Did you know that you don't always have to go to the tack store or feed store to get your supplies for the barn? If you're in a pinch with time or your budget, you can hit up a local convenience store or dollar store to fill up your first aid kit, grooming bag and even your feed room.
Below are just some ideas of things you should add to your next shopping list:
Around the Barn
Funnels – Funnel sets that have three different sizes can be a huge help in the feed room and tack room. Using a funnel allows you to refill spray bottles or pack supplements or feed in smaller containers.
Storage Containers – Containers of all shapes and sizes are always needed at the barn. Easily store horse treats, first aid kits, extra bits or spurs, grooming items, blankets/sheets, etc. Make sure to label each container to help with organization.
Towels – Hand towels are the perfect size to pack in tack boxes and grooming totes for a quick wipe. Larger towels can be useful for drying off wet horses after a workout or in cold weather.
Treats/Snacks – Bulk packages of peppermints are perfect pickups for shopping.
Cleaning
Baby Wipes – The versatile cleaner! Perfect to clean your hands, clean off bits, quickly wipe off tack, clean out nostrils or eyes, etc.
Liquid Dish Soap – A great general-purpose cleaner for buckets, containers, etc.
Wire Brushes – The smaller wire brushes are perfect for buffing roughout leather on saddles, cleaning off your hook-and-loop attachments, removing grime from bits and dried mud caked on hooves, etc.
Toilet Bowl Brushes – These make inexpensive bucket brushes with the perfect rounded end to get into the hard-to-reach crevices of your water buckets.
Baking Soda - What can't baking soda do?? Use it to help clean buckets, feed pans and bits in the barn or as part of your horse's "laundry" in the washer like polo wraps, cottons, blankets, etc.
Grooming
Sponges – Sponges come in a variety of sizes and stiffness, and all can be useful for something at the barn. The stiffer scrubbing sponges can help to remove dirt from the outside hoof wall before applying hoof oil or shine. The softer, smaller sponges can be used to clean off your horse's face.
Soap Applicator – Perfect for applying fly spray to the face.
Shampoos/Conditioners – Shampoos and conditioners with gentle and low-sudsing formulas, such as baby shampoo, can be used safely on horses.
Horse Care
Diapers – It never hurts to have a pack of diapers on hand; just be sure you choose a size that'll cover your horse's hooves for a hoof pack, or whatever you might need.
First Aid Kit Items – You will find most of the items you need to build/refill your first aid kit, for both humans and horses. Items such as:
- Antibiotic ointment
- Epsom salt
- Saline solution (contact lens saline solution has a perfect squirt nozzle)
- Nonstick gauze
- Cotton swabs
- Aloe wound gel
- Instant ice packs
Hair Ties – It never hurts to have hair ties of different sizes and thicknesses for use in tails, human hairstyles, hanging items, etc.
Spray Bottles – It helps to have one or two extras on hand for fly spray, grooming spray, or plain water.
Witch Hazel – Witch hazel has natural anti-inflammatory properties, so it can be used for healing bruises, bumps and bug bites. Many horse owners will add witch hazel to a spray bottle or bucket of liniment to soothe muscles while also softening the skin/hair.
