Horse riding is a fantastic hobby and can also be a really incredible career. Top equestrians are phenomenal riders and have an instinct and a connection with their horses that seems beyond belief to amateur horse riders. But very few people are born with these attributes and the equestrians at the top of their game have trained for years and years to get where they are now. Most started when they were young children and have continued to hone their skills and develop their relationships with their animals ever since. As well as this training, every equestrian understands the importance of great equipment. The right saddle or the right boots really can make all the difference when it comes to comfort on riding the horse, and rosettes at competitions.
A Quality Saddle
Your saddle is the most important piece of riding equipment because it is what ensures the comfort and safety of both you and your horse. The experts at this website explain that saddles should be chosen specifically for the horse that you are riding because different sizes, shape, and weight saddles are not suitable for certain horses. When you first start out riding, your riding school or instructor will saddle your horse for you so it may not be something which you pay much attention to. As you look to progress to a top equestrian, however, it is vital that you learn about the most suitable saddle for your horse. If a horse is not comfortable with the saddle, it can seriously affect its behavior and responsiveness and could even result in it throwing you off.
Solid Riding Hat
Speaking of being thrown off a horse, a solid riding hat is an absolutely vital piece of equipment for riders of all levels. It is only when you actually sit on top of a horse that you truly comprehend just how huge they are. A bad fall from a horse can cause various serious injuries, but with a top-quality hat, your head will be protected. Particularly as your riding skills progress and you start doing more advanced things like gallops and jumps, it is really important that you invest in a well-fitting, quality riding hat to protect yourself.
Comfortable Stirrups
Your stirrups are another really important piece of your overall horse tack. Having suitably stirrups, which fit your feet well and hang nicely to the sides of your horse’s flank is very important for top-level riding performance. Stirrups that hang badly will constantly rub against the side of the horse, which will not only be uncomfortable for the animal but can also cause it to be confused about what you are instructing it to do. The rub of a stirrup may be mistaken for an instruction to go which could then be very dangerous for both you and the horse.
Suitable Riding Boots
Along with your hat, wearing the right riding boots is one of the most important things you should do in terms of your clothing. Your riding boots should be breathable, comfortable, and should fit well into your stirrups. The soles of your riding boots should grip the stirrups well and the boots should have a small heel to giddy-up and halt the horse. Spurs are not necessary as most horses respond well enough to heel nudge.
Sturdy Riding Crop
The final piece of equipment that all great equestrians need is a sturdy riding crop. For non-riders, the riding crop is a controversial piece of equipment, but all riders know that it is absolutely vital and that it doesn’t harm the horse at all. Your riding crop should be light but durable and should feel comfortable in your hand. A heavy crop can affect your grip on the reins and can even make you unbalanced on the horse so choosing the right crop is so important for raising your riding game to the next level.
Horse riding is a great activity for people of all ages as it is fun, challenging, and great exercise. Becoming a top equestrian, however, takes phenomenally hard work, dedication, and focus. In addition, having the right equipment is absolutely vital for being able to ride your horse comfortably and protect yourself and your horse from injury. Great equipment does not have to cost a lot of money as long as you do your research and make sure that everything you buy is high quality and suitable for you and your horse. Follow this simple equipment guide and take your riding to the next level.