So you're finally able to get your first horse, congratulations! However, do you know what is necessary to have?

Before the horse arrives you should have a few things prepared. There are three main items: safe housing, food and water. Safe housing can be a run-in shed, stall in a barn/stable, paddock area, turn-out area and/or a pasture. If using a stall you will need to get shavings or straw for the bedding. When it comes to food it can be grain, hay, and/or pasture. If planning on using grains then you might want to invest in some feed bins, feed buckets, and a scoop. Water can be available to the horse by stock tanks, natural source, or even buckets. After having all these necessities bring in the horse.

Now that the horse is at its new home you can buy other items that will come in handy. A couple main things you or your parents should have is a name/number to a good veterinarian and the name/number of a good farrier. In case of emergencies your barn/tack room should have an equine first aid kit that contains elastic pressure bandages, cotton padding, gauze pads, liquid wound cleanser, antibiotic ointment, drawing salve, and scissors. You should have a grooming kid that contains: a curry comb, stiff body brush, soft body/face brush, hoof pick, and mane/tail comb. Hopefully your horse will have a halter already so you should get one or two soft cotton lead ropes. A lunge line and a whip may be necessary if you plan on exercising from the ground. Now that you have all the necessary items to have around the barn/tack room you can go and buy some wanted items such as: saddle, saddle pad, bridle & bit, cold weather turn-out blanket and a halter. Also, remember to get a riding helmet and remember safety first!