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The Many Types of Riding Boots

Those who love horses and who are going to start riding need to have some equipment first.  The first item that is needed is riding boots.  These boots are important protection for the feet and legs when on a horse.  There are many types of boots that can be chosen from and knowing their unique properties is going to help you to choose the right pair.  It is also important to know what riding style that you plan on doing before purchasing your boots.

There are two different basic riding styles and the riding boot that goes with each style is going to be very different as well.  The two basic riding styles are English Equestrian and Western.  The boots that are worn for each riding style can be broken down into categories as well. There are boots that are required for competition and boots that are worn when cleaning out stalls and everything in between.  You are going to want to purchase more than one pair of riding boots for each task.

English Equestrian boots are one of the most commonly known types of this style riding.  They are tall black boots that come to just under the knee.  They are used for shows and competitions.  These boots have a low heel and protect the ankles and calves when jumping or going through bush.  English riding boots are made of leather and are typically black in color.  Many boot makers replicate this style for fashion boots which is why they are very common to most who do not ride horses.  These come in both mens riding boots and women’s riding boots.  Ariat riding boots are a good choice when it comes to choosing the English Equestrian boots.

Included in the English style of boots is not only the long riding boots, but shorter boots as well.  These are called Jodhpur and paddock boots.  Jodhpur boots offer a bit more flexibility than the Equestrian boots offer.  They are worn with a special pair of trousers that can be zipped up over the boots to offer more protection for the legs.  While the protection is not the same as it would be with Equestrian boots, there is still protection for the ankles from the boots.  Paddock boots are typically made of rubber and rubber riding boots can also be worn in place of paddock boots.  These boots are typically used when cleaning out the stalls and riding in the rain.

Western boots come in two basic styles.  These styles are mountain horse riding boots and western show boots.  They are commonly called cowboy boots and are very popular even for those who do not ride horses.  The materials used for making these boots can range from the basic cow leather to more exotic styles such as ostrich and snake skin.  Many who purchase these exotic styles do not wear them for casual riding.  They are used for show or for going out rather than riding.  The reason for this is because these exotic boots are quite expensive and riding can damage them.

One of the great things about western boots is that they can be purchased in many different colors.  The most popular of all the colors is brown riding boots.  These are popular because they go with just about any color of outfit that is worn while riding.  Most who ride in rodeos prefer this color as it does not show the dirt as much.  Others may want to choose colors to match their outfits.  Barrel racers tend to wear bright colors when racing.  Their boots are going to match their outfits.  Women are typically known to do this type of racing and that is why colored womens riding boots are the most popular of the western riding boots.

The main difference in the types of western boots is the height of them.  They are made to come above the calf and just under the knee.  They also come to mid calf.  The taller boots are used for protection when riding in the brush.  They protect the calf up to the knee and were originally made for cowboys who needed protection from the horns of the cattle that they were herding.  Today, they are still used for this reason, but during riding shows, they are more ornate and can be quite beautiful as well.  The heels on both styles are going to be between an inch and an inch and a half to help keep the boots in the stirrups.

Once a rider has decided on the style that they want to perfect, they can then choose the right boots to go with it.  Shopping for boots can be fun when there are so many choices to make.  It is always wise to make sure that there is an extra pair for those times when the main pair of boots is worn out.  It is always a good idea to have an old pair or a rubber pair when mucking out stalls or riding in bad weather.

Filed Under: Equipment, Horse Products, Riding Tagged With: ariat riding boots, brown riding boots, english riding boots, long riding boots, mens riding boots, mountain horse riding boots, riding boot, rubber riding boots, women's riding boots

Is a Treeless Saddle Right for You?

Bareback riding is something that many people would like to experience, but the fear of falling off a moving horse is just too much to overcome. One of the closest experiences possible to bareback riding is using a treeless saddle instead of a standard treed saddle. This allows you to get the closest feeling to bareback with a little something to keep you on the horse. A saddle of this type puts you in close contact with a horse as physically possible, while riding with some type of tack on the horse.

Treeless saddles as a whole are basically the same as a standard saddle, minus the tree of course. A saddle tree is simply put, the “framework” of a saddle. This is the plate around which the saddle is constructed for even weight distribution and giving it the ability to hold its shape. The treed saddle will also aid in relieving certain pressure points along a horses spine and back.

Barefoot treeless saddles are an anatomically designed saddle to fit to the horse like a second skin. These saddles are made to have a high spinal clearance, yet allow freedom of movement for you and the horse. A treeless saddle like this will shape and mold itself over time to the exact contours of your horse insuring a perfect fit for years to come.

Saddles, treeless or otherwise, are needed to be chosen for comfort. Yours and the horses ultimately, as he is the one wearing it and the more comfortable he is, the more you are and that makes for a much more pleasant ride. Finding one to fit your particular horse is not as daunting a task as it may sound and with the addition of a treeless saddle pad, the comfort is increased that much more. Many manufacturers recommend that you use a pad with your treeless saddle and normally have a line of these to choose from.

There are treeless saddles for sale both on the internet and at your local tack shop. The internet, however, will give you a much wider range of choices and prices, giving you access to every major manufacturer and supplier there is. There will also be consumer reviews by horse people who may have already used the particular saddle you are looking at and you can get a better feel for which one may be right for you. This saves you buying one and finding out later it was not quite right when someone may have already had the same experience.

For those more serious about their riding, particularly if they ride dressage, they may want to consider changing from a standard dressage saddle to a treeless dressage saddle. These saddles fit much closer to the horse, thereby giving much more contact and communication, which in turn leads to a much cleaner looking dressage session as the horse is receiving signals much quicker. This allows much more freedom of movement for the horse and lets them move about without feeling restricted or adding any unnecessary pressure.

The Bob Marshall treeless saddle line is a work of art on top of being very function. These are constructed with a mix of fabric and very intricate hand tooled leather to make them unique in their own right. There are also basic models available with the same high quality as the hand tooled ones. Bob Marshall treeless saddles are one of the leading sport saddles in the industry and an investment that will be well made.

The Torsion treeless saddle is considered to be one of the finest made. Manufactured in Italy, and available all over the world, these treeless saddles are touted by amateur and professionals alike as being one of the best all around treeless saddles on the market. These are available in leather, buffalo leather and synthetic materials and in a wide range of colors to suit anyone’s taste.

The Trekker treeless saddle is made in Europe by master saddle makers and each is hand crafted to rigid specifications. These saddles are very unique in that the underside is constructed with memory foam that returns to its original form once removed from the horse. They also are individually numbered, making it easy to identify and retrieve in the case of a theft of misplacement among other saddles.

The one thing that all the manufacturers agree upon is the use of treeless saddle pads under their products. Each one has more than one recommendation and usually has some to choose from. There are many companies that specifically make only the saddle pads for use with multiple manufacturers. These are constructed from simple padding material and even gel type pads that will give both the horse and rider the most comfort possible when using a treeless saddle.

Filed Under: Equipment, Horse Products, Saddles Tagged With: barefoot treeless saddle, bob marshall treeless saddle, bob marshall treeless saddles, saddles treeless, torsion treeless saddle, treeless dressage saddle, treeless saddle pad, treeless saddle pads, treeless saddles, treeless saddles for sale, trekker treeless saddle

The Classic Look of a Western Saddle

When one thinks of horses and horseback riding, their thoughts stray to the old cowboy movies and them sleeping on the prairie using their saddles for pillows or them rounding up cattle on a drive. The western saddle has come a long way over the years, but the basic look and style has not changed all that much. What changed, however, are the basic materials that they are constructed from. You can still find mainly leather, but many manufacturers have added synthetic materials such as nylon and manmade leather to the mix, helping to extend the life of the saddle and make it easier to care for.

Wintec saddles, based in Australia, have a classic look saddle with all the modern upgrades. The Wintec western saddle has a sleek design with synthetic suede and leather materials that will help make this saddle last a lifetime. This saddle is completely adjustable to fit almost any rider and a double fender design for added protection while riding. It is reasonably priced and available online through a few suppliers. Their Equileather and Equisuede is weather proof, easy to clean with just a damp cloth and require no oiling or waxing.

Western saddles in general are the mainstay of many people that ride horses. While the smaller, lighter English and dressage saddles appeal to some, many traditionalists are dead set on their western ones and with good reason. This is a tried and true design that has never disappointed the true rider. The western saddle keeps a timeless appeal for almost anyone who has ridden a horse. Odds are, the first time they were ever on a horse, it was in a western saddle.

Finding a used western saddle is as easy as a click or two away. The internet gives you access not only to private sellers but to tack shops and suppliers all over the world. This lets you shop around and choose exactly what you want at a price you can afford. Used western saddles are like used cars, if these were properly taken care of, an old one will look like new and work as well as the day it was made. Spend some time and do some research, you will be quite pleased with the selection you find.

As with any saddle, the use of a saddle pad is highly recommended by all manufacturers and suppliers. A western saddle pad can be purchased online through many different suppliers and with so many to choose from, finding a unique one that fits your style should be quite easy. These not only help protect the horse and your saddle, many are available that are able to assist in a more comfortable ride for you by adding gel or air incorporated into their construction to help absorb the shocks from riding. The western saddle pads available are almost as innovative as the saddles themselves adding modern technology to an old necessity.

When shopping online for a saddle, make sure to browse the manufacturers’ websites for the new western saddles for sale. These are the ones with all the new innovations in materials that make horseback riding even more pleasurable than before. With comfort for you in the seat and ride and comfort for your horse in the way the saddle fits, there are only benefits in looking at these websites. With the advances in modern technology, a horse can be fitted for the perfect western saddle without ever wearing it first by using computerized saddle pads and imagery. They have developed saddles that relieve pressure on the horse while giving you the best ride of your life.

Western show saddles are a thing of beauty. This is western saddlery at its finest. The works of art created by master saddle makers include hand tooled leather, silver and gold accents and engraving to rival the finest jewelers. These are some of the most beautiful saddles ever made, not to mention, extremely functional. A western show saddle has many hours of work put into the crafting of it and must still be used for riding so it not only has to look good, but be as solid as a work saddle on a ranch. Many different custom saddle makers can be found online and their websites have full color pictures of all the show saddles they offer.

Western horse saddles will always be a favorite among riders, no matter what they are made from, whether it is the new synthetics or plain leather. The look is timeless and the functionality of these saddles will always be a mainstay of the cowboy or cowgirl at heart. A western saddle can be both beautiful and practical at the same time, while still being affordable as well.

Filed Under: Equipment, Horse Products, Saddles Tagged With: used western saddle, used western saddles, western horse saddles, western saddle pad, western saddle pads, western saddlery, western saddles, western saddles for sale, western show saddle, western show saddles, wintec western saddle

The Wintec Saddle Rated Number One for Synthetic Saddles

The Wintec Saddle Company, based in Perth, Australia, has been making synthetic saddles for over 15 years. The foam core design, coupled with a tough nylon outer shell makes these saddles weather and sweat resistant and much easier to conform to horses’ contours than the standard leather saddle. The unique manufacturing of bonding the material to the foam also extends the life of the outer shell by making this one piece. These saddles are extremely lightweight making them easy to handle and perfect for younger riders and older alike.

The Wintec dressage saddle is among the leading saddles of this type. These saddles are thin enough to provide extraordinary contact with the horse, yet durable enough to last a lifetime. There a few models to choose from including a pony dressage saddle designed specifically for young riders and their smaller mounts.  As they are very light, it makes these a great choice for the young horse person looking to do it all themselves, right up to carrying the equipment to and from the horse.

The Wintec Isabell dressage saddle is one of the premier dressage saddles on the market today. Designed with the assistance of Isabell Werth, a World Champion in dressage, this saddle has all the features you have come to expect from Wintec saddles with a world class touch. An adjustable block system allows you to custom fit the saddle to your exact leg size and the seat is designed to keep you in the correct position at all times.

A good close contact saddle is essential for even the casual show jumper and the Wintec Close Contact saddles are just that. This Wintec saddle is constructed with traditional leather like appearance and form fits to the horse for excellent communication while riding. The seat is well balanced and the knee contours are a much added comfort during long shows and is available in both black and brown to fit whatever your style is.

For the more traditional rider, Wintec Western saddles are the optimum choice for comfort and durability. These saddles are extremely lightweight compared to standard leather saddles and will give years of use while retaining their great look. Fully adjustable, these are designed to fit almost any rider’s needs whether it be for just pleasure riding or even barrel racing and trail runs.

The Wintec western saddle has a traditional look of the old west style saddle with all the modern innovations you have come to expect from Wintec. These are very easy to take care of and require no oiling to keep them looking like new. These come equipped with quick change buckles and constructed with a double fender pattern.  They are designed to last for hours and hours of comfortable riding.

A Wintec stock saddle is designed with the long ride in mind. Built for maximum comfort for the rider, these saddles will let you trail ride for hours because of their deep seats and comfortable padding.  These use the same technology in materials as the other Wintec saddles along with the added comfort of a lifetime warranty on the saddle tree. This lets you ride knowing you are well covered.

The Wintec Pro Stock saddles are built with all the features of the standard stock saddle but with the added benefit of adjustable fenders for added communication with the horse while keeping the rider seated correctly in the saddle. The Wintec Wide saddle is unique in the fact that it is adjustable to the width of your horse where many are not, this allows for a much more comfortable ride for both you and your horse. With a waisted seat, you can adjust this saddle for the horse while maintaining a perfect fit for the rider.

The Equisuede and Equileather that some of the Wintec saddles are constructed of is designed to be easy to care for and keep clean and to be weather resistant as well. There is no waxing involved and cleaning them is as easy as wiping them down with a wet cloth. There is always hosing them off too, as all these saddles are entirely weatherproof and very durable.

The CAIR panel system incorporated into some of the saddles insures a comfortable, even weight distribution across the entire saddle, not just at certain points. By using pockets of air instead of traditional filling in the saddle, this also helps to lighten the actual weight of the saddle itself. Another special feature of some of the Wintec saddles is the E-Z Change Gullet System. This allows the saddle to “grow” with your horse with four different gullet straps to choose from. You may also buy an entire kit with all strap sizes included or simply order one strap at a time as necessary.

Filed Under: Equipment, Horse Products, Saddles Tagged With: wintec close contact saddle, wintec dressage saddle, wintec dressage saddles, wintec isabell dressage saddle, wintec pro stock saddle, Wintec Saddles, wintec stock saddle, wintec western saddle, wintec western saddles, wintec wide saddle

Selecting the Right Equestrian Riding Boots for You and Your Family

Finding the right equestrian riding boots can be done quite easily with an online search and a few minutes of your time. Whether it is just you or the entire family that needs to be outfitted, you are sure to find a style that each of you likes at a price that is well within your budget. There are many manufacturers to choose from and the Internet brings the entire world of equestrian style riding boots right to your home for the easiest shopping you will do all year.

A proper pair of equestrian riding boots is a tall set of boots fitted not only to the foot, but up the leg as well. The form fitting of a boot to the leg is essential as this part of the leg is where the horse receives its signals from the rider. A loose topped boot will tend to give possible false signals which could mean disaster if in the middle of a show or presentation and this is easily avoided by selecting the correct boot for your build. If you have difficulty finding ones that are a snug enough fit there are many custom boot makers online to assist you in getting the correct boot for you.

There are two basic styles of the equestrian riding boot. The one is the traditional plain front pull on boot which has no laces or zippers, these are mainly for dressage or show and the lace front or zippered back field style boots. These boots are particularly suited to the field showings for hunter/jumper class events and are built to withstand the rigors of a three day show with no issues whatsoever. When using the pull on boots, having a boot jack and boot pulls handy is a very good idea for taking them off and putting them on. This aids in reducing any possible creasing or damage to the boots.

Men’s equestrian riding boots are available in a wide variety of styles from many manufacturers and suppliers. Ranging from tall riding boots to paddock boots for working around the stable, you are sure to find ones that suit you. Mens equestrian riding boots tend to be made a bit wider in the foot area than the women’s equestrian riding boots. This lends itself towards a much more comfortable fit without losing any of the style up the leg.

Women’s riding boots are a bit more colorful and stylish than the men’s counterpart. These allow for a bit of straying from the traditional stodgy black, plain front boot and allow the women to have a bit more flair when gearing up for a show. They are available in a wide range of colors to choose from and guaranteed to match any show outfit that can be thought of, which is sure to please the horse woman in your life.

While used equestrians riding boots may sound like a very odd idea it is really not that much of a stretch. Many people have purchased a set of boots only to find that theychafe or are simply not comfortable to them. There is absolutely nothing wrong with these boots, just the fact that every ones feet are a bit different, what fits one perfectly from the factory may not fit another. Taking some time to search for these online will possibly save you quite a bit of money when it comes to equestrian riding boots. Anyone that has ever purchased a new pair knows that some can be quite expensive and this is a way to get a pair of boots that may otherwise be out of your price range or budget.

The most important thing in regards to buying equestrian riding boots is the fit itself. This may seem impossibility if shopping online but it is not quite as far off as you think. Simply take a trip to the local equestrian supply that carries boots and try on a few pairs, find something you like and that fits you well. Then come home, get online and shop to your heart’s content as you now know the style and size you need. This alleviates any guesswork as to whether the boots will fit once they arrive and will give you some peace of mind when ordering and paying for these online.

When trying on new equestrian riding boots, make sure to wear the proper clothing. If you have your riding breeches on then you will know if the boot fits correctly up the leg. It does no good to stuff a pair of jeans down them or just a sock as that is not what you will be wearing during your show or ride. Maintaining the consistency when trying on the boots will insure a perfect fit when they are in actual use and this will be the most important time of all.

Filed Under: Equipment, Horse Products, Riding Tagged With: equestrian riding boot, equestrian style riding boots, mens equestrian riding boots, used equestrian riding boots, women's equestrian riding boots

Preventing Unnecessary Injury with Specialized Horse Boots

The fear of every horseman is having their horse injured unnecessarily when riding or even walking in the pasture.  Due to this fear, many choose to purchase horse boots.  Not only can they prevent damage from being done to their feet when cold weather sets in, they can prevent damage occurring to their legs when they are working.  However, for the horse boot to actually protect them, the right ones must be purchased.

Generally speaking, many horses do quite well without a horse riding boot.  Unfortunately, unexpected events can happen and they can become injured very quickly and if they were wearing specialized riding boots, the injury may not have happened.  Does every horse need boots?  It really depends upon the individual horse and the type of lifestyle the horse is leading.

Many often worry about the effect of the weather on their horse’s hooves.  For this reason, many often purchase horse hoof boots that will help to protect their horses from the wet snow and mud.  Snow and ice can often cause a horse to slip and risk injury, but it can also cause more wear to their hooves during this time that the growth of the hoof slows down.  Snow and mud can also build up in the sole of the hoof and cause the horse to become unstable on his feet.  This, of course, puts more unnecessary strain on their tendons and ligaments.  A good horse tendon boot can prevent this occurrence.

For the working horse, brushing boots or horse knee boots are often recommended as they can prevent him from injuring the inside of his leg and foot when hit by the opposite foot.   Most often, these can be purchased with Velcro straps for easy manipulation.  These type of boots must be fitted just below the knee and not too low or they may prevent the fetlock from being moved correctly.  Another name for these is horse splint boots and you will also find those riders who spend time jumping their horses make good use of them.

When the horse is required to stand for a long period of time, shipping or horse travel boots may be used on them to prevent injury.  Unfortunately, traveling with a horse can be dangerous and upon reaching the destination, many horse owners are shocked at the outcome.  Bloodied legs and injured tendons and ligaments can happen very quickly when transporting such a large animal in a confined space.  These boots will cover their legs from the knee down and are a great tool in the prevention of an injury.

Trail riding, regardless of the weather, can often be very dangerous for both horse and rider.  Fitting mountain horse boots to your horse is a must as they should provide a close, tight fit to both the hoof and the lower leg.  Many come with extra padding for longer distance rides, which can help to avoid pain in the hooves.  Because they need to be fitted correctly, a visit to the farrier may be in order to insure they do fit correctly.

Throwing shoes is common and those who wish to avoid a lost shoe while riding may want to invest in specialized boots for horses that will help to guard the bulb of the horse’s heel.  Many types of horse boots come in a pull on style and many of these will, as well.  The one thing the horse owner must remember is to take the time to remove them before putting the horse out to pasture, as the horse can get injured when a boot becomes entangled in the feet if it were to start falling off.  If not, they can be ordered in a style that will incorporate Velcro.

As mentioned previously, many of the protective boots should be fitted by a professional farrier.  Each individual horse has hooves with special needs and no horse is alike.  Measurements of the hoof should be taken before ordering many of the styles.  If not, the horse is put more at risk by a boot that may fall off.  However, there are many that come as magnetic horse boots.  They have a magnetic material that will help secure them to the shoe and many horsemen prefer these over any other type.

Many of the horse owners of today often find a horse riding boot is an essential and necessary part of their daily routine and spend hours perusing the Internet for new styles. For example, you can find boa horse boots to suit many occasions when the horse hoof needs special protection. When ordering any of the specialized boots, there are many options in pricing, styles, and materials.  Because the horse’s health is the most important consideration, a lot of owners often find that they are need of several different types for many different occasions.

Filed Under: Equipment, Horse Products Tagged With: boa horse boots, horse boot, horse hoof boots, horse knee boots, horse riding boot, horse splint boots, horse tendon boots, horse travel boots, magnetic horse boots, mountain horse boots

How to Choose the Right Horse Riding Boots

Purchasing a new horse can be an exciting time for the entire family.  Everyone is going to be excited at the prospect of having a pet that can be ridden for fun or in competitions.  Before grabbing your dirty sneakers and jumping on the horse, it is important to know that there are horse riding boots that are going to make riding much safer and easier on those who are just learning.  Even experienced equestrians make a point of having riding boots on at all times while mounted on their horses.

The horse riding boot is made to protect the rider from many dangers.  Mountain horse riding boots are going to protect the legs from being scratched up while riding through heavy brush or trees.  These are made to be high cut so that the calves up to the knee are protected.  If you or your family plans on riding mountain trails, they should wear a pair of these boots every time they are going for a ride.  Never allow anyone to ride your horse on the trails without the proper protection.  You would not allow your child to ride in the car without seat belts so do not let them ride without proper footwear.

English horse riding boots are also made to be tall.  This is more for the look of the boot these days than it is for protection.  In the days of the Calvary, these boots would protect the rider from lances, sword and stab wounds.  Since there is no fighting done when riding English style today, the boots are more for show.  You should know how to take care of these show boots so that they are going to last a long time.  Regular cleaning and polishing is the most maintenance that they are going to need.

Western horse riding boots are also known as cowboy boots.  These can be made in the tall style such as the English and mountain as well as the shorter style that is popular in fashion these days.  When you go shopping for western boots, keep in mind that pretty does not always equate to function.  There are many fancy styles that can be purchased for a good amount of money.  It is much better to have sturdy horse back riding boots than to spend the money on fancy ones.

You can find kids horse riding boots where you purchase adult ones.  They are miniature versions of the same boots that the adults are going to wear.  All the styles mentioned above can be purchased.  Childrens horse riding boots should be chosen, again, for function rather than looks.  They are going to wear them out before they outgrow them in many cases.  This is because it is important to make sure that the boots fit properly when purchasing them.  You do not want the child’s feet to be slipping and sliding inside the boot while they are mounted.

It is also a good way to lose a boot if it falls off during a ride.  Not only is this going to protect the child, but they are going to get a better feel of the horse if they can feel their boots that fit properly.  You can give the old boots to a younger child if they are not too badly worn.  In some cases, the child is going to outgrow their childrens horse riding boots before they do wear out depending on the age of the child and their growth spurts.  If they are going through a growth spurt when you purchase the new horse riding boots, then you may want to get a cheaper pair that is not going to put you out of pocket too much.

You may want to purchase two pairs of horse riding boots for your child.  One pair can be a cheap type that they can use while mucking out stalls and grooming the horse.  The other pair can be used for shows or rodeos depending on the style of riding they are going to do.  Many children enjoy competing with their horses and this can be a fun way for the family to spend time together.  Even if the horse is only going to be ridden around the property, two pairs of boots is not a bad idea.  Again, one pair can be for the dirty stuff and the other pair can be worn during the actual riding.

Having proper fitting horses riding boots is important no matter the age of the rider.  It is even more important for children whose feet are still growing.  It is also important to purchase the correct riding boots for the style that is going to be used.  You do not want to have western boots at an English riding competition.  Find out what style your child is more interested in before purchasing boots or tack for the horse.

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Horse Riding Equipment for Both Safety and Pleasure

One of the greatest joys in the world is spending time on the back of a horse.  Horse riding is a favorite pastime for many, whether for enjoyment or actual competition.  However, if you are new to the activity of riding horses and are contemplating getting a horse of your own, you must know that they are a lot of work and require a lot of horse riding equipment.

The first thing that one may think of in horse back riding equipment is the saddle.  The saddle chosen must be of good quality and fit the style of riding.  For example, English saddles have no horn and allow the horse more freedom of movement, which is imperative when jumping and performing in competitions.  Western saddles, on the other hand, have a horn for the rider as an extra grip and it is generally more comfortable, which was required for those who spent most of the day in the saddle.

This, of course, leads to other comforts for the horse rider.  Those who are serious about their ventures on horseback understand the importance of a good pair of riding boots. Again, there are a wide variety of boots available and the type chosen should depend on the type of riding being done.  From the English and Western to paddock boots for everyday riding, horsemen should always choose one that fits well and one made of quality that can stand up to the wear and tear.

For many types of riding, more safety equipment for the rider is in need.  Unfortunately, thousands of people are seriously injured each year from a mishap while riding a horse.  Famous actor, Christopher Reeves is a good example.  Unexpectedly falling from his horse, he was paralyzed from the neck down.  While a helmet cannot prevent an injury such as this, it can prevent other serious head injuries that could easily occur from a bad fall.  This is just one piece of the necessary horse riding equipment for kids when they are learning to ride.

Horsemen should also purchase equipment for horse riding that will prevent the horse form unnecessarily injuring themselves, as well.   This would include specialized boots or shoes for different occasions.  For example, if taking a horse on a long trail ride, mountain boots or splint boots can help prevent the horse from hurting their legs on the trail.  Other horseman can also purchase boots that will fit directly over the hoof and will give their horse more traction in both mud and snow.  When searching for this type of equipment for the horse, be sure to follow all instructions on what their best use is and whether or not they need to be fitted to the horse by a farrier.

While many riders often use a halter when riding, this is generally a piece of equipment that is intended for lead purposes.  In other words, they are being lead around and are not being instructed by a rider.  The bridle, on the other hand, is the headgear intended for the purpose of being able to control the horse when riding.  There are several types, including those who use a bit and those who use a nose piece to help direct the horse.

The above mentioned are just a few of the necessary items needed.  Other essential equipment includes appropriate clothing for the rider, saddle pads, blankets, reins, and even turnout blankets to help the horse cool down after a long ride.  What you may have already realized is that this can be very expensive.  However, you will find there is always a lot of used horse riding equipment available both online and locally.  Before used equipment is purchased, a thorough examination is in order to make sure both horse and rider will be safe when using it.

For those who are just getting interested in this activity, they may find themselves very sore the first few times they ride.  If this seems to be the case, there is horse riding fitness equipment available to help get the rider in shape.  Simulating the movements of horse riding, it will allow the rider to strengthen the muscles used in riding and can save one a lot of unnecessary pain.

Horse riding equipment may be what some consider expensive, but many often find that their passion far outweighs the cost.  Unfortunately, it can be a dangerous activity and riders should always beware of safety issues and take the necessary preventions to insure they and their horse will not get injured.  Take time to research the various types of equipment that is available for the serious rider.  Not every item will be right for the particular type of riding that is done and the more knowledgeable you become about the activity, the more passionate you are sure to become.

Filed Under: Equipment, Riding Tagged With: equipment for horse riding, horse, horse back riding equipment, horse equipment, horse riding, horse riding equipment, horse riding equipment for kids, horse riding fitness equipment, riding equipment, used horse riding equipment