If you’re considering getting involved with horse riding, you need to know what equipment is necessary. Aside from the obvious—a horse—there are a few pieces of equipment that are essential for any equestrian. The right apparel, tack, and safety gear can make all the difference in your experience. Let’s take a look at some of the basics.
Apparel for Horse Riding
Whether you’re an experienced rider or just beginning, it’s important to wear the appropriate clothing when riding a horse. This includes a protective helmet and boots that cover your ankles with a low heel and grip sole. Long trousers and gloves will also help protect your skin from rubbing against the saddle and reins. A light jacket may be necessary on cooler days, but nothing too bulky or restrictive. It is also important to wear bright colors so that other riders can easily spot you on the trail or in open fields.
Tack and Other Gear
When it comes to tack, there are several items needed for safe horse riding equipment. A saddle is essential since it provides stability while controlling the horse’s movement and direction. Saddles come in many different styles; heavy saddles are used for jumping while lightweight ones are better suited for racing or pleasure riding. Additionally, bridles, reins, bits, halters, lead ropes, and stirrups should be part of any equestrian’s gear collection as they provide control over your mount while in motion. Finally, if you plan on competing in shows or events make sure you have a breastplate or martingale to keep your saddle secure during performance classes such as dressage or western pleasure riding events.
Safety Gear
When dealing with horses there is always an element of risk involved due to their large size and unpredictable behavior. To lessen this risk it is important to equip yourself with proper safety gear such as helmets and boots as mentioned above; however additional items like back protectors can also be beneficial if you plan on competing in show jumping events where falls may occur more frequently than other disciplines like dressage or pleasure riding. Additionally medical supplies such as bandages and liniment should always be carried when out on long rides since these can come in handy in case of emergency situations such as a fall from the horse or injury incurred during strenuous activities like galloping across open fields or through wooded areas.
Conclusion: Horseback riding is an activity that requires special attention when it comes to safety precautions due to its inherent risks associated with working with animals larger than ourselves who can often act unpredictably under certain circumstances . As such , one must equip themselves with certain pieces of apparel , tack , and safety gear before engaging in any type of horse-related activity . By doing so , riders can rest assured knowing they have taken all necessary steps towards ensuring their own wellbeing while attempting any number of disciplines including show jumping , eventing , dressage , endurance , racing , etc . With the right knowledge about what types of equipment are needed for each specific discipline , anyone interested in horseback riding can become an expert equestrian in no time !
