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What Every Horse Lovers 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 your box should always begin with the basic necessities required to keep your horse safe and healthy. A good stiff bristle brush for cleaning your animal's coat and a curry comb to get out mud and grime. A good hoof pick to keep their feet clean and scissors to cut out the path of the bridle. A mane and tail brush is good too. Plastic ones are generally the 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.

When showing your horse there are a few special items you should keep with you. Common baby powder with baby oil is good for most everything. Hoof paint is for their feet and some shampoo for the coat. A good washcloth is a nice accessory to help clean them faster with show-shine for making their coat shimmer.

If you get lucky and have an animal who is whelping, it is important to have additional items on hand in case it delivers. Iodine and string are often important for tying off their umbilical cord and sanitizing it. A rubberized bulb syringe for cleaning the nose and mouth of any fluid. Cheap hand towels and a plastic bucket for simple cleanup.

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 that after a long day riding it is just as important to clean your tack box as it is to groom your horse. Any dirt, grime, or disease in it will eventually spread to your animal. They do not have to be sanitized, just clean. Do not forget to throw in your trail mix for snacking on between stops.




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