girth

Bridle

Grooming your horse is an essential role for any rider. To do the job properly, you need to have a properly fitted grooming kit.

Before buying a bridle, reins, and bit or hackamore, ensure that you get your horse fitted so that these items are neither too big or too small especially for the bridle and bit.

It is important to note that almost all the items we will highlight must be used simultaneously or in conjunction with other components. As such, even after highlighting the key equipment, we will also mention other associated components that you will need when going horseback riding.

Bridle

Further, grooming your horse daily will give you a clear idea of how your horse should look like when it is healthy. This means that you will easily be able to notice changes in the horse’s health quickly.

The bit is a piece of rod that usually goes into the mouth of the horse while a hackamore is a fashioned rod that is placed over the nose of the horse. Both the bit and hackamore together with the reins usually help in controlling the movement of the horse.

Note that the style of saddle that you choose will dictate the specific type of associated components that you can purchase.

fly whisk

There are many types of riding equipment that you will need to ensure maximum comfort and safety for your horse. Note that there is certain equipment that you can forego depending on your horse, level of experience, and type of riding that you are participating in.

Note that you can either buy a pre-stocked kit or make your own. Some of the items to have in the horse’s first aid kit include: a digital thermometer, cutters, cotton or padding, antiseptic solutions, wound cream, self-sticking bandages, and wraps, among others.

Just like most other pets and animals, you can learn the health status of your horse by simply looking at the sheen and shine of its coat. A healthy animal should have a shiny coat with all furs properly in place.

soft cloth

When purchasing a saddle, you will also need to purchase saddle pads and a girth or cinch.

If you groom your horse every day before riding, you will be able to get rid of particles and debris on the horse’s body that can cause discomfort once you add other riding equipment such as the saddle.

Saddles are usually made for both the horse and the rider. Not all saddle sizes can fit all horses. Before buying a saddle, ensure that it is fitted for both you and the horse to avoid causing your horse unnecessary discomfort.

riding boots

Test out equipment that you buy on your horse to see if it actually fits snugly and it doesn’t cause the animal any discomfort

Don’t skimp on the price – Quality and durable riding equipment will not come cheap. Be ready to invest in your horse if you are looking to enjoy comfortable rides for a long time to come

Horses are prone to injuries just like other animals. Attempting to ride an injured horse can be a dangerous venture not to mention that you will likely end up injuring the animal more. It is therefore important to have a fully-stocked first aid kit at hand when going riding.

Equestrian Equipment

The proper equipment usually helps in ensuring the safety of both the rider and the horse while also reducing the risk of injuries to both parties.

Reins are usually held in the hand and they help in controlling the horse.

A saddle is usually placed on the back of a horse to provide the rider with a stable seating platform when riding. Saddles can be found in two main styles – English or Western.

helmet

You also need to buy your horse stirrup irons and stirrup leather. When attached to the saddle using stirrup leather, irons usually provide a firm and stable base for climbing atop the horse and a base for resting your feet when riding.

Do not buy equipment without going for a fitting and getting your horse fitted – This is the best way to avoid spending money on items that you cannot use without hurting yourself or your horse

The #1 rule when going horseback riding? Always ensure that both you and your horse are wearing the proper riding equipment. This rule applies whether you are a novice rider or a seasoned equestrian.