Essentials for new horse!

Ref rugs, could you ask the current owner what sort of rugs she uses? No point buying a 300g rug only to find he's a 'hot' horse and you'll never use it.
Ditto - don't buy the sheepskin half pad unless your saddler say's you need one.

If you must buy rugs ahead of time then I'd get a no fill turnout (personally I like ones with detachable necks), a 200g stable rug and a fleece. If needed you can layer them until you work out what you really need. Fingers crossed spring is round the corner so personally I'd avoid buying heavy weight rugs and pray for warmer weather!

ETA - while pretty new rugs are exciting, maybe just get some cheap 2nd hand ones from e-bay or local horsey FB pages to tie you over until you work out what works best.
 
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MumofWhiz said:
Thanks Amye don't know about organised but just trying to think ahead and luckily the seller has been doing this for over 13 years on so she knows what's what.

Thanks for the advice re saddle. I have just found out that a very good saddler who I didn't know if he covers the area actually does so if Hovis goes through vetting OK then he will see him armed with an array of different ones to try. They did say you can get a leather fully adjustable one for £900 or of course a second hand one (which I'd be happier with as am sure he'll look very different over time) or a new synthetic for £625 which seems pricey but no second hand synthetics. So much to think about ... meant to be typing building surveys home here now but keep thinking of our new boy lol!
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Yes, saddlers seem to sell second hand leather but I've only ever seen them selling new synthetic. Synthetics don't keep their value all that well so I guess second hands ones aren't worth selling!
 
If you’re looking for an adjustable saddle there are the thorowgood adjustable saddles or the Kent and masters which are in a reasonable budget and worked well for my ever changing TB. Get a saddle fitter to fit and and then go and find it second hand, as you can get these pretty cheap and then get them back out again! Be careful with a 1/2 pad as you probably won’t need it if he’s going to muscle out. I only used mine in the winter when he lost weight and then took it away in the summer.

I would get a light and medium weight rug and maybe a light stable rug and fleece. This gives you the option to layer them up as even with my TB, I hardly ever used the heavy weight! You could potentially add brushing boots onto your list :)
 
Good luck for the vetting. I echo what others have said and just get the basics. I’d recommend going to a good saddlery, get yourself a few cheap new things; headcollar, lead rope, hoof oil etc
But for anything tack wise, or rug wise buy second hand. You can get some real bargains. I have done in the past, and have just sold a load of really good quality items as no longer needed. You can save tons of money and there’s no need to work in the leather as it’s done for you!
Enjoy your new pony!
 
YorksG said:
They are comfortable for the rider and the horses seem to find them so too :) They do indeed accommodate a horse changing shape, I used the same one on both of my Appy's, one a round short coupled mare, the other a slimmer longer girl and because they have shims/pads they were both comfortable in them, they also have really helpful fitters, if you need help. You can use them in any discipline (I don't jump, but they do a jump saddle) I have a show saddle and a dressage saddle for the Appy's.
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Does depend on horse. OH's Welsh Cob loathed the treeless saddle and made his feeling very clear! Fitter was an ignorant nightmare as she kept saying "he just needs to get used to it". We didn't buy it and would not consider them again.
 
Once again, thanks everyone for all your advice. I have no problem whatsoever with second hand as am really quite eco friendly and am more than happy to save some £s to put towards something else!
 
I would buy a turnout rug of the same weight that he is wearing at the moment, and another one of a lighter weight which you can use as the weather hopefully improves..

A fleece or wicking rug
A basic first aid kit with some vetwrap, dressing, salt (for making up salt solution to wash a wound)

Anything else such as brushing boots if needed, high viz for hacking, can be added when you get him home and work out what he needs and what size he is.

Good luck for the vetting...

Fiona
 
Thanks Fiona; we are seeing him tomorrow so can ask what rug he has on at the moment. Got to write a list too and give it to my friend so when the vet gives the nod off we go shopping for our lovely boy!
 
Speak to the yard owner/manager of where he's going, sounds like he's going on full livery. If he passes the vet and he's coming home ask the YO what the basic needs will be. some one on the yard may be selling rugs etc that could fit him. unless you've have a lottery win make the list as short as possible. they will also know of saddle fitters, farriers, instructors oh and very important don't forget his nameplate for the door :o)

if the money doesn't burn a hole in your pocket to quickly try and wait until the county shows/ Badminton/ Burghley the shopping in those shows are brilliant you'll need a horsebox just to bring the shopping home :O)
 
mums the groom said:
Speak to the yard owner/manager of where he's going, sounds like he's going on full livery. If he passes the vet and he's coming home ask the YO what the basic needs will be. some one on the yard may be selling rugs etc that could fit him. unless you've have a lottery win make the list as short as possible. they will also know of saddle fitters, farriers, instructors oh and very important don't forget his nameplate for the door :o)

if the money doesn't burn a hole in your pocket to quickly try and wait until the county shows/ Badminton/ Burghley the shopping in those shows are brilliant you'll need a horsebox just to bring the shopping home :O)
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Yep, we've done that already and know what is needed - he's going on part livery. There's only the ladies dressage horses and some hunt liveries there; we're the only other livery so won't be able to source that much I don't think! The yard owner is a very good instructor so that's sorted and we're asking re the other things you mention. Of course Badminton isn't too far away in the future and the Estate is literally go through 2 fields then we're there. Shame we can't just turn up with him and try stuff on him at the same time as all the exhibitors will be there lol!!
 
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