Did the horse bug get you? It gets countless folks every year. It is so easy to fall in love with these beautiful, intelligent and graceful animals and to want to learn as much as we can about them. Part of that learning includes riding and grooming, and that means you need equestrian equipment. And if you are wondering just what kind of equestrian equipment you need, you have come to the right place.

What You Need To Enjoy Your Horse Time

Before you learn about posting trot and left lead canter, you need to learn how to take care of your horse on the ground. That means you will need the following to start out:

1. Hoof pick 2. Curry comb 3. Dandy brush 4. Finishing brush 5. Fly spray

These five pieces of equestrian equipment are in every rider's tack tote. Of course, there are many more pieces of equestrian equipment you can add to make your grooming outfit as well stocked as possible, but if you start with these five basic items you are well on your way to making your horse happy to see you.

When you groom your horse, you aren't just making him look pretty. You are spending quality time with him and he will appreciate what you are doing. Don't let anyone tell you horses don't appreciate when their human grooms them, because they do. It feels good and keeps their coat healthy.

Another benefit of grooming is being able to notice any cuts or swelling. These need to be treated right away so they don't lead to lameness. While you are grooming your horse, you should run the palms of your hands up and down all four legs. What you are doing is feeling for warmth. Any warmth that stands out means that area could be sore, and should be brought to the attention of the barn manager or veterinarian.

Equestrian Equipment For The Rider

Once you take care of your horse you will need to take care of yourself. There are two very important pieces of equestrian equipment that you absolutely need to have before you ride. You need a helmet and boots.

A helmet will protect you for when you fall. Because it's not if you will fall, it's when. Everyone falls off their horse. Some instructors say three falls make you an expert, but that probably is not true.

Make sure you buy a good helmet to protect your precious head for when Thunder decides he doesn't want you on his back anymore. And you also need boots. This is so your feet don't slip through the stirrups, which could lead to you being dragged. Being dragged by a horse is a very unfortunate circumstance, and it can be deadly. Boots, because they have heels, are the piece of equestrian equipment that will prevent this from happening.

Riding pants are something else you should add to your equestrian equipment collection. Buy these online where they are cheaper, then go have fun on your horse.