Shopping for loan horse... need vs want!!

ElaP

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Hi all! Just a little fun - I am, all being well, about to take on a loan horse from my riding instructor (excited!). This will be my first horse for over 10 years, so I need to get kitted out thoroughly. He comes with some tack (he'll be getting a new bridle anyway from me, as his doesn't match his saddle - shallow? Moi?
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), but I am now on a shopping mission for all the kit and caboodle. So - what I'm asking is what do I NEED, rather than what do I want...? Of course I want lots of sexy boots and bandages in matching colours (I'm nearly 30, would have thought that I'd got over this by now)... but what things have you all bought for your new horses/have for your nags that are essential?

I have on list so far a full grooming kit (any newfangled brushes etc that are recommended?) and first aid kit, plus the usual numnahs/headcollary stuff/rugs. Oh, and what rugs for a horse that wrecks them..
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Thanks in advance for your help! Hope to be posting more about said horse when contracts exchanged and we start playing.
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OOOOH I love that bit!!!!... ok I know nearing end of the fly season but I could not be without a reaaly good fly sheet... they have been awful this year.. oh and Veredus Magnetic boots...or the JW massage ones deffo not a need but they look seriously good....
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Littleme, I may be PM'ing you..
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Fly sheet and spray gone on the 'need' list! I'm a bit intrigued by both magnetic and massage boots... don't think they did them when I were a lass..?!
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I would recommend this flysheet: http://www.horseware.com/flysheets/rambo/protector.asp my friend's horses have them and they seem very strong compared to the Amigo one I have which is falling apart after one season.

Tack cleaning stuff is necessary (sadly!), although I don't do enough of it so I'm not sure what to recommend!

If the horsey has white legs and you are planning on taking to shows, then I would say some gamgees and fleece bandages.. These can be used for travelling aswell, but travel boots and a 'stay up' tail guard or bandage are a good bet...

Feed buckets, feed bins and stubbs scoop...

A fleece/waffle cooler is always useful
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I would definately invest in (this is silly) one of those brushes with a spongy but in the middle and bristles round the outside. fab for a quick wash off, stable stains or bathing.
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(told you it was silly!)
I am very excited for you I wish it was me.
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My loaner In the sig has now gone home and I almost wish I hadnt had him cause I miss it even more now than in my own 10 yr break
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Haha - forgot haynets! - or a haybar if you fancy splashing out!

Wooden spoon for mixing feed, chopping board and knife for yarrots
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The oster mane and tail brushes are great :
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And I'd splash out on an oster grooming kit, but they're really expensive.. Roma do a very nice and similar one
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Thank you all! Some of those things look gorgeous - was looking at the oster brushes today, and saw a body brush/spongy thingy brush and thought it looked great. Thank god he is bay, hind white socks but not so much white as to be a pain... I was going to get travel gamgees/bandages as I can't cope with watching horses hobbling around in the massive travel boots... is this sensible, or will he get used to them?

I nearly got him nice new black haynets today, but he eats off the floor at the mo so am going to check with his owner...

Thanks for the tip on the amigo rugs as well - had my eye on an amigo fly sheet, but will steer clear now.

following today's shopping he has a nearly complete grooming kit and first aid kit... a good start!!
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ETA: Bad luck ArtySteph - will you be getting another loan? And also to add that I got some stubben saddle soap, I love that stuff. Smells yummy!
 
He will get used to travel boots, but if you're concerned, Premier Equine do "stable wraps" which are an alternative to bandages and gamgee..

http://www.premierequine.co.uk/acatalog/Sale.html

It says there that they can be used for travelling aswell, and they're in the sale atm!

My friend at school has the magnetic liners in them for her 16 year old eventer who's legs swell up when he stands in.
 
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