. Usually vet bills are still the owners responsability.

[joanpeterson]

If you do go the route of leasing a horse, make sure you understand the lease carefully. You may even want to consult a lawyer. There are the rare stories out there of someone leasing a horse and it turns out to be a very expensive problem for them.

So this is not to scare you from leasing a horse - but just be very sure about what you are signing.