The must-haves in my equine bodywork kit
If you’re an equine bodyworker, you already know the drill: one session you’re at a fancy show barn with pristine cross-ties, the next you’re at a backyard setup where the only “tie” is a piece of baling twine and a tree.
Being prepared isn’t just about having your modalities ready, it’s about having the little things that keep your day from falling apart (or your clothes from smelling like Fluffy’s pee splatter for the next three clients 😅).
Here’s what I always keep with me to help my days run more smoothly:
Extra Halter
Sometimes the only halter available for a horse is from baby Gap and won’t allow them full range of motion during a session. Sometimes you’re working on a horse without the owner present and the halter is locked away in their tack room. An extra halter in the truck has saved me more times than I can count. I like a soft, flat braid halter (here’s the one I keep in my personal kit) because it can fit anything from a pony to a Warmblood in a pinch and can be easily washed if needed.
Curry Comb
Even if you have a “prepared horse” policy, that doesn’t mean the horse will always actually be prepared. Maybe your client is running late or you’re working on the horse solo and they decided today was the day to roll in their own crusty poop. Having a curry comb on-hand can save your hands from some gross (or gritty) situations!
Change of Clothes + Change of Shoes
You will get sweaty. You will get dirty. You might come into contact with an infectious horse. Having a clean shirt, pants, and a second pair of shoes means you don’t have to drive home (or to the next barn) looking and smelling like you just wrestled a wet horse. This has also been a life-saver for me when the temperature changes drastically when I wasn’t expecting it - I always have a long and short sleeve option in my kit!
Also, story time, one time the sole of my tennis shoe fell off during the middle of a session. I was so glad to have a spare pair in the car! 😂
Plastic Bag(s)
Biosecurity matters. If a horse is coughing, has a runny nose, or you’re just not sure… that plastic bag becomes your best friend. Dirty clothes or anything that needs to be isolated goes straight in. I also keep a plastic bag for k-tape backing in my kit so I don’t have to walk around the barn looking for a trash can.
Chapstick
Sun, wind, stall fans, and talking all day will wreck your lips. Keep one in the car and one in your kit.
Quick Release Ties
Barns have different setups. Some have beautiful cross-ties, some have none. Quick release ties let you safely secure a horse almost anywhere without creating a dangerous situation if they pull back. These are my personal favorites (do yourself a favor and buy 2 sets now…. you’ll lose them easily… but sometimes find them right where you left them at a barn last month 😅).
Snacks
I pack snacks daily. But there have been times when I’ve left my lunchbox in the car or for whatever reason don’t have my snacks on me and that stale granola bar at the back of my kit has saved my life. Toss it in there and save yourself from feeling lightheaded in case of emergency!
Phone Charger
Your phone is your schedule, your GPS, your payment processor, and sometimes your only way to reach a client. Dead battery = chaos. I keep one of these portable chargers in my kit and a charging cord in my car.
Hat + Sunglasses
Some barns are inside, some are outside. I keep a hat and sunglasses in my car all the time in case I’m going to be in the sun unexpectedly. Protect your face and your eyes. Future you will thank present you.
Fly Spray
This lives on my kit and gets refilled almost weekly during the summers here in Arizona. I keep a non-toxic fly spray with me at all times and use it regularly. I do have a question on my intake form asking permission to use it and highly recommend you doing the same in case the horse has allergies, can only use certain sprays, or doesn’t like to be sprayed.
Hand Soap + Disinfectant
Not every barn has a bathroom. I keep hand soap in my kit so I can do a quick hose hand-washing between barns! I also disinfect my equipment, shoes, and anything else that got touched between barns in an abundance of caution to not spread infectious diseases.
These are just a few of the things that keep my business running smoothly day-to-day. If you’ve got something else you’d add to the list - shoot me an email at liz@barrioperformancetherapy.com.
I’d love to hear from you!
