Horse Accessories and well-equipped riders: 2024 Buying Guide

There are many accessories for horse, but what do they really bring? Are they optional? Wanting the best for your animal remains a fact, but it is not always obvious to determine which ones will suit your noble companion best.

Are horse accessories truly useful?
Different types of horse accessories
Which equipment to choose for my horse?

Are horse accessories truly useful?

While some accessories for horse always have utility, like the halter and lead rope, the rest mainly depends on the weather, the season, and the activities you wish to undertake with them. Indeed, a competition horse will not have the same needs as a club, breeding, or farm animal.

Age, health, and temperament also play a major role in accessory choice, as the right fit will enhance their comfort, protection, or even help reduce their stress.

Finally, in some situations, they become vital. This is particularly true for transport boots accompanied by a blanket when transporting a horse in a van or trailer.

Different types of horse accessories

Here are the main necessary equipment for a beginner or seasoned rider for the horse's well-being:

Halter : Whether they are ethological or more classic, halters remain essential for handling your animal, as it is to them that the lead rope will be attached.
Lead ropes : Lead ropes are generally used to move your horse. However, there are longer, elastic ones used for training exercises "on the lunge". They often come with specific auxiliary reins to give instructions to the horse.
Horse brush: Carefully groom your horse with a soft brush, essential for cleaning and shining its coat, mane, and tail.
Reins, bridles, and bits: These are different parts that make up the bridle and can be supplemented with additional reins. They are essential because they facilitate communication with the horse when you are in the saddle.
Saddles, girths, and stirrups: While it's possible to ride bareback, or directly on the animal's back, the saddle improves the rider's balance. It remains in place thanks to the girths. Finally, the stirrups are the metallic part, usually triangular, where the rider will place their foot once mounted on the horse.
Saddle pads and shock absorbers: Although not mandatory, the saddle pad provides real comfort to your animal as it prevents the saddle from rubbing directly on its skin. The shock absorber helps better absorb the general shocks and movements. Thus, it helps relieve your mount's back and yours at the same time.
Horse protection: Boots protect from possible shocks. Some types can be supplemented by bells and fetlock protectors. These are essential, especially if showjumping and cross-country are involved.
The hat: Whether noise-cancelling or fly hat, the hat is an ideal solution to calm your mount, especially if you compete. Thanks to it, noises will be muffled, allowing your partner to focus more on the exercise at hand.
Blankets and exercise sheets: In a paddock, a stall, or a transport vehicle, for example, the blanket helps a horse maintain an ideal temperature when at rest. However, during training sessions or rides, the exercise sheet should be favored to protect the animal from the cold or rain.

Which equipment to choose for my horse?

Given that the ethological halter is thinner than its classic version, it should not be used to tie your companion. However, it is highly appreciated for lunge training, especially for slightly skittish animals or those that have experienced trauma.

In an arena, the usual riding gear - namely the bridle and saddle with a pad - is hard to dispense with. Some accessories become a necessity depending on the animal's temperament or morphology: a horse with a fragile back will appreciate a shock absorber while a nervous animal will require a noise-cancelling hat and additional leg protections to help calm it and prevent injury.

For combining style and safety, don't hesitate to match the colors of your different equipment. Halters, saddle pads, blankets, exercise sheets, hats, and boots come in many different tones, and pairing them always makes your companion stand out, be it during a ride, in an arena, at rest, in competition, or even for traveling.

While some are almost a necessity, other accessories help improve comfort and protect your horse. Of course, their relevance varies according to planned activities, but also simply due to the health and character of your companion. Acquiring accessories may also stem from a desire to stand out with a new style or simply wish to pamper your animal. In this case, don't hesitate to pair your gifts with a small horse treat used to encourage and thank your loyal partner at any time.