Owning a horse can be an expensive proposition. Your life long dream of riding whenever you want on your own personal horse has been a reality. Now, unless you were raised around horses, you are probably in for the surprise of your life. Not just where to purchase horse supplies is important, but what you need to keep your animal safe and healthy is also very important.

You will need to purchase a variety of products. Start with the saddle and harness-there are several different types including the dressage, jumping, stock seat and the regular all purpose saddle. Most are made of leather which is strong and long lasting. The harness is usually made of leather, cotton, wool, web or nylon and should be designed not to pinch or chafe the animal.

Now, you need a special pad that goes under the saddle to protect the horse's back. Safety stirrups are needed to make sure that your feet will break loose during a fall-you do not want to be dragged by the horse. There are different types of bridle and these vary, but its main purpose is to help you control the animal.

Okay, now you are ready to go riding. Unless you decide that you want to invest in special riding equipment. Riding clothes are usually traditional in style and materials while being practical. There are hats, boots, jackets, jodhpurs, gloves, and the list goes on. Or, you can just get comfortable in an old pair of jeans, a flannel shirt, leather gloves and boots-these will also work.

Now, you think that is all you need. Wrong! You have not considered the horse supplies needed for grooming purposes. Grooming the horse keeps their skin clean and is best done after their morning exercise. So, what do you need? The grooming routine involves a step by step process.

First you pick out the hooves. Next you bush the body from the front to the rear; brush the legs; brush out the mane and tail; and sponge the nose, eyes and dock. Each of these steps requires its own special horse supplies that include: hoof oil, hoof oil brush, body brush, metal curry comb, plastic curry comb, hoof pick, sponges, cloth, dandy brush and a rubber curry comb. Wow, did you ever think it would be this involved to take care of a horse or that you would have to purchase so many horse supplies?

Then, there is the food you must give them along with the vitamins, inoculations, and regular health checkups. What happens if your horse gets pregnant? Well there will be more horse supplies needed.

If you decide that you want to own a horse, make sure that you can properly provide for all of its needs. There are many places where you can buy your horse supplies-either locally or on the internet. All you need to do is to understand what you need and when to purchase it.

The main goal is the loving care you want to provide for the horse. Nothing can compare to the joy of an early morning or evening ride after a stressful day, but you have to make sure that your horse has everything it needs.