![Riding on the Runway: Equestrian Equipment]({"default":"https://jreveal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/img_1978.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "Riding on the Runway: Equestrian Equipment")
Horse riding is exciting, exhilarating, and exhausting. After a long day at our San Juan Capistrano equestrian center, your arms, legs, and core will be incredibly sore. The sport is a full-body workout, requiring coordination, mental focus, and strength. With all the physical exercise required, it’s important to understand what equipment you and your horse need to be safe and successful when training.
Like any professional athlete, an equestrian rider needs quality equipment to perform. Before galloping into the distance, make sure you have the equipment you and your horse need. We’ve broken it down into two parts: human equipment and horse equipment. Read on, so you can be ready to ride down a runway!
Part 1: Equestrian Equipment for Equestrian Riders
If you’re a human equestrian rider (the most popular kind), you’ll need a helmet, horse riding pants, and appropriate shoes. Here are some tips for choosing each item:
Get your helmet in the game!
Get a helmet that is ASTM approved. ASTM stands for American Society for Testing and Materials, which is an organization that tests sports and work equipment for safety. Other safety standard organizations include Snell, SEI, and FEI. Helmets can help prevent concussions, head trauma, and other issues in the event that you fall off your horse.
The different types of helmets include:
- Traditional show helmets: These racing helmets were developed by Charles Owen and modeled after military cork helmets. They are hard plastic shells covered in fabric, such as velvet or velveteen, with a small visor. Though they are fashionable, these helmets may not be as well ventilated or protective as other types.
- Modern show helmets: There are many different designs for modern show helmets, which are made to be both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Skunk helmets are one variation made with a more durable material, straps, and ventilation strips going down the head. A skull cap is another version of the modern show helmet, with a textured grip and hard shell.
- Schooling helmets: Schooling helmets are what students wear during training or lessons. These helmets are more utilitarian they’re not ideal for events and shows.
Everyone has a differently shaped and sized head. A helmet that may fit someone else may not work for you. Make sure to try on the helmet before purchasing to ensure that it fits and works properly.
Who wears the pants?
You do! Well, your horse can too, but it wouldn’t be very practical. If you’re just going for a horse riding lesson, a pair of stretchy tights, jeans, or riding pants should do the trick. Make sure there is no excess material that could bunch up or catch onto the equipment because that could injure you or the horse.
If you’re at an event or show, consider investing in a pair of horse riding pants. They’ll make you look professional and more importantly, cool.
Shoes are a rider’s best friend.
The shoes you wear to a riding lesson should be a pair of close-toed boots with a 1 – 2 inch heel and low tread. Look for boots that support and cover the ankle. The heel helps riders keep from slipping through the stirrup. Regular sneakers, flip flops, and flats are not recommended for riding horses because your feet could easily be trampled, get stuck, or slip through the stirrup.
Part 2: Equestrian Equipment for Horses
Take your horse from stall to star with the appropriate riding equipment. This is also known as tack, which includes saddles, stirrups, bridles, halters, reins, and more. Before riding, always make sure the tack is securely placed to avoid any accidents.
Find the Perfect Saddle
The saddle is a seat fastened on the back of a horse for a rider. There’s a variety of saddles you can choose from, such as general saddles, dressage saddles, hunter saddles, and more.
The Difference Between a Bridle and Halter
The bridle is the headgear that goes around the horse’s head and riders use it to control the horse. It’s traditionally made with buckled leather straps and is attached to the horse. A halter is a headpiece used to lead or tether the horse. Don’t get them confused!
Popular bridles for equestrian riding are:
- Weymouth: This bridle is mainly for advanced users. It has two bits and four reins. The Weymouth is commonly used for riding, dressage, and eventing.
- Pelham: The Pelham bridle has one bit and two sets of reins. It can be an excellent beginner bridle for anyone getting started in eventing. The two sets of reins give the rider more control for complex movements.
- Snaffle: Known for its simple design, the Snaffle bridle is one of the most commonly used bridles, especially for new riders. It’s great for many activities, including eventing, pleasure-riding, and cross country.
Pick your saddle pad
A saddle pad is a layer between the saddle and the horse that protects the horse from friction. There are different saddle pads for different disciplines, so choose one(s) that suit you and your horse’s needs best. English saddle pads are usually oval-shaped to contour to the horse’s body as opposed to Western saddle pads, which are like square blankets.
Some types of saddle pads include simple saddle pads, shaped saddle pads, square saddle pads, and comfort pads.
Having the right equipment is imperative to riding safely, especially if you’re preparing for your first riding lesson. Now that you and your horse are dressed for success, get out there and do some horse riding! At Reveal Equestrian in San Juan Capistrano, we can answer all your questions about equestrian equipment. Our trainer, Jenna Reveal-Bourcier, also offers horseback riding lessons in San Juan Capistrano for students who are passionate about the sport.
