Preparing to take your first horseback ride? We bet you're excited! Horse riding is one of the most thrilling pastimes hobbies there is. But it's not for the faint-hearted—it can get pricey quickly, just like any equestrian sport.
Before You Go Broke
Horse equipment, equestrian clothing and riding gear have no limit. Your enthusiasm could tempt you to go all out and buy every piece of clothing and equipment you can get your hands on but be warned, it comes at a price! No matter how many items you purchase, you'll always find something—in fact, numerous things—that you still haven't bought yet.
So, What’s the Best Way Forward?
As a novice, keep your list to the basics. We recommend you start by narrowing your list to vital safety equipment and tack. As you identify other extra gear as needed.
Here is a list of the bare minimum:
Horse Rider Equipment and Riding Gear for Beginners
1. Helmet
Everyone, even experts, must wear a helmet when riding a horse. That said, take precautions to avoid the possibility of brain harm. Get a helmet explicitly made for equestrian sports, and remember that even though riding a horse is thrilling, it can be dangerous.
2. Safety Vest
Another essential item for preventing injuries is a safety vest. It safeguards your chest and abdomen if a fall, kick, or step from the horse. Safety vests may seem a little too bulky for some people, but the truth is that if you fall off a horse, a safety vest could save your life.
3. Riding Pants
Tried horse riding in shorts? It can be pretty uncomfortable, considering your legs will always be in close touch with your horse. You can ride in leggings, breeches, or even jeans as long as the clothing is flexible, seamless, stretchy, and form-fitting. But breeches are classics!
4. Shirt
Any shirt that fits will do as long as it's made of breathable fabric that doesn’t restrict your movement. You should feel at ease and free when manoeuvring a large and powerful animal like a horse. A shirt with UV protection will also go a long way because you'll spend a lot of time outside.
5. Boots
Many a time, we see rookies riding with their regular boots. They couldn't be more wrong! A good pair of riding boots is a must-have for any equestrian. Traditional boots don't have the safety features that riding boots provide, so wearing them isn't a good idea.
Riding boots have a short heel, a gently textured sole, and a strong toe box to prevent your foot from slipping into the stirrup and protect your toes. Tall boots are also typically worn to avoid pinching the saddle.
6. Saddle, Girth and Saddle Pad
When riding a horse, you sit on a saddle. This piece of gear guarantees both your comfort and the safety of the horse. You also need a saddle pad, a thin layer of cushioned fabric that serves as a barrier of protection between the saddle and the horse's back.
It absorbs sweat, shields the horse from excessive heat, and can prolong the saddle's life. To keep the saddle in place, you need a girth, generally attached to the harness and wrapped around the horse's body. The horse tack store Pink Equine has some of the best quality saddle pads for sale online, so check out their website.
7. Horse Bridle, Bit, and Reins
The bridle, reins, and bit are some of the most essential items you will purchase for your horse after the saddle. They help control the animal.
A bridle attaches to the horse's head while you hold the reins in your hands, which are attached to the bit. The bit is the metal rod that is inserted into the horse's mouth and connected to the reins.
8. Stirrup Irons And Leathers
The stirrup irons hold your feet in place when riding. They keep your foot firmly planted on a level, flat area for maximum comfort. The irons are fastened to the stirrup leather and then to the saddle. Stirrups also make it easy to climb a horse.
Horseback Riding: The Initial Investment
Horseback riding equipment and tack require a sizable initial investment, but high-quality gear should last a lifetime (or longer) with proper maintenance. That said, avoid buying inexpensive equipment because quality is crucial for horses!
