Horses are trained and not only used for practical work, but they are also used in professional sports such as polo, horse racing, rodeo, show jumping, and so on. Horse riding is an enjoyable sport and hobby for both adults and kids. Learning to control and care for an animal much larger than yourself can have a profound effect on your trust and is a great feeling. Much like dog training, it is all about training and patience, while this will not come naturally you can learn about it. Horseback riding can be a challenging sport and riding safely means remaining confident, and not allowing accidents to ruin your fun. Read on to find out the equipment that is frequently used by equestrians.
Horseback Riding Outfit
You must choose what you will wear before horse riding, not only for comfort but also for security and safety. With styles coming in and out of fashion every season, ladies and kids can get stunning and inexpensive equestrian clothing. Casual, equestrian fashion clothing need not be costly and appropriate garments are not difficult to find. There are several equestrian attire available on the internet that you can wear for competitions or even for casual rides. The everyday riding attire is shirts, riding pants, belts, caps or helmets, jackets, and boots/boot socks.
For the top, many equestrian riders wear a black jacket or vest with metal buckles, which is the classic style, while the conventional ankle-length breeches or jodhpurs during competitions for the bottom. As for riding hats, equestrian riders have several choices to wear such as derby caps, hunting hats, or equestrian helmets, some upper-level riders have to wear a coat-matching top hat. Moreover, riders should always wear black or white riding gloves. White riding gloves are common to athletes at the highest level.
Winter Riding Apparel
All horse enthusiasts, especially those who live in colder climates, have experienced the hardships of winter at the barn. Given the difficulties posed by cold weather riding, you and your horse will continue to enjoy one another in winter. You can use gloves, hat and skin-tight scarf, the use of thermal blankets and coats, winter riding boots, and using a neck gator to accessorize. With a little creativity, and with the help of some key winter riding attire, you can still enjoy riding with your horse in the cold weather.
Equestrian Footwear
Typically, equestrian riders wear tall black or navy dress boots, field boots, or paddock boots. Ankle boots, leather boots, or also known as paddock boots are a great choice, with good tread and a 1-inch heel. The heel stops the foot from falling into the stirrup which might create a dangerous situation if you fall off and become unstable.
Saddle
The saddle is an important piece of equipment suitable for riding and properly fitting the saddle is an essential part of having a good ride. It provides the rider with comfort and protection so that they can maintain a balanced position on their horse. If the saddle does not fit, the horse may show discomfort while riding or may sacrifice performance. Many horses won’t bend or collect to their fullest potential. There are several types of saddles such as English saddles, Western saddles, Dressage saddles, and Racing saddles. There are several types of saddles such as English saddles, Western saddles, Dressage saddles, Racing saddles, and saddle pads for Trail Riding. Ensuring the proper fit of the saddle is important for both the rider’s comfort and the horse’s well-being and performance.
Grooming Tools
Grooming is a big aspect of horse care. It allows you to maintain the health, cleanliness, appearance, and happiness of your horse. Common horse equipment for grooming used is currycomb, fitch currycomb, stiff-bristled brush, dandy brush, clippers, and hoof pick.
The main reason for daily grooming is that it diminishes the risk of specific health conditions, such as scratches, thrush, and other skin issues. Regular care for the skin, coat, and feet of the horse is recommended. This activity tends to help develop a bond between both the horse and the handler, which can translate to riding and other handling duties.
Farrier Tools
It is important to trim each hoof and shoe, as it retains the proper foot horse function. Having this kind of horse riding gear will help the farrier to spare horses from pain and discomfort when working with the hoof, the most vulnerable part of the horse. The farrier must use properly fitted horseshoes and high-quality farrier tools such as hoof picker, nippers, anvil, rasps, callipers, and clinch block to treat unhealthy hooves and to maintain healthy bones.
Bathing Equipment
Let’s face it, horses love to roll in mud, grass, and manure, especially before a big competition so they need to be bathed. You don’t need to bathe them every day, you can schedule periodic baths or any time the horse gets dirty. Most bathing kits include sponge, shampoo, bucket, combs, body brush, and dryer. It will make them healthy, shiny, and in presentable condition. The most important thing is to keep your horse healthy, but giving him a glistening coat will make you both feel good.
First Aid Kits
First aid kits form an essential part of a well-managed stable. Whether in the grass, stable, or while riding, horses appear prone to accidental injury. A basic first aid kit may contain bandages, sterilized gauge, icebox, scissors, rolled cotton, and insect repellant. All horses should be thoroughly checked for signs of injury to ensure injuries are identified as part of the daily care routine and professional veterinary care.
Stable Blanket
Stable blankets or sheets offer extra comfort and warmth in the stall, which is the ideal cover when trailing your horse. While during the summer, flysheets offer protection from itchy bites and other insects. Good quality horse clothing is produced from both highly durable and weatherproof fabrics. Several other brands provide water resistance to keep their coats safe in poor weather.
Breastplate
A breastplate helps protect the horse and is especially helpful with broad shoulders and flat rib cage horses. Moreover, it also is a safety aspect because if the rider’s girth or billets split, the rider would have time to pause and dismount until the saddle falls off fully.
While some equipment is common across all types of riding, make sure you use the right tools and gears for horse riding. We’ve accumulated all of the essential equipment needed for horse care, clothing, hoof care, and first aid. I hope this knowledge will help you and your horse ride safely and comfortably.