Essential Horse Riding Equipment for Horse Riders
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There are several items of horse riding equipmentavailable that retail outlets can offer to their clientele to improve their riding experience and overall safety whilst on board and around the horses.
All equestrian retail outlets stock riding hats or helmets and most, if not all, riding schools currently offer hats that their clients can borrow or rent for a small charge. It is important that these hats meet the required safety standards, and that they are replaced at regular intervals, and immediately after a fall. A wide range of sizes will be required to accommodate all riders, from children to adults. Look for hats that are lightweight, comfortable to wear and easy to do up, especially if your clients will be in the saddle for long periods of time.
Another common piece of horse riding equipment to be offered by riding schools and trekking centres to their clients is riding boots; including short jodhpur boots and long riding boots. These boots should cover the rider’s ankle, to prevent any chafing when this area comes into contact with the stirrups or stirrup leathers, and have a smooth sole with a slight heel, to prevent the foot from slipping through the stirrups.
Riding boots can help to ensure safety in the saddle, as many clients, particularly beginners or riders who do not participate in equestrian activities very often, will not have their own. Specifically designed riding boots are far safer than the alternative of trainers, fashion boots or wellies. Again, try to ensure a large variety of sizes – including boots of different calf widths and heights – as well as the foot size to accommodate as many riders as possible.
Gloves make up an important part of equestrian safety wear. They can prevent blisters on the fingers and palms, rope burn and even keep hands comfortably warm in winter. It would be advisable to ensure that all clients are wearing gloves whether riding or handling the horses. It is best to keep different types of gloves available – thicker, warmer versions for winter months and more lightweight, breathable choices for summer – in a range of sizes to suit all types of hands.
Gloves can be cheaply purchased, however you may find that more expensive pairs will last longer – just keep an eye on them to ensure that they don’t ‘wander’ off! Gloves with ‘grippy’ palms and fingers are ideal to help riders to keep a good contact on the reins, and they’re also more durable.