English Riding

Equestrian Equipment

Horse Riding Equipment

Horse Saddles

Horse riding equipment is an essential part of horse riding. Some items are optional, however to ensure safety of the rider, the horse and any people nearby there are some essential pieces of equipment.

Saddles make riding a horse far safer. They make the horse and rider feel more comfortable and lightens the weight of the rider by spreading their weight over the area of the saddle. Saddles are available in a variety of styles and materials, the two main styles being English and Western. It is important that the rider chooses the correctly sized saddle to avoid injury to the horse and wear and tear to the saddle. Riding competitions often have strict rules and disqualify riders who use an incorrectly sized saddle. A saddle pad or blanket is placed beneath the saddle and this protects the horse from injuries caused by rubbing of the hard tough material of the saddle.

A rider uses a horse bit to help control the horse. It is a metal rod which fits into the horse's mouth. The bit is attached to the reins and manipulating the reins initialises any procedures required, taught to the horse during training. There are different sizes and designs of bit for different leverage requirements, and levels of expertise. A larger bit is usually the most comfortable option for the horse although if the bit is to thick it may not fit into the horse's mouth. If a horse has a mouth injury, or if they are prone to chewing fences for example, their owner may choose to use a muzzle.

A halter and lead rope are used to allow the owner or rider to handle the horse and lead it. The lead rope is usually between 6 and 8 feet in length which allows the rider to move out of the path of the horse if necessary without having to let go of the lead. This is particularly appropriate in a wide open space or in a public area for example at a competition.

The rider often uses a whip in addition to other aids available. The whip can help train the horse although over use can cause the horse to be less receptive to it over time. A whip is never used to punish the horse as this leads to a breakdown in the relationship between the horse and rider, and the horse will be difficult to retrain after such treatment.

If a rider is entering a competition, the clothing style they choose is important. They will need to dress in accordance with the class they are entering. For example an English style class will be very conservative whereas a Western class is far less formal. Female riders usually wear their hair tied back neatly, usually in a bun, and all riders are required to wear a helmet and suitably sturdy boots. This is to ensure correct safety precautions are in place. Riding boots and shoes have a heel on them. This is to stop the rider's foot from slipping through the stirrup during riding.

Horse riding is a fun activity for children and adults. If you're looking for an activity for your family and friends, horse riding is an activity you should not miss. Explore country side or just experience being on top of the horse is a great experience one shall treasure.

But before you try horse back riding either for fun or for more serious riding activity, one should know some basic knowledge on horse riding for safety reasons. In a horse riding activity for fun, most of the times a trainer lead the horse for a safer riding experience especially for first timers. It is still best to have knowledge to avoid accident and for you to know how to react once on the top of the horse.

Beginners who want to be more serious in horse riding should understand that there are lots to be learned and that risk is part of it. If you are determine to try horse riding you should first the basic horse riding equipment and accessories and what kind of horse riding you want to do. For basic horse riding equipment and accessories here are some that are vital in horse riding; the saddle, blankets and pads for the saddle, and bridles. These equipments not only protect the horse but the rider as well, giving comfort and safety to both rider and the horse.

Safety measures are very important to be strictly implemented especially for the rider. For added rider's safety, horse riding equipment and accessories like helmet, jackets/vests, boots, pants or riding tights and undergarments. These riding gears especially appropriate horse riding clothes should be worn when ever you ride a horse.

If you have these all mentioned horse riding equipment and accessories you are ready to the next step, knowing what horse riding style you want to do and finding a trainer. Horse riding has different styles, the English-style and Western-style. English style is use in Olympic Games competition like what equestrians do. While, Western style is more likely what cowboys do in a movie.

Once you know what you want to do, find a trainer that fits your needs. Horse riding lessons are offered in group or private. Group lessons are much cheaper, you just have to attend the class regularly so you wouldn't have the hard time learning to horse ride.

In horse riding lessons, you are required to have bond with the horse that you will ride on. It is important that you establish a bond with the horse and that the horse trust you. If you failed to do so, it could result to an accident and unwanted horse behavior towards you. Trust of the horse with you will have a good result in your learning and accident free horse riding can be achieve.

Horse riding equipment and accessories are your companions in learning horse riding. Body aches are proofs that horse riding is not all pleasures but remember that's only in the start; once you learned the craft, it is rewarding. For a less body aches, horse riding equipment and accessories are important to support and protect your body for injuries.