Are you a big horse lover and have a desire to own a horse? Or maybe you already have a horse, or you are a horse breeder, or maybe you take care of their maintenance? In that case, you should know how important the right equipment for horses is, both for you and the horses themselves.
There are some essential things you need if you want to become a responsible horse owner, and we are here to present them to you!
Riding Pants
Riding pants are available in two basic models: the first one is with knee reinforcement, and the second one is the so-called full-seat, where the entire inner side is reinforced to ensure a better contact with the saddle. As for the material, the most practical is a combination of polyester, elastin, and viscose. There are also the well-known “Jodhpurs” riding pants, for which folks at www.equestrianmag.com state that not only do they fit comfortably but also keep you safe. Jodhpur pants used to be made of thick cotton twill, but today they are usually made from lycra. Lycra is an elastic, smooth, and comfortable knit, which is most often used for jerseys, suits, leggings, T-shirts, sportswear, swimwear, and generally for making clothes that must be narrow and elastic, which is the case with riding pants.
Horseshoes
Horseshoes are more practical and comfortable than boots because when we are not riding, they can be taken off, and we can again stay in shoes adapted to work around the horse. They are reinforced on the inside, which gives the legs flexibility in the stirrup.
When choosing horseshoes, it is important that when we put them on for the first time, they fit perfectly with the widest part of the calf muscle. If they are wider at the start, they will expand and fall over time. If you want to choose the size, it is best to do it the following way (and it is best for someone to do it for you): you must sit on a chair with bare feet on the ground (or in socks, you mustn’t be in shoes); it is recommended to wear riding pants that are normally worn, as well as socks. The width of the calf muscle is measured at its widest part. Length is measured from the heel to the bend in the knee.
When it comes to materials, microfiber is the most practical. The material itself is comfortable, wear-resistant, and, very importantly, retains its shape during use. You can maintain such horseshoes by simply washing them in the machine at 30 degrees.
Gloves
When choosing riding gloves, care should be taken to stick to the fist (if larger, they can scratch when holding the reins) and to have reinforcements on the part where the reins are held so that the contact is constant without slipping, and of course, blisters. The size is measured by wrapping the meter (preferably the soft, tailoring one) around the widest part of the hand. It is recommended that right-handed people measure their right hand, and the left-handed measure their left hand.
The ideal material is polyester; it does not make your hands sweat, does not wear out easily, and can be machine washed.
Bridle
The bridle is a metal part attached to the cheek straps that goes into the horse’s mouth. Its purpose is to control and manage the horse. The most common in use is the so-called ordinary fracture bridle. It can be hollow or filled inside. It is ideal for horses in a riding school because, even in the hands of an inexperienced rider, it cannot inflict pain in a horse’s mouth.
Saddle
The saddle is an integral part of the equipment we use when we want to ride. It provides the rider with comfort and safety and allows him to maintain the correct riding position and balance on the horse.
English and Western saddles are two large groups of saddles. English saddles, above all, provide closer contact with the horse’s back and are light. Western saddles are designed for long journeys, and their primary purpose is comfort.
Horsewhip
It is used as an aid to facilitate the movement of horses as well as to punish horses in cases of disobedience. It can be found in different forms depending on the discipline.
In this text, we have given you six things you need to know to become a responsible horse owner. Generally speaking, the equipment should be comfortable and easy to maintain, but it also must meet safety standards.
