Should You Say Yay or Nay To These Horse Riding Accessories?

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Getting into horse riding means buying or hiring a lot of equipment. You'll need all the right clothing and a helmet for starters, and you'll need a saddle too. But what other equipment is recommended? And do you really need all of it? This post takes a brief look at some of the different tack you may need.

Stirrups/stirrup leathers
Stirrups are the metal ring you put your feet in and stirrup leathers connect the stirrups to the saddle. You need stirrups in order to stay on the saddle and control the horse. Buying your own will help you to choose the right size for maximum comfort. If you're a beginner, you'll likely want a basic pair of safety stirrups. Technical stirrups are typically only needed if you're pursuing certain disciplines like dressage or jumping, although certain ones may be useful if you have joint pain.

Saddle pads
Do you really need an extra pad under the saddle? Yes. Saddle pads help protect your horse's back from the saddle – without a saddle pad, the saddle could cause chafing. Saddle pads also protect your saddle from the horse – the hair and sweat from a horse might otherwise damage the leather. Some saddle pads also have shims and inserts to help fit and adjust the saddle. It's important to buy a pad that is the right shape and size for your horse and correct for your discipline. The likes of these Western saddle pads could be great options for everyday horse riding. Be wary that many horse riding centres will already supply pads – you only really need one if you have your own horse or are fitting a specialist saddle.

Riding girths
The girth is the strap that runs under the horse and it helps secure the saddle in place. You can't ride without a riding girth, however this is also an accessory that most horse riding centres will supply – you only need to buy one if you own a horse.

Reins
In most cases, you will need reins in order to help control a horse. Horseriding centres will supply reins, but buying your own reins could be useful if you want to try certain specialist disciplines or want to improve grip. Horse reins come in several different types that are worth comparing. It is possible to ride without reins if you've built a good relationship with your horse.

Bit
Horse riding bits are one of the most controversial pieces of horse riding equipment. They are typically pieces of metal or plastic that sit in the horse's mouth and attach to the bridle and reins to help with controlling a horse. Most riders and horses use them – they make controlling a horse easier for beginners and can be useful in disciplines like jumping. However, some riders find them cruel and choose to do without them. If you do choose to opt for a bit, make sure it is good quality and the right fit for your horse.

Fly spray
Horses attract flies and fly spray is the best remedy against this. Fly masks and sheets can also help, but good quality fly spray will have the best results – so it's worth buying as part of your kit.

Horse blanket
Do you need a horse blanket for your horse? It depends. Very young, very old and sick horses typically need blankets to keep them warm – they are more vulnerable to the cold. If you live in a cold climate or are introducing a horse from a warm climate to a colder climate, you should also consider buying blankets for your horses. Horse blankets are generally not needed in warmer climates unless it gets very cold at night and the horse does not have adequate shelter.