Types of Equipment Needed When You’re an Adult Horseback Rider

Horseback riding isn’t as simple as just getting on a horse and riding in the ring. Most likely you’ll be expected to learn how to tack (put on your horse’s gear) your horse. It is important that you know what you’ll be using and why it needs to be used whether it’s the saddle or a martingale.

1. Saddle — The most basic piece of tack you’ll need is the saddle. Until you’re much more experienced you’ll need something to keep you on your horse’s back. At it’s most basic level a saddle will have the seat, the stirrups where you secure your feet, and straps for the girth which keeps the saddle in place. They are made of leather or synthetic materials. Beyond that, there are various types of saddles meant to be used for different reasons for both English and Western.
   For information on saddles go to: Types of Saddles
2. Girth — A girth is the strap that wraps underneath the horse’s belly and attaches to the saddle on both sides to secure it. There are a variety of girths in different materials. Some may be more comfortable for the horse and others may allow better movement for the horse. Some are harder to maintain than others. Some girths have elastic pieces that attach the buckles to the saddle on one side and others have two. Any girth that shows wear and tear should be replaced.
3. Bridle- This piece of gear goes over the horse’s face and secures behind their ears. It usually has an extra piece extending around the throat for extra security and often has another piece that wraps around the nose. Most bridles have a piece of metal that goes into the horse’s mouth, though there is a special bridle that does not. The bridle is designed to give the horse signals for the head. You can find out more specific information under the article Types of Bridles and Bits Adult Riders Should Know.
4. Crop — A crop is a long covered rod with a padded area at the top for the rider to hold and a loop or two pieces of leather at the end. Some may also have a loop for a rider’s wrist to go through, but that can lead to it becoming entangled and can be dangerous. A crop should never be used to beat a horse, but instead is used to tap the horse once to alert them to react to a command. Have your instructor teach you how to use it appropriately.
   The two basic crops you are likely to encounter are the plain crop and the dressage whip. The basic crop comes in a variety of colors, but they all work the same. They are tapped behind the rider’s leg to reinforce a command to move forward. The dressage whip is longer and has a string that acts as a lash at the end. It is used solely to indicate commands and may be used in training exercises. The dressage whip is not allowed in dressage competitions.
5. Saddle Pad — Designed to help protect the horse from the saddle, saddle pads are available that are shaped the same as the saddle above or in square shapes. They come in a variety of materials and specialty pads are available for horse and rider needs.
6. Martingale — This is an optional piece of equipment that is designed to discourage inappropriate head carriage of the horse by applying pressure to the bit when they move their head incorrectly. When they return to position, the pressure eases. Martingales are acceptable in a variety of sports such as jumping, but forbidden in others such as dressage.
   There are various kinds of martingales, but they generally include a leather look that goes over the head and sits snuggled against the chest and shoulders and a leather piece that goes down the chest and under to attach to the girth. Some have an extra look that goes from the shoulder piece to the reins. The martingale must be fitted properly or it will be ineffective or potentially dangerous.
7. Breastplate — The breastplate can be a life saving piece of equipment. This optional equipment is used to keep the saddle from sliding out of place in horses that have this problem. It can also be used as a safety piece such as hunting and jumping where if the girth loosens or the billets break it can slow down the saddle falling off the horse’s back. The Breast Girth Breastplate is more appropriate for cross country jumping as it is less restrictive the the shoulders.
   The basic breastplate includes a loop around the neck and rests against the chest. Two straps attach to the reins and two more attach on top of the neck to two D rings on the front of the saddle. The Breast Girth Breastplate attaches to the girth instead.
8. Riding Helmet — One essential piece of equipment for the rider is a riding helmet. They protect your head if you fall and can be life saving both when you contact the ground or if a hoof hits your head. They come in sizes to accommodate your head size and have various shapes and materials and every helmet will fit differently. They can be pricey, but well worth the cost. Due to the importance of this equipment, it’s a good idea to go to an expert to help you find the best helmet for you.
9. Riding Boots — Another important piece of equipment is riding boots. It’s imperative to have footwear that has a raised heel to prevent the boot from sliding through the stirrup and get your foot caught which can be extremely dangerous. There are three main types of boots paddock boots, field boots, and dress boots.
   Paddock boots are short boots that only come to the ankle and are often accompanied by leg coverings called chaps. They are primarily used in beginner riders but can also be useful for riders who have a hard time finding a comfortable or properly fitting tall boot. Many competitions do not allow the use of paddock boots.|
   Field boots — These boots are designed to extend to below the knee. They’re usually made with supple leather and have a set of laces over the top of the foot which allows the rider to move into the proper riding position. They should fit tight but comfortably to the leg. Due to their flexibility, they are useful for jumping disciplines.
   Dress Boots — Usually black, these boots are also often made of stiffer material. They can be easier to get into due to the zipper placed down the inside of the boot. They do not have the laces over the top of the foot that field boots due. These boots are used in dressage competitions and sometimes show jumping.
10. Riding Gloves — Although not essential to riding, gloves can be useful for protecting the rider’s hands and to provide better grip. A basic glove will be thin, black, and with a strap around the wrist to secure the glove. Beyond that there are an array of gloves in different materials and colors.

Without riding gear, riding horses would be a lot harder and more dangerous. It’s important that you learn about the different types of equipment and work with your instructor on use them properly. Take good care of your riding gear and it will take care of you.