If you’re just starting out with horse riding, the amount of equipment available can be quite overwhelming! No surprise that new riders are often left to wander around a shop or scroll through pages of items online with little to no guidance. So, with the help of my equestrian friends and fellow parents of young equestrians...Here is a helpful horseback riding equipment list for beginners that identifies the must-have items and what you need to know about each.
My daughter when she first started riding (age 4) and her first lease pony...Ollie! Look at that smile!
Horseback-Riding Equipment List
Here’s a guide that you can easily save on your phone or computer to make shopping easier. If you don’t know what some of these items are, don’t worry! We’ll go into detail about each and you can always ask for help here on this site - That's what we are here for!
Horse Rider Equipment
Helmet
Riding pants (breeches, jodhpurs, or tights)
Shirt (breathable fabric that doesn’t restrict your movement)
Boots (tall boots or short paddock boots)
Half chaps
Riding safety vest
Horse-Riding Gear List
Saddle, saddle pad, and girth
Stirrup irons and leathers
Bridle, reins, and bit
Grooming tools
Fly spray
Horse Blanket or sheet
First aid kit
Intro to Horse Riding and Equipment
Try to stay focused on the most important equipment to get when you’re first starting out. If you run into any terms that aren’t familiar or you want to learn more, this glossary of equestrian terms may come in handy.
Essential Horse-Riding Equipment for the Rider
The equipment you’ll need to get! Most of these items have safety features designed specifically for riding.
1. Riding Pants
Breeches are an athletically-inspired pant designed for horseback riding. They’re made with thin fabric that’s stretchy to allow freedom of movement, and without an inside seam to prevent chafing. They fit snugly and have special gripping fabric designed for safety and communication with the horse. Jodhpurs are another style that is sometimes worn when riding a horse, although these are more common for children. Tights are relatively new to the riding scene and there are loads to choose from! Comfortable, stretchy, a wide variety of colors and styles, and the prices are from $-$$$.
In my opinion, you can't go wrong with Kerrits riding tights for kids - they wash/wear well and have excellent resale value! I know first-hand.
Read this section that I snagged for help with finding the right fit:
Sizing and Fit of Horse Riding Pants
1. Sizing varies. You may have noticed that you wear a size eight pair of jeans from one brand, but a ten from another. This happens with riding pants too. Read the reviews, check the manufacturer’s sizing chart, and be prepared to size up or down as needed.
2. Keep it snug. Riding pants are tight to protect your leg from rubbing and causing saddle sores.
Intended Use of Horse Riding Pants
3. Form helps function. While western riders can wear jeans, you can find western riding pants that are similar to English riding pants. They have the same snug fit, and will help keep you secure in the saddle with their knee patch.
4. Full-seat or knee patch? Some of this is personal preference. Many breeches and jodhpurs just have a knee-patch, but full-seat gives you added security. Either option is fine.
Season
5. Winter riding breeches are your friend. Seriously. There are so many different styles of winter riding breeches that can keep you warm and help you enjoy the ride. My personal favorites are fleece-lined.
6. Summer riding pants help keep you cool. During warmer months look for a lighter weight fabric that will help keep air flowing. Summer-weight or light-weight.
7. Try them on. You can't always try things on before you buy them. Order a few different styles and try them on. TIP: check the return policy with the company before you order.
8. Amenities matter. A lot of riding pants come with pockets that fit your cell phone. There are low and high-waist pants, boot cut, and may other styles to let you individualize your look.
9. Watch for chafing. Areas of concern include at the knee – especially if you’re purchasing breeches and wearing them with tall boots, and around the ankle if you’re going to use your tall boots with jodhpurs. Make sure they won’t cause any fit issues with the horse riding boots you selected.
10. Comfort is your top priority. You’re going to be spending a lot of time in your riding pants, make sure they’re comfortable so you can enjoy the ride.
You CAN find the perfect pair of riding pants since there are so many styles to choose from. Ask a friend, ask your trainer, or ask the helpful people at Smartpak (I LOVE their customer service!).
2. Shirt
There are shirts made specifically for riding, LOTS of them, with features to ensure comfort. But, you can use any shirt that doesn’t restrict your movement and is made of a breathable fabric. There are many athletic brands you can opt for here. Ideally, it’s great to get a shirt with UV protection as well as you may be spending a lot of time outdoors on horseback.
My daughter getting ready to truck out to Pony Club, comfortable in her Kerrits riding tights and her Dana Marie Designs training shirt - LOVE these shirts! They wear/wash so well, are SPF rated, and double as a swim shirt!
3. Boots
A good pair of riding boots is a must-have for any equestrian. Wearing regular boots isn’t a good idea, because they lack the special features that riding boots have for safety. Riding boots have a small heel and a lightly textured sole to keep your foot from sliding through the stirrup, and a firm toe box to protect your toes. Tall boots are used mostly for shows but can also be used for schooling, and they are helpful to keep the saddle from pinching. Paddock boots, or short boots, are comfortable, multi-purpose boots. Note that you’ll want to use half chaps if you’re wearing paddock boots as they offer better grip and added protection for your leg.
4. Helmet
A horse riding helmet is a must for all equestrians, regardless of your expertise. Horseback riding is a dangerous sport and head trauma is a high risk. You need a helmet specifically designed for horse riding as it has the safety technology required. Additionally, you need to be sure your helmet is fitted properly. Tip: See my post about showing and the choosing the right color as well!
Try this...
How to Choose and Fit a Riding Helmet
5. Safety Vest
Another great way to stay safe in case of a fall from your horse is a safety vest. A safety vest protects your torso from a fall as well as the impact from hooves. There are different styles available including some that are filled with air for added protection. Though they add some bulk, safety vests are a good idea. If you’re not sure on which vest to choose here are some of our top horse riding vests. TIP: See my post about saftey vests - Over The Jump We Go! Relax, mom...inVEST in the process!
Pony Club day! A new facility for both pony and rider so we take some extra precautions and wear a safety vest, especially for cross country practice.
Essential Horse-Riding Gear for the Horse
A horse also needs equipment for comfort and safety. Here are the essentials you’ll need when you’re first starting out.
1. Saddle, Saddle Pad, and Girth
A saddle is likely the largest investment you’ll make for your horse. Saddles are designed to fit both the rider and the horse, so it’s essential to measure properly to make sure you get the right fit. You’ll also want to learn how to care for your saddle so it will last. Saddle pads are used under the saddle acting as a thin layer of cushion to keep the saddle from rubbing against your horse. Saddle pads also absorb perspiration, prevent heat build-up, and protect the saddle. You’ll also need a girth, a band that attaches to a saddle and runs around the horse’s belly to hold the saddle in place.
TIP: Do yourself a favor and do NOT purchase these items on your own! Ask your trainer for guidance as mistakes here are costly. There are professional saddle fitters and tack concierge services here to call on as resources - more on that later.
2. Bridle, Reins, and Bit
A horse bridle is one of the important communication tools used when riding a horse. The four parts of an English bridle are the crown piece, noseband, cheek pieces, and browband. There are many options and what you select will depend on the kind of riding you’re doing and if you’re planning to compete with your horse. You’ll want to know how to put an English bridle together and how to choose the right bit for your horse.
TIP: Ask your trainer for guidance regarding the bit, if you are in need of making this purchase yourself. It is easy to get bamboozled by advertising (yup, that would be me!) when it comes to the type of material that your bit is made from and what "magic" it is supposed to do for your horse or pony. When in doubt, ask your trainer, instructor, or a bitting expert for their opinion. Yes, that is a thing.
3. Stirrup Leathers and Irons
Stirrup irons are the shaped metal ring where you place your feet when riding a horse. They are attached to the stirrup leather, which attaches to the tree of the saddle under the skirt. Stirrup irons serve to provide a sturdy flat base of support for your foot while riding and a stable area for your foot to mount your horse.
4. Grooming Tools
Grooming is a good way to keep your horse fit and healthy. It helps the coat shine, boosts circulation, and also provides you with an early warning system to alert you to any health issues that could require medical care. Grooming is also a great way to bond.
Read this section that I snagged for some good examples of grooming tools and what they are:
Curry comb
Stiff brush, or dandy brush
Soft brush
Hoof pick
Sponge or soft cloth
Brush for mane and tail
Rub rag (old barn towel)
Each of the horse-grooming tools in your kit serves a very specific purpose for the care of your horse. Let’s look at each of these tools, including what they’re used for...
Curry Comb
A curry comb is a tool with soft rubber teeth or nubs that loosens debris and shedding hair while gently stimulating circulation in the horse’s skin and muscles. Think of it as a gentle massage that simultaneously grooms your horse. It’s the first tool you use when you groom and an essential tool for your kit.
Dandy/Stiff Brush
A dandy brush is a stiff-bristled brush used to remove the heaviest layer of loosened hair and dirt. It’s generally used after currying a horse to groom the horse more deeply. It’s a good brush for removing dried mud from a horse’s legs and can be helpful with removing mud from hooves as well.
The hard bristles are made of coarse, natural animal hair or synthetic fibers. Dandy brushes are contoured to fit well in the hand, providing a good grip. Brushes can range in coarseness so try some options to see what your horse will tolerate as not all can tolerate the stiffness of this brush.
Soft Brush
A soft brush, sometimes called a finishing brush or a body brush, is used after currying a horse and brushing it with a dandy brush. It has soft, fine bristles that are positioned closely together to remove fine dust and dirt from a horse’s coat. It’s also used to smooth out the hair and when you use a soft brush, you may find that your horse’s coat has more of a shine to it.
They are available in a range from medium-stiff to medium-soft and can be helpful for especially sensitive horses or for horses who don’t require a stiff dandy brush. Bristles are available in natural or synthetic styles or a blend of both. They’re oval in shape and often have a leather strap positioned over the handle.
Hoof Pick
A hoof pick is the most important horse-grooming tool. Keeping a horse’s hooves healthy is critical for their wellbeing. If you only have the time to do one thing daily, it should be to pick out your horse’s hooves, clearing them of sticks, caked mud, stones, and other small objects. Hoof picks come in a range of styles.
There are plenty other tools, but these are a great start to your kit and represent the basics.
5. Fly Spray/Fly Mask
Flies are an unfortunate reality for horses. They are a nuisance and a safety hazard as they carry disease. Though you can’t eliminate flies, you can reduce them significantly by making the area around your horse less attractive and using a fly spray on your horse and pop on a fly mask.
6. Horse Blanket or Sheet
Does your horse need a blanket? The honest answer is — it depends. It depends on the climate you live in and how cold and damp it gets, and it depends on your horse.
TIP: There is a LOT of debate on blanketing vs. not blanketing. Don't get caught up in the argument. Our pony is clippered so we blanket him, with all different weights, all winter.
Read this section for blanket info:
Turnout Sheets generally have no fill and provide minimal warmth, but do provide protection from wind and inclement weather. Consider these like the rain coat or a windbreaker in your closet.
Lightweight Turnout Blankets are categorized as blankets with 100 - 200 grams of fill per square inch. These blankets are waterproof and provide some lightweight warmth. These blankets would equate to your favorite lined jacket, it's warm enough for those chilly breezy days of early fall.
Medium Weight Turnout Blankets are waterproof and have 200 - 300 grams of fill per square inch. These blankets provide plenty of warmth for most horses here in the South East. This would be similar to The North Face jacket you wear most of the winter.
Heavy Weight Turnout Blankets are waterproof and have 300 - 400 grams of fill per square inch. This blanket is perfect for the body clipped or fine coated horse on those damp blustery cold days. Consider this mountain ski parka for your horse, warm cozy & keep mother nature at bay. Extra Heavy Weight Blankets are generally uncommon here in the South East. However, in places like New England, the Upper Midwest & the Pacific Northwest these blankets are almost a necessity for body clipped show horses in extreme cold conditions. Still not sure how to blanket your horse? Try checking your horses extremities. Are his ears cold? Is his muzzle cold? If so, he may be feeling a bit chilly and benefit from a blanket or an extra layer. Another good rule of thumb is to evaluate what you need to be comfortable outside and adjust your horses blankets accordingly.
7. First Aid Kit
A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any horse owner. The last thing you want to do when your horse is injured is waste time rummaging through closets to find what you need. You may still need to contact your vet, but at least you can stabilize your horse while you wait. You can buy a pre-made kit or you can easily make your own horse first aid kit.
Great selection at Smartpak.
Focus on what you need to get started - start here and you can build your knowledge and experience as you go! EVERYONE HAS AN OPINION and you should too. As you gain experience you will learn what works, what doesn't, and who your resources are for finding out.
We hope Pony Up, Mom! can help you in that area...Or tap in to the forum section and the brain trust of the community we are developing here!
What would you add to this list? What are some of your experiences with equipment and purchasing gear? Add to the conversation!
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