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Horse riding equipment is intended for the care and maintenance
of your horse. Typically, it includes saddles, bridles, bits,
rugs, harnesses, whips and even boots. You can find leather
as the main component for all these articles, though occasionally
you might find synthetic items too. They should be cleaned
often to maintain them for a long life and the safety and
hygiene of your horse.
Saddle
When you buy a saddle, what you need to look for
is: whether it fits your horse, whether it matches the kind
of riding you want and whether it is comfortable for the rider.
Saddles come in different types meant for different purposes
like dressage, polo, racing, showing, jumping, cross country
etc. There are saddles that are meant for a rider who intends
to do all kinds of riding and there are saddles that can fit
a horse of any shape.
Bridle
Bridles are usually made in leather, which makes
them long lasting and comfortable to use. They are made in
synthetic materials also, designed to make them easier to
clean and maintain. The size of the bridle depends on the
type of horse and the size of its head like pony, cob, full
and X full. Normally, bridles come in four different types:
snaffle, double, western and endurance. A snaffle bridle is
easy to handle and modify to suit the type of horse and the
way it rides. A double bridle gives the rider a high degree
of control over the horse. A western bridle is minimal in
appearance and is designed for a hot climate to allow the
horse's skin to breathe. It is also easier to repair, if away
from home. An endurance bridle is flexible enough to be changed
to a head collar, which is suitable for long distance travel.
Bits
Bits are the part of horse riding equipment that help the
rider to communicate with the horse regarding its speed and
pace and gives some control over the horse. There are different
types of bits, and all affect the different areas of the horse's
head. A bit should fit comfortably into the horse's mouth
and should leave a little space free on both side of the mouth.
Bit sizes are measured by taking the distance between the
two bit rings in either centimetres or inches. Bits are made
in different materials like stainless steel, copper, iron,
soft rubber etc.
Horse harness
The part of horse riding equipment that allows the horse
to pull vehicles like a carriage, a sleigh or a wagon is the
horse harness. It is also used to latch the animal
to other loads like a plough or canal boat. The two main parts
of a harness are a breast collar and a head collar, either
one being used. There are different kinds of harnesses suitable
for different purposes like shows, pulling a carriage or van,
pulling a cart or wagon, racing or ploughing.
Horse rugs
Horse rugs are meant to protect the horse from sun,
rain, snow, wind and flies. It gives the horse warmth and
protection while it is in the field or stable. It helps the
horse to remain healthy, hygienic and safe while travelling,
as well as after exercising or simply grazing in the field.
Rug sizes range from 3 ft for a colt to 7 ft 3 inch for a
big horse. Depending on the purpose, rugs are of different
kinds like stable rugs, travel rugs, cooler rugs, blanket,
summer sheet, turnout rugs, sweat rugs, fly rugs, exercise
rugs, horse walker rugs.
Riding whips
Horse riding equipment would not be complete without
riding whips and boots. Riding whips are used to lead the
horse on. They should be carried on the inside hand and used
just behind the rider's leg. Whips are of different kinds
like a short whip, dressage whip, hunting whip, polar whip,
show cane and lunge whip. Whips are used for various purposes
like show jumping, dressage, cross-country, hacking, schooling
and polo. Always remember that whips are not meant to be used
on the horse often.
Riding boots
Boots for horses are worn on its front and back legs.
They protect the horse from injury while travelling or participating
in a competition. There are different kinds of boots for different
purposes and protect the different areas of the horse's legs.
They are normally made of synthetic material, leather or rubber
with either Velcro fastenings or leather buckles. All of this
might make you feel like you need to spend a fortune for horse
riding equipment. But it is a necessary purchase if you are
a horse owner. The consoling factor is that most of these
items are a one-time investment. But for the same reason,
it needs careful planning when you purchase these items. First
assess the horse's needs and activities compared to the items
you need to buy. Also, get recommendations from other horse
owners regarding horse riding equipment before visiting the
shop. This will help you in not only bringing down the expense
but also in buying the correct items for your horse according
to its type and need.
Stoneybrook Saddlery Store stocks a vast range of horse
riding equipment for the leisure rider and the competition
enthusiast.
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