Are you a beginner who’s looking to get started in horseback riding? Whether you’re trying to ride English, Western or even both, there are certain pieces of gear and equipment that every beginner rider needs.
The right saddle, bridle and bit can help make your experience more enjoyable by helping you stay safe while riding.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything from how to choose the right saddle for your body type and riding style to what kind of protective gear is needed if you plan on staying safe during your first rides.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Having the right equipment is crucial for safety in horseback riding, and beginner riders must be mindful of gear such as helmets, boots, and saddles. |
| 2. A well-fitted saddle is critical to comfort when riding a horse. |
| 3. Trail riding is an excellent opportunity for outdoor adventure with many benefits. |
| 4. Properly fitting boots can impact comfort and safety when riding a horse. |
| 5. Safety should always be a top priority, and riders must have essential safety equipment for themselves and their horses. |
English Saddle
An English saddle is a type of riding saddle used for horse riding. The rider sits on top of the horse, rather than inside it. The term “English” refers to the style’s country of origin (England), not its current usage or design.
English saddles are designed for the rider to sit in a more forward position than in Western saddles, which allows them to use their legs more efficiently and makes them better for jumping or racing at speed over flat terrain.
They are also designed to be used with a bridle and bit; thus they have different features from Western saddles such as sloping pommels (the front part) where they rest against an animal’s shoulders.
When it comes to horseback riding, having the right equipment is critical to ensure both rider and horse are safe. From helmets to boots, our article on 15 Essential Horseback Riding Equipment Pieces You Need Now will help beginner riders understand the importance of each piece of gear.
English Bridle and Bit
An English bridle is a type of headgear used on horses in riding competitions. It has many parts, but the most important ones are:
The crownpiece, which goes over the animal’s ears and attaches to the cavesson (which we’ll get to later). This part is usually made from leather or synthetic materials such as plastic or nylon webbing.
The browband, which connects under the horse’s jawbone and helps keep everything in place while you ride them around!
Browbands can be made from various materials including leather or rope webbing with metal hardware attached at each end so it won’t slide around when tightened properly during use–this makes sure that none of those pesky straps fall off while riding out on trails together!
English Stirrups and Leathers
Stirrups and leathers are used to help the rider stay in the saddle. They should be high quality, durable and long enough to allow you to sit comfortably in the saddle.
Stirrups should also be long enough so that when your foot is placed in them, there is room for another shoe’s width between your heel and stirrup leather (so no pressure on your ankle).
Leathers should be made from hide or synthetic materials that can withstand weather conditions while remaining flexible enough so they don’t cut into a horse’s leg during use over time.
Finding the perfect saddle for your horse can be challenging without proper guidance. Our comprehensive guide, The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Saddle for Your Horse, offers tips and advice on how to select a saddle that will keep both rider and horse comfortable while riding.
English Endurance and Close Contact Saddles
You may have heard of English endurance saddles and close contact saddles, but you might not know what they are or why they’re so important. We’ll explain the differences between the two types of horseback riding equipment, as well as their benefits and downsides.
Let’s start with an overview: an endurance saddle has a deep seat, long flaps (the leather pieces that hang down from the sides), high cantle (the raised back portion), and high pommel (where your leg rests).
It’s designed to take on long rides over rough terrain while keeping you comfortable enough to stay on for hours at a time.
The close contact saddle has a narrow twist in its design–it tapers towards the front so that when you sit down on it, there isn’t much space between your legs and thighs.
This allows for better communication between rider and horse during training sessions or competitions where speed matters most; however, this type doesn’t offer much comfort when traveling long distances across open spaces without stopping very often due to its lack of padding underneath where riders tend not use them often anyway!
| Clothing Item | Description | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Riding helmet | Protects the rider’s head from impact during a fall | Troxel, IRH, Charles Owen |
| Riding boots | Provide grip and support in the stirrups, and protect the foot and ankle | Ariat, Dublin, Mountain Horse |
| Breeches/Jodhpurs | Form-fitting pants that reduce bulk and rubbing in the leg, and more flexibility and support in the saddle | TuffRider, Kerrits |
| Gloves | Protect the rider’s hands from rubbing and irritation, provide better grip on the reins, and keep hands warm | Heritage, SSG |
| Show coat | Formal jacket worn for competitions or shows | RJ Classics, Grand Prix |
| Show shirt | Formal top worn in competitions or shows, often made of moisture-wicking material | Essex, Tailored Sportsman |
| Body protector | Optional protective gear used to protect the torso from impact in a fall | Airowear, Tipp |
| Riding tights | Comfortable and stretchy pants with a higher waistline and a pocket on the thigh, best for summer riding | Ovation, Horze |
| Chaps | Optional leg protection worn over breeches, providing more grip and support to the rider, perfect for cold weather. | Suede, Leather, or Synthetic leather |
Riding apparel is essential for beginners in horseback riding to ensure safety and comfort while riding. It is important for both men, women, and kids to have the right equipment.
These clothing items include helmets, boots, breeches/jodhpurs, gloves, show coats, show shirts, body protectors, riding tights, and chaps, and all from the reputable brands that understand the importance of quality riding gear. Choosing the right clothing items will help beginners enjoy their rides safely and comfortably.
Western Saddle
A western saddle is built for comfort and durability. It has a horn, which is used to help the rider stay in the saddle.
The cinch strap holds the horse firmly against your seat, so you can feel confident when riding even at full gallop.
A western saddle is made out of leather; the tree–the wooden part that supports your weight–is made from wood or metal and will eventually break down over time if not cared for properly (you’ll want to oil it regularly).
The stirrups should be long enough for you to use them without having to bend down too much when getting on or off of your horse!
Trail riding is not only exciting but also an excellent opportunity to experience the great outdoors. If you’re still unsure why you should hit the trails on a horse, check out our article, 10 Reasons Why Trail Riding is the Ultimate Outdoor Adventure, to discover the benefits of this outdoor activity.
Western Bridle and Bit
Western bridles are usually made from leather.
Western bridles have a bit that is attached to the bridle.
Western bridles have a noseband, which goes around the horse’s muzzle and prevents him from pulling back on his reins while riding.
The reins attach to this piece as well, so they’re easy for you to hold onto while riding your horse or controlling his movements with them when he’s tied up outside of his stall or pen!
This is different than an English saddle because there aren’t any stirrups attached–just a small loop where your foot can go through if needed (and sometimes even then).
Western Stirrups and Leathers
The stirrup is a crucial piece of horseback riding gear that helps keep your feet in place. It attaches to the saddle, and you’ll use it when you want to get on or off your horse–or if you’re riding bareback, as well.
Leathers are another essential piece of equipment for all types of riders, from beginners all the way up to professionals who compete at rodeos.
They secure your stirrups and help prevent them from slipping out while you’re trotting along with your steed (or galloping).
Leathers come in different lengths and widths; choose one that fits comfortably around both legs without being too tight or loose (which could cause blisters). If possible, replace leathers every year or two due to wear-and-tear over time
Protective Gear for Beginner Riders
As a beginner rider, you will want to invest in protective gear. This includes elbow and knee pads, as well as a helmet and goggles.
Gloves are also important for your hands so that they do not get too cold or hurt yourself on the reins or bit if you fall off your horse.
Hip and tail guards can help prevent injury if your horse bucks unexpectedly while riding him/her
Properly fitting horseback riding boots are a crucial aspect of horseback riding safety. Check out our article, The Importance of Properly Fitting Horseback Riding Boots, to learn why wearing appropriately fitting boots is vital to both comfort and safety when riding horses.
Beginner Horseback Riding Clothing Essentials for Men, Women, and Kids
Riding apparel is important for beginners, and it’s not just for adults. Even kids need to protect themselves when they’re on horseback.
Women and men who ride should wear riding clothes made of breathable fabrics that don’t restrict movement or cause chafing or irritation. These are also great options if you’re looking to invest in some new riding gear:
| Clothing Item | Description | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Riding helmet | Protects the rider’s head from impact during a fall | Troxel, IRH, Charles Owen |
| Riding boots | Provide grip and support in the stirrups, and protect the foot and ankle | Ariat, Dublin, Mountain Horse |
| Breeches/Jodhpurs | Form-fitting pants that reduce bulk and rubbing in the leg, and more flexibility and support in the saddle | TuffRider, Kerrits |
| Gloves | Protect the rider’s hands from rubbing and irritation, provide better grip on the reins, and keep hands warm | Heritage, SSG |
| Show coat | Formal jacket worn for competitions or shows | RJ Classics, Grand Prix |
| Show shirt | Formal top worn in competitions or shows, often made of moisture-wicking material | Essex, Tailored Sportsman |
| Body protector | Optional protective gear used to protect the torso from impact in a fall | Airowear, Tipp |
| Riding tights | Comfortable and stretchy pants with a higher waistline and a pocket on the thigh, best for summer riding | Ovation, Horze |
| Chaps | Optional leg protection worn over breeches, providing more grip and support to the rider, perfect for cold weather. | Suede, Leather, or Synthetic leather |
Riding apparel is essential for beginners in horseback riding to ensure safety and comfort while riding. It is important for both men, women, and kids to have the right equipment.
These clothing items include helmets, boots, breeches/jodhpurs, gloves, show coats, show shirts, body protectors, riding tights, and chaps, and all from the reputable brands that understand the importance of quality riding gear. Choosing the right clothing items will help beginners enjoy their rides safely and comfortably.
Tack Care Products for Beginners in Horseback Riding
Tack care products are a must-have for any beginner horseback rider. While it may seem like a small thing, cleaning your tack regularly is essential to keeping it in good shape and prolonging its life.
There are many different types of tack care products available at tack shops and online, but they all serve the same purpose: cleaning leather, nylon, or synthetic materials so that they stay clean and free from bacteria that can cause damage over time (like mold).
The most common type of tack care product is saddle soap–it’s available in liquid form or as an aerosol spray.
Saddle soap should be used regularly on all parts of your saddle (including stirrups) because it helps keep them soft without leaving behind any residue on top surfaces after washing off excess water during rinsing cycles; this way you won’t have a sticky feeling while riding!
Safety should always be a top priority while horseback riding. Our article, The Top 15 Pieces of Safety Equipment Every Rider Needs, provides riders with valuable information on the essential safety equipment they should have to ensure their safety and the safety of their horse while riding.
Conclusion
We hope this list has helped you to find the best horseback riding gear and equipment for beginners.
If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to reach out! We would love to hear from you.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for readers who want to learn more about horseback riding gear and equipment:
The Pine Hill Ranch offers beginner riders a list of the top 10 essentials when it comes to horse riding gear.
Farmhouse Tack provides readers with a comprehensive list of horseback riding equipment categorized into must-haves, nice to-haves, and training gear.
Horse Racing Sense offers beginners advice on what gear they need to get started with horseback riding and the materials they should consider when purchasing the gear.
FAQs
What are the essential horseback riding gear and equipment for beginners?
Beginner riders should have several essential gear, including a correctly fitting helmet, supportive riding boots, a good quality saddle, reins, and a horse riding crop.
Should I buy new or used horseback riding gear?
It depends on various factors, including your budget, safety concerns, and the condition of the equipment. You can consider both new and used gear; the critical thing is to ensure that any used gear you buy is in excellent condition.
Are there specific types of helmets I should consider for horseback riding?
When it comes to safety gear, the correct fitting helmet is essential. Ensure that you purchase the right helmet type and fit for horseback riding. Types include Western, English, and a hybrid.
What type of saddle should I use for horseback riding?
The type of saddle you choose depends entirely on the riding style you prefer. The Western saddle is popular among Western-style western equestrians, while English saddles are primarily used for English-style riding.
How often should I replace my horseback riding gear?
The frequency at which you replace your gear depends on usage and how well you take care of it. Regular inspection of your gear, as well as following maintenance guidelines provided, will help you extend the lifespan of your equipment.
Hi there! My name is Hellen James, and I’m a horse riding expert. I’ve been riding horses since I was just a kid—and it’s been my passion ever since. But getting started with horse riding can be overwhelming. There’s so much to learn! If you’re looking for a way to get started and make sure you’re doing it right, I’m here to help.
