Any advice welcome

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Bambles

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Hello HHers!

Am in the planning stages of thinking about what I need for a new horse, hopefully arriving in about two weeks. He is a 15.1 middle weight connie X something irish chap. Am thinking about the essentials I need to get in for him. I have everything for the rider but absolutely nothing for the horse.

I’m especially thinking about rugs with winter approaching. My plan is to keep him on grass livery over the winter, maybe ride once in the week and twice at weekends. Not planning to clip as been told he doesn’t get too woolly and I will only be doing light schooling/gentle hacking.

Any advice on what type rugs you consider essential for this scenario? Bearing in mind I have to completely kit myself out from scratch so the £££ are already adding up.

Apart from rugs any other kit that you think is useful when someone is starting up?

Thanks all 
 
How exciting! :)

Rugs are one of those things that you don't know what you need until you know the horse! However, if it were me I'd start by having one lightweight rug and one medium weight rug handy. You may find he never needs the MW or you may find that he's a bit of a wimp and will need a HW at some point. Of course, it's also dependant on how harsh a Winter we have. Also, you might find a fleece rug useful for before and after riding.

I think it's worth getting a decent grooming kit, lots of buckets and don't forget a first aid kit!

Have fun! :)
 
Congrats on your horse, you'll have to show us some pictures! If he's not clipped at all, he wont need rugs unless his winter coat is very thin. I'd say a lightweight, possibly a medium weight too. If his coat is thin a heavyweight may be required or you can layer up the lw and mw.

You'll probably find that you discover what you need as you go along but;
Grooming kit
Haynets (if feeding hay in field?)
Headcoller/leadrope - A couple of these are good to have incase its misplaced or breaks
Torch/head torch for the dark nights
I've heard of people putting balls in water troughs to help stop them freezing over winter.
Feed bowls - if he needs hard feed
A knife is always handy too.
Buckets - Never have too many buckets
Fork and Wheelbarrow - if your expected to poo pick
Hi-Viz for your horse when riding

Probably more I've forgotten
Good luck!
 
I don't know what your budget is, but the Amigo layered rugs will serve pretty much any weather situation. Lightweight rain sheet, (and there is a half neck version if he is likely to get wither rubs) with a selection of liners/can be used a stable rugs, from 100 gm to 200gm, combine to make 300 gm with the waterproof on top. Will set you back a fair bit to begin with but will be all you ever need, and the liners can be washed in most domestic washing machines. I only wish I had bought mine years ago.
 
JillA said:
I don't know what your budget is, but the Amigo layered rugs will serve pretty much any weather situation. Lightweight rain sheet, (and there is a half neck version if he is likely to get wither rubs) with a selection of liners/can be used a stable rugs, from 100 gm to 200gm, combine to make 300 gm with the waterproof on top. Will set you back a fair bit to begin with but will be all you ever need, and the liners can be washed in most domestic washing machines. I only wish I had bought mine years ago.
Click to expand...

Shires also do a version of these, and they're a fair bit cheaper, yet just as good quality (IMO, anyway). I have them for both of my geldings, and will be investing for my new mare as well come winter. The liners are called WarmaRugs.
 
Maybe some boots for protection if he is going out with others until the herd pecking order is sorted. Also HiViz for both you and the horse if you are going to be hacking out. Exciting times - good luck and pictures please.
 
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