Horse people can accumulate a lot of equestrian gear over the years. However, there are a lot of products that you don’t actually need. Here are the tools you actually need to ride.
- Riding Pants
You may have heard them called breeches, jodhpurs, tights, or jeans. Whatever you call them, you want to have a pair of riding pants so that you can make those all-day trail rides at Fishlake National Forest without an inside seam rubbing against your leg.
- Boots
Most people choose a pair of paddock boots for English or ropers for Western. When choosing your boots, keep in mind that they are going to get mud and horse poop on them, so you don’t want anything too fancy. Ensure they are comfortable and are specifically designed for riding.
- Gloves
Holding leather reins can be uncomfortable. Therefore, gloves are a good option to protect your fingers.
- Shirts
Officially, you can wear any shirt to ride your horse. Unofficially, breathable fabrics and styles that don’t restrict your movement are the best options.
- Helmet
Brain injuries can occur in this sport. Getting a helmet specifically designed for riding will protect you from most head injuries.
- Safety Vest
Hitting the ground is unavoidable when riding horses. Whether you get bucked off or topple over your horse’s head as it refuses a jump, you want to minimize your chance of injury. Safety vests protect your vital organs from impact damage.
- Customized Saddle Pad
You want a saddle pad that shows your personality and looks great. Getting a customized one is the best way to do this.
- Saddle
Finding a saddle that fits you and your horse can involve a lot of trial and error. However, it is a vital part of riding, and you need to find the right one.
There is a lot of different gear on the market. However, you only need these essential items for riding your horse.
