How to Buy Horse Riding Gear

If you want to ride horses, you should invest in the appropriate riding gear, such as tack for your horse and the right clothing for you. Here's how to buy horse riding gear that keeps you and your horse safe and comfortable.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Determine what kind of gear you want or need. English and Western style riding each require different types of clothing for the rider and tack for the horse. Equipment can vary greatly with each discipline and will not be compatible with each other.
2. Choose a saddle, bridle and other tack for your horse by comparing price and safety. Expensive doesn't always mean better quality or practicality. Choose tack that fits your horse correctly. Loose or tight fitting tack can cause discomfort or accidents when riding.
3. Buy riding apparel suited for your discipline. Ride in clothing that is safe and not bulky. English riding consists of riding pants, lace-up or slip on boots with heels, a slim fitting shirt and a helmet. Find these at a tack store or online. Western riding is more relaxed unless at a show. Jeans, a t-shirt or button shirt and boots with a heel are needed to ride.
4. Pick boots that have small soles and at least an inch of heel. Large, chunky soled shoes can get caught in the stirrups if an accident occurs. The heel of the boot is necessary to keep your foot from sliding through the stirrup and trapping your leg.
5. Purchase a helmet that is new and up to date on safety codes. English riding requires a helmet, but Western riding does not. Many riders of each discipline choose to wear a helmet for safety purposes.

Tips & Warnings

• Never ride in tennis shoes. Tennis shoes can easily slide through stirrups or get caught, resulting in an accident.