Horse Riding Equipment :: Equestrian Equipment

Riding a horse is a sport that brings you a sense of power and relief at the same time. When you are just getting into the sport you can easily become confused by the amount of gear you will have to purchase to ensure that you are comfortable and safe while riding.

Here is a basic rundown of the types of horse riding gear you can expect to see, and possibly have to purchase to get the best riding experience possible. Some pieces of gear are essential.

Bridles – If you maintain control over your horses head, you can lead it wherever you want it to go. Using a bridle, especially a padded bridle will help you guide your horse, without causing it undue stress or discomfort.

Reins – Your reins attach to the bridle, and you are going to want to make sure that you have a quality set. Cheap reins can fall apart at the seams, leaving you in serious trouble if you are moving at decent speeds. These are how you stay in control of your horse, so it is essential to purchase a high quality set.

Saddle – Unless you are a fan of bareback horse riding, you will want a saddle. While most people think all saddles are made the same, this just is not true. Depending on the style of riding you will be doing, you are going to want a saddle that matches. For instance, you do not want a bulky horned saddle if you are planning to jump the horse, whereas, if you are a bigger rider, a smaller riding and jumping saddle.

Saddle Pad – Taking care of your horse is essential to enjoying long rides, and a calm demeanor. When you consistently saddle your horse, you can begin to cause chafing and wearing of the hair underneath the saddle. To avoid this, you will need to purchase a saddle pad, and make sure that you use it every time you put the saddle on your horse.

Stirrups – These stirrups are how you control the horse with your legs. They also help you mount the horse when you are ready to get up. If you are a shorter rider, you will want to make sure that the stirrups you purchase are longer, so that they are closer to the ground. Unless you are able to pull yourself up, with shorter stirrups you will need help from someone to mount the horse.