Find the Best Horse Tack and Riding Gear

Horse riding is continually growing into one of the most exciting and popular sports. Many horse enthusiasts engage in this sport for enjoyment or competitions. However, this activity requires a lot of equipment, gear and horse tack to enhance your enjoyment and protect you.

Figuring out the cost and selecting the appropriate gear and horse tack might be overwhelming as you must consider various things to choose for safe riding and properly fitting gear. Read through this article to understand how to find the best riding gear and horse tack.

Horse Tack

When riding your horse, it’s crucial to use tack that fits properly. Choose tack that’s the right size for your horse and suits your needs. Also, consider your expertise and the setting where you’ll be riding. The saddle pad, bridle, girth, and saddle are all important components to consider when selecting tack for your horse.

Saddle and Girth

When choosing your gear, there are wide options you can consider. For instance, you can consider the Western, English, and Hybrid variations for your saddle options. Importantly, choose your preferred saddle depending on your equestrian goals and the type of horse. Experts recommend that you consider professional saddle fitters to help you through the process of choosing the right saddle or girth.

Headstall or Bridle

Bridles or headstalls differ depending on the Western, English, or Hybrid variations. Regardless of the bridle you choose, ensure that the safety gear comes with a broad and appropriate shape for your horse to enhance its comfort.

While choosing the right one, consider its bite and ensure that the bit size you select fits the horse’s mouth. It’ll be good to measure your horse’s mouth before selecting the correct bridle size.

Saddle Pad

While enjoying your ride, the saddle pad is essential to protect the animal, especially the back, cushion your saddle, and enhance sweat absorption. When choosing the right saddle, experts recommend avoiding choosing an ill-fitting saddle. It’ll be wise to select a saddle pad with the appropriate saddle pad to ensure that it covers all parts of the saddle.

Apparel and Footwear

Apparel and footwear are usually a top priority while getting the appropriate horse-riding gear. The apparel will protect you from serious injuries when the horse stumbles and falls. When selecting the gear for the first time, it’ll be wise to invest in the proper footwear and apparel to offer you irreplaceable protection. Below are the essential footwear and apparel and how to find the right one.

Boots with Heel

The features may vary when purchasing the boots due to the riding style (Western or English). Despite the styles, it’s mandatory to choose boots that have heels. The heels are essential features to prevent you from sliding through the horse’s stirrup in case of an unplanned dismount.

Before purchasing the shoes, research and understand the appropriate boot size depending on the Western and English requirements. Experts recommend hiking boots if you’re planning for cross-discipline horse riding.

Riding Pants

Riding pants are an essential consideration when choosing the right apparel. Jeans are the perfect pants when you’re having western disciplines or an occasional trail ride. Nonetheless, it’ll be essential to consider the appropriate jeans designs with bulky inseam features for your rides.

Jeans are suitable for western rides, but while riding English, breeches or jodhpurs are the appropriate options as they are stretchy. Furthermore, they’ve got a full seat or knee patch with an extra grip to enhance your comfort and safety.

Shirts and Jackets

Experts advise that you pick form-fitting shirts and jackets for horse riding needs. Choosing these form-fitting jackets will be essential to prevent blowing around. Loose tops may cause inconveniences when riding as they can blow around, allowing a fence or tree post to trap them. The fitting tops come in various designs, colors, and fashions that allow you to choose what suits your preferences.

Gloves and Chaps

While many individuals view the chaps or gloves as luxury apparel, this equipment will be vital to enhancing your comfort. Selecting suitable gloves with grip and quality material will be essential to protecting your hands and legs or increasing the grip while riding. These are crucial things that help maximize your comfort and enjoyment.

Safety Gear

When enjoying your horse ride, safety gear is vital equipment to protect you if your horse trips or gets spooked and falls. Below is the essential safety gear to invest in while having your riding sessions:

Helmet

Helmets are essential safety gear when having your horse riding sessions. These helmets come in different qualities and stylish options. The Tipperary Sportage is the appropriate option for an all-around helmet when choosing the helmets.

This helmet will provide full coverage and ample venting and fit comfortably in your head. Importantly, choose the helmet that the ASTM-SEI certifies for use during your fun or competition.

Body Protector

Body protectors are essential to protect you if you’re anxious or nervous while handling an animal. They help protect you from getting injuries due to your professional and personal obligations. When choosing the proper body protector, ensure it fits you properly and is SEI-ASTM certified.

Air Vest

Apart from the body protector and helmet, the air vest is another essential safety gear. Investing in a proper and functional air vest is necessary as you can attach it to the saddle using a simple strap.

When choosing, it’ll be appropriate to consider an air vest with an unplanned dismount and inflate to help cushion you in case of a fall. Furthermore, ensure that the air vest comes with a hook to ensure that you can unhook it before dismounting.

Wrapping Up

Despite being a fun and enjoyable game, horse riding is one of the most dangerous games. Depending on weather you participate in this sport for fun or competition, it’ll be vital to choose the appropriate gear to enhance your riding experience.

Choosing suitable gear is usually daunting as you have to consider various things. The above is a comprehensive guide on selecting every riding gear appropriately. Choosing the right gear plays an essential role in enhancing your safety and enjoyment.