So, you finally have a horse and now you need to buy grooming tools. However, the feed and tack store is crammed with tools and equipment, which of these tools do you need to buy to keep your horse looking and feeling great?

The first thing any horse owner or even someone who wants to ride horses regularly should shop for is a hoof pick. A hoof pick is used to clean dirt and debris out of the bottom part of the horse’s hoof. While you need to use a hoof pick as part of your horse’s daily grooming routine, you also need to carry one with you when you are exercising your horse so that you can quickly remove pebbles or foreign objects that become lodged in the horse’s hoof.

While almost any animal should be groomed to keep it looking sleek and glossy, grooming a horse is even more important. Grooming a horse regularly can prevent serious medical problems, especially those that are hoof related.

Since a horse is so big and powerful, it is important to have complete control over your animal, even if he is well trained. After all, even the most well behaved horse can become startled by a strange noise and attempt to bolt. This is why you should never groom your horse without first checking to be sure his halter is in place and that he is attached to both cross ties. If you don’t have cross ties in your stable, you may be tempted to simply groom your horse in his stall, but this could be dangerous, as he can move sideways and trap you against one of the walls. You should have cross ties installed immediately, instead.

When you are caring for your horse, one of your most important responsibilities will be feeding him properly. Overfeeding grain to a horse can lead to a serious case of gas colic, which is an illness caused by a horse’s inability to burp. Gases develop in the horse’s digestive tract and cause the horse to suffer from severe abdominal pain.

One of the most important ways to avoid colic is to feed your horse regularly. Horses should have three meals a day instead of one large meal. Each meal should include plenty of fiber, so plan to stock up on good quality hay. Also, plan to change the water bucket at each feeding. If your horse is very active or pregnant, you may also be feeding your horse grain or pelleted feed.

While there is certainly nothing wrong with riding your horse just for fun and relaxation, competing in events can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Competing brings you and your horse closer together and improves your riding skills. Whether you like to complete intricate dressage movements, jump hurdles or rope calves, you can find an event that is perfect for you and your horse.

Most people who think of horse events think about the hunt seat sport, which actually has two parts. You will enter flat classes and jumping classes. Flat classes are classes where you and your horse are judged by the way you work together on the ground. Jumping classes judge your horse’s grace and ability as he goes over jumps.

If you want to successfully train a horse, you should consider adding some special equipment to your tack room. While you may be able to make do with the tack you already have, training will be much more challenging without the right tools. At a minimum, you should have a halter, a lead rope, a bridle, a bit and a saddle. If you want to work with your horse while you are on the ground, you will also need a longe line, a longeing cavesson, a longe whip, and a good pair of leather gloves.