In horseback riding, riding equipment encompasses all the tools and objects used for handling, caring for, or protecting the horse. Riding equipment is essential for both rider and horse. Your riding gear should be adapted to your equestrian discipline and your specific needs. Here are some key elements to help you equip yourself and your mount.
What Is the Rider's Riding Equipment?
The rider’s equipment mainly concerns clothing. Beginners typically wear riding breeches and boots to support and protect the leg. Gloves can prevent reins from slipping and keep hands warm in winter. To complete safety, a riding helmet (also called a “bombe”) is required. A body protector or riding vest, either airbag or foam, is not mandatory but recommended. A riding crop or stick complements the outfit, serving as an artificial aid to enhance leg cues or strengthen the rider’s aids.
Experienced riders may swap tall riding boots for paddock boots, adding mini-chaps or full-length chaps, as in Western riding. Their gear may also include a lunge whip and spurs, replacing the riding crop. A wide range of apparel is available for the rider, whether at the stable or in competition, from softshell jackets to padded or waterproof jackets, and fleece-lined stable boots. Accessories such as caps, sweatshirts, or customizable competition jackets in various colors can also be added.
How to Choose Rider Equipment?
In stores or online, you’ll find a wide selection. Sale periods and private events offer opportunities to equip yourself more affordably. Turn your needs into pleasure and take advantage of Horse Pilot promotions on your favorite riding gear.
Riding Breeches
Riding breeches should fit snugly. They should be stretchy and comfortable, with no poorly placed seams. Reinforcements can be added with full-seat patches or knee patches, in fabric or gel, often with silicone grips. These protect the inner leg from saddle friction and potential injuries.
Riding Boots and Footwear
Options abound. A 2–3 cm heel and suitable sole prevent the foot from slipping in the stirrup. Boots, paddock boots, and other footwear range from budget rubber to luxury leather. Comfort and suitability for your activity are essential. For example, our Teknit Boot is a technical riding boot combining comfort and technology, adaptable to your discipline.
Gloves
Available in synthetic or leather, with reinforcements, snaps, or non-slip grips, gloves come in lightweight or warm models for different seasons. They should allow full hand sensitivity and mobility.
Helmet and Body Protector
Protect yourself from falls with a helmet equipped with an elastic strap or adjustable fastening. Models vary in plastic or carbon depending on your equestrian discipline. Similarly, body protectors range from simple foam vests to full riding airbags, allowing you to choose the level of protection you prefer.
Other Rider Equipment
Spurs are metal pieces attached to the rider’s heel to give cues to the horse’s flanks, available in rounded, pointed, or with rowels, in Polo or Prince of Wales styles. Modern lunge whips may have telescopic handles or injected foam grips. Riding crops, or sticks, also come in various models to suit your needs. In short, whatever you’re looking for, you can find equipment to match your taste and requirements.
What Is the Horse's Riding Equipment?
Excluding care equipment, the horse’s gear list can be extensive depending on the discipline. The key point is to choose your horse’s equipment based on your equestrian discipline. Here we focus on ridden horses, though driving and vaulting also have their specific equipment.
Ground Equipment for the Horse
To tie a horse or secure it while tacking up, a halter with a lead rope is used. The lead may be short for tied work or longer for lunging. Various blankets protect the horse from cold or weather during rest or exercise, including drying blankets, anti-fly mesh sheets, fleece blankets, and reflective sheets—covering all situations.
Ethological Equipment
Ethological riding enthusiasts often use an ethological halter, lightweight and available in multiple colors. It transmits even the slightest pressure from the rider, allowing precise cues during mounted or ground work. It is often paired with a longer ethological lead rope.
Mounted Horse Equipment
Riding is more comfortable with a saddle equipped with a girth, stirrup leathers, and stirrups. To protect the horse’s back, a saddle pad is recommended, with optional shock absorbers. Legs guide the horse, but a bridle with reins is very useful. A suitable bit or hackamore completes the setup. Depending on the activity, additional aids like a gogue or elastic reins can be added. Protective gear such as bell boots, fetlock boots, and leg wraps is also important. A breastplate or crupper can help keep the saddle in place.
How to Choose Horse Equipment?
First, horse equipment should fit the horse’s morphology and the discipline you practice. It should be regularly maintained for durability and the horse’s comfort.
The Saddle
The type of saddle depends on your activity, just as clothing does. Choose a general-purpose saddle for mixed outdoor, jumping, and dressage activities. Endurance or trail saddles may be stored for show jumping. An adjustable tree helps fit your horse’s curves. An ill-fitting saddle can hurt the horse even with a good pad.
Girths
Girths vary by discipline, e.g., belly girths for jumping, endurance girths for long rides. Materials include nylon, leather, ergonomic, or elastic options, which aid breathing if not overtightened. A girth sleeve can prevent irritation.
Reins and Bridles
Ensure the noseband is not too tight for proper breathing. Bit placement depends on cheekpiece length; a closed fist should fit between the throat and strap. Choose a comfortable bridle and appropriately sized reins—long enough for comfort without risking ground contact or rider safety.
Protective Gear
Protective equipment must fit the horse or pony properly, be well-adjusted, and avoid compressing tendons.
