Our Top 10 Tack & Equipment Essentials for Equestrians

Equestrianism is more than a sport; it’s a way of life for many that demands a close bond between horse and rider. To ensure both comfort and safety, having the right tack and equipment is crucial. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, these top 10 essentials will help you maintain a happy, healthy partnership with your horse or pony.

1. Fitted Bridle & Saddle

A well-fitted bridle and saddle are fundamental to your horse’s comfort and performance. An ill-fitting saddle can cause discomfort, pain, and even injury to your horse’s back, while a bridle that doesn’t fit properly can lead to control issues and discomfort around the horse’s nose and mouth especially. When selecting a bridle and saddle, consult a professional fitter to ensure they match your horse’s unique anatomy and your riding style. Different disciplines, such as dressage, show jumping, and cross-country riding may require specific types of saddles and bridles.

2. Headcollar & Lead Rope

A sturdy and comfortable headcollar and lead rope is essential for everyday handling and training. Headcollars paired with a reliable lead rope, will allow you to safely guide and control your horse. Choose a headcollar made from durable materials like nylon or leather, and ensure it fits well to prevent rubbing or slipping. Lead ropes come in various lengths and materials, so pick one that provides a good grip and is easy to handle.

3. Saddle Cloth

A saddle cloth, also known as a numnah, serves to protect your horse’s back and keep the saddle clean. It provides a cushioning layer between the saddle and the horse’s skin, preventing chafing and absorbing sweat. Saddle cloths come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, including cotton, wool, and synthetic fabrics. Select one that fits your saddle properly and suits your horse’s needs, whether it’s for daily training or competition.

4. Horse Rugs

Different horse rugs serve different purposes, keeping your horse comfortable and protected in various conditions:

• Stable Rugs: Provide warmth in the stable during colder months and are available in a range of thicknesses from lightweight to heavyweight. This is ideal as you can mix and match the rugs depending on the climate and how hardy your horse is.
• Turnout Rugs: These rugs are designed for outdoor use, they are waterproof and breathable, protecting your horse from the elements such as wind and rain.
• Travel Rugs: Travel rugs are a must when in a horsebox or trailer as they offer protection during transportation, preventing chills and scrapes.
• Fly Rugs and Masks: These lightweight solutions shield your horse from flies and insects during the warmer months.

Be sure to select rugs based on your horse’s specific needs and the climate you live in, ensuring they fit well to avoid rubbing and discomfort.

5. Grooming Kit

Regular grooming is essential for maintaining your horse’s health and appearance. A basic grooming kit should include at the minimum:

• Curry comb
• Body brush
• Mane and tail brush
• Dandy Brush
• Hoof pick
• Sweat scraper
• Sponge and cloth (Different sponges for face, body and back end)
• Hoof Oil & Brush

Grooming helps to remove dirt, loose hair, and parasites, while also promoting blood circulation and bonding time between you and your horse. Invest in quality grooming tools and clean them regularly to keep your horse looking and feeling its best.

6. Horse Riding Attire

Proper riding attire is crucial for safety and comfort. It is worth investing in good-quality clothing and protective gear to reduce the likelihood of injury if you come off your mount.

• Helmet: Always wear a well-fitting, certified helmet to protect your head in case of a fall. When visiting a tack shop, you can try on a range of helmets to ensure the best fit. Remember, if your riding hat becomes damaged from a fall, it will need replacing immediately.
• Gloves: Enhance grip and protect your hands from blisters and the elements.
• Boots: Choose riding boots that offer support and stability. Boots are available in both ankle and knee length for riding, as well as a range of yard boots for everyday wear.
• Breeches: Provide comfort and flexibility in the saddle, with reinforced knee patches or full-seat options for added grip.

Maintaining your riding attire by cleaning and storing it properly will extend its lifespan and ensure it remains effective.

7. Body Protectors & Air Jackets

Safety should always be a priority. Body protectors and air jackets provide crucial protection for riders:

• Body Protectors: Worn around the torso and made of dense type of foam, they absorb impact in the event of a fall.
• Air Jackets: These unique jackets can be worn alone or with a zipped on outer jacket, and inflate upon impact, providing important protection for the rider’s torso.

Choose one that fits snugly and meets safety standards, ensuring you wear it during all activities as even a quiet hack can potentially turn into a disaster, especially if hacking on the roads. With todays advanced designs they are lightweight and comfortable so there is no excuse not to pop it on!

8. Horse Boots

Horse boots provide protection for your horse’s legs during exercise and travel:

• Leg Protection Boots: Such as brushing boots, tendon boots, and overreach boots, protect against knocks and injuries.
• Travel Boots: Offer additional protection during transportation, covering the horse’s legs from the knees to the hooves.

Ensure the boots fit well and do not restrict movement or blood flow, and regularly check for wear and tear.

9. Tack Cleaning Equipment

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your tack prolong its life and ensures safety. Essential cleaning supplies include:

• Tack cleaner and conditioner, including saddle soap.
• Sponges and cloths
• Buckets and brushes

Clean your tack after each use to remove sweat, dirt, and grime, and condition the leather to keep it supple and strong, this will prevent cracks and breakages in the leather.

10. Emergency Kit & Health Products

An emergency kit is a must-have for any horse owner, equipped with essential health products and first aid supplies:

• Bandages and dressings
• Antiseptic spray and ointment
• Thermometer
• Tweezers and scissors
• Fly repellent

Having these items on hand ensures you are prepared to handle minor injuries such as cuts and scrapes, and other minor health issues promptly.

Investing in the right equine tack and equipment is crucial for the well-being and performance of both horse and rider. By ensuring you have these top 10 essentials, you can enjoy a safe, comfortable, and fulfilling experience. We stock a wide range of tack and clothing from many reputable brands such as Premier Equine, Stubben, a many more. Explore these equestrian essentials at Elite Saddlery – if you can’t find what you are looking for simply give us a call on 01379 588472, we are happy to help.