Equestrian equipment list with all 21 items: the horse, saddle and pad, bridle and bit, helmet, riding boots, breeches, gloves and a body protector.
Equestrian sport starts with a trained horse and the tack that connects horse and rider. Nine items are rider gear and horse tack, five belong to the coach, among them grooming and tack cleaning supplies and feed plans, and seven describe the yard, from stables and arenas to a cross-country course and tack rooms. The table below lists all twenty-one with the purpose of each one and who supplies it.
- What equipment do you need to ride a horse?
- A helmet, riding boots with a heel, breeches and gloves for the rider, plus a fitted saddle with pad and a bridle with a bit for the horse. A riding school supplies the horse and usually the tack, so the first purchase is the helmet and the boots.
- What are the parts of horse tack called?
- The saddle sits on a saddle pad and is held by a girth, with stirrups hanging from the leathers. The bridle carries the bit in the horse's mouth and the reins run from the bit to the rider's hands.
- What is horse tack?
- Tack is the collective name for the equipment worn by the horse, mainly the saddle, saddle pad, girth, stirrups, bridle, bit and reins. Anything the rider wears, such as the helmet or the boots, is riding apparel and not tack.
- What horse supplies does a rider need beyond tack?
- A grooming kit with curry comb, body brush and hoof pick, leather cleaner for the tack, and a first aid kit for both horse and rider. Feed, bedding and turnout are handled by the yard.
Equestrian Equipment at a Glance
Nine items cover the rider and the horse, five belong to the coach, and seven are part of the yard. A beginner in a riding school buys the first four items on the personal side and borrows the rest.
| Item | What it does | Who supplies it |
|---|---|---|
| Horse | The partner in every discipline, owned by the rider or the school | Player |
| Saddle and saddle padfitted to horse and rider | Seats the rider and spreads the weight over the horse's back | Player |
| Bridle and bit | Carries the reins, the rider's line of communication with the horse | Player |
| Helmet | The one item worn on every ride, protects the head in a fall | Player |
| Riding boots | Smooth sole and a heel that cannot slip through the stirrup | Player |
| Breeches or jodhpurs | Flat seams and a grip seat, no bunching under the leg | Player |
| Gloves | Grip on the reins, no rein burn on wet leather | Player |
| Crop or whipdiscipline specific | Backs up the leg aid, used sparingly in jumping and dressage | Player |
| Protective vestcross-country and jumping | Padded body protector against impact in eventing | Player |
| Training and lesson plans | Structure the progression of rider and horse over a season | Coach |
| First aid kitsfor riders and horses | Two separate kits, a horse wound needs different dressings | Coach |
| Grooming supplies | Curry comb, brushes and hoof pick before and after every ride | Coach |
| Tack cleaning supplies | Saddle soap and conditioner keep stitched leather safe | Coach |
| Feed and nutrition plans | Forage, hard feed and supplements matched to the workload | Coach |
| Stables or barns | Housing with stalls, bedding and ventilation | Facility |
| Riding arenasindoor and outdoor | Prepared footing for lessons all year round | Facility |
| Cross-country course | Fixed obstacles over open terrain for eventing | Facility |
| Show jumping equipment | Standards, poles and cups to build a numbered course | Facility |
| Dressage arenas | 20 by 40 or 20 by 60 meters with lettered markers | Facility |
| Turnout paddocks | Fenced grazing so horses move and socialize between sessions | Facility |
| Tack rooms | Dry storage on racks and hooks, saddles keep their shape | Facility |
Equipment for Equestrians
#1 Horse
The horse is the heart of equestrian sports, forming a dynamic partnership with the rider. This living equipment requires care and training to perform across various disciplines. Riders and horses develop a unique bond that's essential for success in equestrian activities.
#2 Saddle and Saddle Pad
A proper saddle ensures the rider's balance and comfort while distributing weight evenly on the horse's back, preventing sores. The saddle pad acts as a cushion, reducing friction between the saddle and the horse, which is vital for the animal's welfare and performance.
Leather Ride All Purpose English Saddle
Sold as a full tack set
- Typeall purpose English saddle for equitation, trail, training and show
- Includedsaddle, adjustable bridle, iron stirrups, braided roping reins and girth
- Leatherskirting leather, double stitched and reinforced
- Seatmedium deep with concealed knee rolls, high cantle
- Sizesseat sizes from 12 to 18 inches
- Fittingsmultiple D-rings for saddle bags
#3 Bridle and Bit
The bridle and bit are key for communication between rider and horse. They help in directing the horse and regulating speed. Choosing the right type and fitting them correctly is crucial for the horse's comfort and the effectiveness of the rider's aids.
Weaver Leather Working Tack Bridle
Bridle, bit and reins
- Leatherpremium harness leather, hand rubbed
- Bitring snaffle, 5 inch mouth
- Reinsroper reins, 5/8 inch by 7.5 feet
- Extraall leather curb strap
- Colorgolden chestnut
#4 Helmet
A helmet is a non-negotiable safety necessity, protecting riders from head injuries in the event of falls or accidents. Certified helmets are designed to absorb impacts and should always be worn while riding to ensure the highest level of safety.
Troxel Sport 2.0 Riding Helmet
Injection molded shell
- Shellinjection molded with an integrated visor
- Ventilationseven large vents
- Linerremovable and washable headliner
- Fitadjustable, sizes for men, women and children
- Uselessons, leisure riding and schooling
#5 Riding Boots
Riding boots provide essential support for the rider's feet and legs. They protect the leg from chafing against the saddle, enhance grip, and help in effectively communicating cues to the horse. Sturdy boots are an investment in safety and riding performance.
HORZE Rover Tall Riding Boots
Women's synthetic leather
- Materialsynthetic leather with a breathable lining
- Legreinforced inner leg panels and a spur rest
- Closurerear zipper with elastic stretch panels
- Solecushioned, with a heel for the stirrup
- Sizingstandard and wide calf widths
#6 Breeches or Jodhpurs
Breeches or jodhpurs are specifically designed for comfort and flexibility in the saddle. Their snug fit and non-slip grip enhance the rider's control and ability to move with the horse, improving effectiveness and preventing snagging during riding.
FitsT4 Full Seat Breeches
Full seat silicone grip
- Gripfull seat silicone pattern
- Fabric80 percent polyester, 20 percent spandex, four way stretch
- Waisthigh elastic waistband with belt loops
- Pocketsthree side pockets, one zipped, plus two mock back pockets
- Fitclose contact, moisture wicking
#7 Gloves
Gloves offer a better grip on the reins, prevent blisters, and protect the hands in various weather conditions. They are an essential accessory for riders, contributing to more effective rein handling and overall comfort while riding.
Roeckl Roeck-Grip Gloves
Unisex, size 7
- Fitclose, elastic and supple across the back of the hand
- Palmgrip finish for rein contact and feel
- Caremachine washable at 30 degrees Celsius
- Sizesnumbered European glove sizes
- Useschooling, jumping and dressage
#8 Crop or Whip (discipline-specific)
A crop or whip may be used as a riding aid that reinforces leg commands, particularly in jumping and dressage disciplines. When used responsibly and sparingly, these tools can provide subtle cues to the horse and refine the rider's control.
Jack Hardy Supply Riding Crop
18 inches
- Length18 inches, also sold in 15 inches
- Tipthick leather popper that snaps loudly
- Handlewrist strap loop so the crop stays in hand
- Weightlight, balanced for one handed use
- Useschooling and jumping
#9 Protective Vest (for cross-country or jumping disciplines)
A protective vest is crucial for riders in cross-country or jumping. It provides a protective barrier against impact, helping to prevent or reduce the severity of injuries to the torso if a fall occurs. This piece of safety equipment is a staple for eventing disciplines.
UNISTRENGH Equestrian Body Protector
EVA padded, unisex
- PaddingEVA foam panels for shock absorption
- Closurefront zipper with laced side adjustment
- Coverageextended padding over the tail bone
- Cutscalloped lower front so the vest does not ride up in the saddle
- Sizeskids, women and men
Equipment for Coaches and Teams
#1 Training and Lesson Plans
Training and lesson plans are fundamental for coaches to structure effective and progressive training sessions for riders. They provide a detailed blueprint for skill development, goal-setting, and assessing rider and horse performance over time.
#2 First Aid Kits
First aid kits for both humans and horses are imperative within equestrian sports. They ensure that immediate care is available in the event of an injury, promoting the welfare and safety of all participants, and are a critical component of responsible coaching and team management.
#3 Grooming Supplies
Grooming supplies are necessary for maintaining the health and appearance of horses. Regular grooming bolsters horse-rider bonding and checks for any health issues, while also ensuring that the horses look their best for training and competition.
Weaver Equine Grooming Kit
Seven pieces with tote
- Contentscomb, hoof pick, palm held curry comb, face brush, mane and tail brush and body brushes
- Bagnylon tote with six outer pockets and a drawstring top
- Carrywebbing handles and a padded shoulder strap
- Baseplastic feet protect the bottom of the bag
- Shapewire reinforced top holds the tote open
#4 Tack Cleaning Supplies
Tack cleaning supplies are essential for the upkeep of leather goods such as saddles and bridles. Proper maintenance prevents wear and tear, extends the longevity of these costly items, and is vital for the safety and comfort of both horse and rider.
#5 Feed and Nutrition Plans
Feed and nutrition plans are vital to ensure that horses receive the balanced diet required to meet the demands of training and competition. Tailored plans cater to each horse's needs, promoting optimal health, performance, and well-being.
Equipment for Facilities
#1 Stables or Barns
Stables or barns provide a secure and comfortable environment for horses to live and rest. They are essential for protecting horses from the elements, ensuring their health and well-being. Properly designed stables are indispensable for the care and management of these beautiful animals.
#2 Riding Arenas (indoor and outdoor)
Riding arenas, both indoor and outdoor, are crucial for year-round equestrian training and events. Indoor arenas offer a controlled environment, protecting riders and horses from adverse weather, while outdoor arenas provide space for more natural riding experiences. Essential for practice and competition, these facilities help riders and horses to perform at their best.
#3 Cross-Country Course (for eventing)
A cross-country course is necessary for eventing disciplines, testing the skill, bravery, and endurance of horse and rider. The course features natural and man-made obstacles that challenge competitors across varied terrain. It’s an essential element that makes eventing thrilling for participants and spectators.
#4 Show Jumping Equipment
Show jumping equipment is integral for training and competitions focused on agility and accuracy. Proper jumps, poles, and standards allow for the set-up of courses that test the horse's jumping ability and the rider's control. This equipment is pivotal in the equestrian sport of show jumping.
#5 Dressage Arenas
Dressage arenas are designed with specific dimensions and markers for the artful display of horse training and rider command. They offer a structured environment for this equestrian discipline, where precision, grace, and harmony are judged. Dressage arenas are fundamental for both training and competitive dressage events.
#6 Turnout Paddocks
Turnout paddocks are necessary for horses' physical and mental health, providing them with space to exercise and socialize when not training or competing. Paddocks allow horses to display natural behaviors and are important for their overall well-being and happiness, which in turn can improve their performance.
#7 Tack Rooms for Equipment Storage
Tack rooms are vital for the storage and maintenance of equestrian equipment. A well-organized room keeps saddles, bridles, and other gear in good condition and readily accessible. Suitable storage solutions protect this equipment from damage and contribute to the efficient operation of an equestrian facility.
FAQ
What is the equipment you need to play Equestrian?
A horse, saddle, bridle, helmet, and proper riding boots are the equipment you need to play Equestrian. These items provide the basis for safe and effective riding.
What is the most important equipment in Equestrian?
The helmet is the most important equipment in Equestrian, as it protects the rider's head in case of falls and accidents, which are important risk factors in horse riding.
What is a recommended list of Equestrian equipment for beginners?
Here's a recommended list of Equestrian equipment for beginners: an ASTM/SEI-certified helmet, a well-fitting saddle, a sturdy bridle, riding boots, gloves, and comfortable riding apparel. These basics ensure safety and control for new riders.
