Horse Supplies You Must Have in Your Stable

Regular grooming keeps your horse looking polished, and it’s also an opportunity to bond with your horse and check for any injuries, skin conditions, or other abnormalities. How you enjoy time with your horse factors into the items you should have in your horse grooming kit.

When buying supplies for your horse’s grooming kit, look for items that are durable and match your horse management strategy and the goals for your horse.

Below you’ll find two lists: a list of supplies for every horse and an expanded list if you plan to compete.

11 Horse Grooming Supplies for Every Horse

1. Hoof pick: Regularly cleaning your horse’s hooves reduces the risk of infections like thrush. This is also a great time to check for injuries or things like rocks or nails that could be stuck in the bottom of the foot.

2. Curry comb: A curry comb will help lift dirt up off the horse’s skin. Use in a circular motion to loosen dirt on the neck and body. Do not use on sensitive areas like fly bites or wounds.

3. Stiff or “dandy” brush: Stiff brushes are designed to sweep away dirt, hair, and debris loosened with a curry comb. 

4. Soft brush: Use this as the last step in the grooming process to remove fine dirt and dust particles. The bristles are soft enough for use on the face and legs.

5. Mane and tail comb: Horses may tangle their hair when rolling, sleeping, or playing with other horses. Start combing at the bottom of the tail and work up. Carefully untangle knots to avoid pulling or breaking hairs.

6. Shedding blade: This seasonal grooming tool simplifies spring shedding. The metal teeth lift and pull loose hair from the horse. Bonus: Shedding blades are a quick way to remove hair stuck in other grooming brushes.

7. Shampoo: Options range from basic cleansers to color-enhancing shampoos and stain removers. Specialty shampoos for irritated skin or fungal infections are also available.

8. Sponge: Whether you’re looking to bathe your horse or simply cool them off on a hot day, a bucket and a sponge can make the job easier and is a gentle way to wash your horse’s face.

9. Conditioners: Conditioners moisturize and add shine to your horse’s coat—and, in some cases, they can help protect against UV rays.

10. Detanglers: Detanglers keep your horse’s mane and tail more manageable. Applying regularly helps with removing knots and reduces hair breakage.

11. Grooming bag or tote: Corral your grooming supplies with a bag or tote.

6 Horse Grooming Supplies for Shows

1. Mane and tail rubber bands: Rubber bands are used for banding manes and braiding, though some English disciplines use yarn to tie braids.

2. Sweat scraper: Sweat scrapers wipe away excess moisture after a bath or intense workout.

3. Clippers: If you plan on showing, clippers are a necessity. However, be sure you know the show rules, as there are different guidelines for trimming ears, eyelashes, muzzles, and legs of horses.

4. Horse vacuum: A vacuum for your horse? You bet! Horse vacuums remove the finest dirt and debris particles.

5. Hoof polish: A coat of clear or black hoof polish creates a finished look. Know the show rules, as some organizations/disciplines prohibit its use.

6. Finishing spray: Add extra shine and repel dust with a finishing spray to make your horse’s coat glisten.

Grooming is only part of making a horse look their best. Good nutrition through a diet created based on your horse’s age, work level, and general health can transform a dull coat into a sparkling one. Your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist can help you design a feeding routine customized to your horse.

Hay, feed, and supplements are expensive, so you want to reduce waste, protect your horse’s rations from spoiling or exposure to critters, and ensure that your horse has access to plenty of clean water.

These supplies can help you stay organized in the feed room:

• Storage container for feeds and supplements
• Hay nets
• 5-gallon buckets
• Feed pans or hanging feeders
• Corner feeders
• Hose
• Tank heaters for cold climates
• Bucket brush
• Salt block holder

Chances are you have a medicine cabinet stocked with supplies for illnesses, injuries, and emergencies. It’s equally important to have one for your horse.

Purchasing a fully stocked first aid kit is a simple way to start. Ask your veterinarian what other items they recommend and whether your horse’s first aid kit should include prescribed anti-inflammatories and pain medications.

Regardless of whether you buy an assembled kit or build your own, make sure it includes these supplies:

• Thermometer
• Thermometer lubricant (petroleum jelly)
• Rags, bath-size towels, emergency blanket
• Gauze pads
• Roll cotton
• Stethoscope
• Latex or nitrile disposable gloves
• Bandage material
• Bandage scissors
• Leg wraps
• Instant cold disposable ice packs
• Topical antibiotic ointment
• Antiseptic scrub
• Roll duct tape
• Wire cutters
• Sharp knife
• Tweezers or tick puller
• Extra halter and lead rope

Replenish supplies after use and check your first aid kit twice a year to replace any used items and discard expired ointments.

Keeping your horse comfortable in any season might require an assortment of blankets and fly gear. Here’s an overview of the items you may need to help your horse feel their best in any season.

Blankets

Blankets come in a variety of “weights” for specific weather conditions. Learn how to measure a horse for a blanket, so you know what size to buy.

Use this guide to determine what style blanket your horse needs:

• Sheets are lightweight and provide a buffer against weather conditions or keep a horse clean.
• Stable blankets are for stalled horses. The outer shell is not waterproof.
• Turnout blankets are more rugged and waterproof so that horses can wear them outdoors.
• Coolers, usually made of fleece or wool, wick away sweat after a workout to cool the horse gradually.
• Fly sheets are made of a mesh fabric to protect the horse from insects, while also not causing them to overheat on warm days.

It’s always a good idea to have extra leg straps on hand to replace broken ones.

Fly Gear

In addition to fly sheets, fly spray, and topicals, these fly control products help protect your horses from pesky insects and cut down on fly populations:

• Fly boots
• Fly masks
• Fly bait
• Fly sticky tape
• Fly traps

Having the right tools makes chore time more efficient and keeps your barn cleaner and safer for your horse.

These supplies make cleanup and organization a breeze.

Mucking Tools

Let’s face it—horses produce manure—and a lot of it! Use these tools to make cleaning up after your horse easier:

• Manure fork
• Muck buckets
• Muck carts
• Tool holders

Miscellaneous Supplies

Extra supplies that may be helpful to keep around the barn include:

• Stall information card
• Weight tape
• Fan holders
• Stall guards or stall gates
• Cross ties
• Storage racks for tools
• Saddle racks
• Bridle racks
• Baskets and racks for organization

This content was medically reviewed by Kaela Schraer, DVM.