Monday, September 16, 2013

What Many Horse Riders Tack Box Should Really Contain

By Dawn Williams


When someone owns a horse, or in many cases horses, they typically find out quite quickly that they can be a lot of hard work. They soon realize that grooming, feeding and watering them is a big responsibility. They also need more stuff than a basic saddle, cowboy hat and gloves. This is where a simple tack box comes in handy, it should contain many things needed 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 also vital to have some basic vet supplies should something happen to your animal. A vet wrap for wrapping any wounds with cotton for packing them. Betadine is often used to help clean most open wounds. Some vaseline or healing salves are nice to have around for emergencies too.

There are a few extra items people need when they are out on the trail for a few days. Basic duct tape has over 100 uses for repairing different items. Diapers for babies are a great way to stop wounds from bleeding out. Small lengths of rope with Zip ties can repair broken most reins and tack. Hobbles with a longer piece of rope can be used to tie horses for grazing. And always remember a clean bottle of water.

When you are showing your animal there are some special items you should have with you. Baby powder and baby oil is good for almost everything. Hoof paint for the feet and shampoo for their coat. A washcloth is a good accessory to make cleaning them go faster and show shine to make the coat shimmer.

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.

It is generally best to use 2 or 3 separate boxes for different types of use. You should try to have different kits for each of your animals. Setting up a small kit is not really that costly, and could be critical for the ongoing health and safety of the animals you ride. Larger kits could be stored in your car, while smaller ones could be safely stored in your saddlebags until they are needed.

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.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment

BlockAdz