Some items you need; others simply come in handy. If you are a novice, realize that you will develop preferences for materials and types of equipment over time. Sometimes it just takes trial and error, and no matter how frugally you go about collecting, you may end up with things you find you don't like or don't really need.

Sheets and Blankets

Blankets aren't just for keeping the horse warm in cold weather. For temperate climates, the horse's coat is designed to take care of that well enough on its own, and depending on where you live, blanketing during cold weather may not be necessary for your horse.

However, you need to know that there are several types of blankets, also called rugs or sheets (especially the lightweight variety), designed for specific purposes. They include the following:

• Fly sheet: A thin mesh sheet that is cool in warm weather but protects the horse's body from biting flies.

• Anti-sweat sheet: A lightweight sheet used for cooling out a sweaty horse.

• Cooler: Traditionally wool, this lightweight blanket traps air while the horse cools off, helps wick away moisture, and provides some warmth once the horse has cooled. It usually fits the length of the horse, up to the ears.

• Rain sheets: Made of waterproof material, these sheets are also made big enough to cover a saddle while you're waiting for your class at the show.

• Lightweight sheet: This provides some warmth and protection from the wind.

• Turnout rug: These are traditionally wool-lined with a heavy canvas outer shell to provide protection from the weather. They are typically well built for turnout use, as opposed to the horse just wearing it in the stall.

• Exercise rug: Worn while riding, this rug fits under the saddle and covers the rump, keeping the loin area warm during warm-up and cool-down periods in cold temperatures.

Leg Protection

Boots and wraps on the horse are used for protection from external injury — usually the horse striking one leg with another foot or striking a rail when jumping. There are several kinds for different purposes:

• Shipping boots: These padded wraps help protect all four legs during trailering. You can purchase one-piece wraps made of Cordura nylon with fuzzy linings and Velcro closures. Or you can go the old-fashioned route of cotton sheets wrapped in place with stretchy wrapping that ties or shuts with Velcro at the end (also referred to as polo wraps).

• Bell boots: Bell boots are synthetic or rubber boots that look like the business end of a toilet plunger hung from the horse's fetlock joint. These boots protect the hoof while jumping. They are also used as corrective shoeing on horses whose foot construction leaves an edge of the shoe hanging over that's big enough that the horse might step on it with another foot and tear it off if it isn't protected.

• Splint boots: These protect the lower front leg area, both from striking it with the other foot and from the concussion of hard or deep, heavy footing.

• Galloping boots: Usually made of leather, these boots protect the back of the horse's front legs/feet from overreaching with the back legs at the gallop.

• Open-front boots: Another boot used in jumping, they are for the front legs and are open in the front.