A Beginner’s Guide to Horse Accessories

Become Your Best Cowboy or Cowgirl

Starting your horseback riding journey can both be exciting and intimidating. If you visit your local farm store, you can find yourself gazing wide-eyed at the colorful halters, fun saddle pads, and tie-dye leg wraps, unsure of what to buy. It might seem tempting to buy everything you see and get started right away, but you may end up with an empty bank account and an extensive list of items you have yet to purchase.

Our article outlines the must-have and nice-to-have horse equipment and riding gear for beginners, and there are many places you can find them affordably. If you're a beginner, it's important to choose your riding essentials with safety and comfort in mind. The following elements will help you to get started on the right hoof.

Riding Hats

Unpredictable creatures, horses are!

At any given moment, they may do certain things that lead to a fall by the rider. Hence, you should always wear a helmet or riding hat when mounting a horse.

Footwear

In addition to a helmet, boots are the next crucial accessory in a rider's kit. Not only will the right footwear help in preventing injuries to your feet, but it will also guarantee that you maintain your grip on your horse's stirrups.

Riding boots come in two main styles for men and women: long knee boot style and short boot style. It's up to you to decide what style suits you best. In choosing your boots, make sure they have a short heel (between one and one and a half inches) and a low tread. Having leather boots is ideal, but they aren't essential. Waterproof footwear is an added advantage if you want to keep your feet clean. Ensure that your shoes have no buckles or hooks that could get caught in the stirrup.