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Picking the right horse tack isn’t just about looking smart on a show day — it’s about your horse’s comfort, your safety, and getting the most out of every ride. Think of tack as footwear for a marathon: the wrong shoe causes blisters, the right one keeps you moving. In the equestrian world, that “shoe” could be a saddle, bridle, or even a saddle pad. Quality tack reduces rubs, prevents bad behaviour, and extends your horse’s working life, so a little time researching pays off in happier horses and fewer vet bills down the road.
Safety and comfort go hand in hand. A saddle that fits poorly can pinch a horse’s shoulders and cause back soreness, which then affects gait and balance — and that puts the rider at risk. Bridles and bits that fit correctly give subtle, clear cues instead of confusing the horse. Prioritising comfortable, well-made tack is like choosing a shock absorber for a car: it smooths the ride for both horse and rider.
Better materials and workmanship usually mean gear that lasts. Leather cleaned and oiled regularly can outlive cheaper synthetic alternatives, while well-stitched synthetic gear can resist mud and rain without stretching. When you invest thoughtfully, you reduce replacement costs and keep your horse performing consistently. Think in seasons and years rather than weeks and months.
If you’re building a basic kit for stable life and hacking out on country lanes, there are a handful of items you shouldn’t skip. These essentials keep you safe and your horse comfortable, and they’re useful every single day.
Saddles come in many flavors — all-purpose, dressage, close-contact, and endurance among them. The right saddle depends on your discipline and your horse’s confirmation. Fit matters: a saddle tree that’s too narrow can pinch, and one too wide can tip pressure onto the shoulders. Measuring in inches, seat sizes commonly range from about 15" for smaller riders to 18" or more for larger riders. When shopping, look for even pressure across the panel and freedom for the horse’s withers.
Bridles and bits are communication tools. Some horses prefer a simple snaffle for light cues, while others need a fuller-range bit for stronger directional control. Leather bridles offer classic feel and can be repaired, while synthetics are easy to clean and often budget-friendly. Headcollars (halters) are crucial for safe handling on the ground; keep one in leather for turnout and a fleece-lined version for sensitive horses.
Grooming isn’t just about making a horse look pretty — it’s inspection time. A good kit helps you spot lumps, ticks, and saddle rubs before they become problems. Plus, a patient horse often trusts the brush more than the rider, so grooming builds partnership.
A basic grooming kit should include a curry comb, dandy brush, body brush, hoof pick, mane comb, and sponge. Natural or firm bristles remove dirt and stimulate circulation, while soft brushes are great for the face and sensitive areas. Keep a separate towel for fly season and a rubber curry for shedding winter coats — it saves time when the hair starts flying.
Protective boots are handy for schooling and turnout. Tendon boots, fetlock boots, and shipping boots shield legs from knocks and interference. Use properly fitted stable bandages at night for horses that lie down often or need light support, and always use breathable turnout rugs if you’re covering the horse outside. When measuring rugs, use inches to check length and fit so you pick the right coverage.
You might be surprised to find trail running shoes like the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro V7 mentioned alongside saddles and bridles. But when you’re mucking out, leading across uneven country tracks, or going for a long hack, a good trail shoe can be a practical, comfortable choice. The Hierro V7 is designed for rocky trails, offering traction, cushioning, and water resistance — all useful in the yard and on cross-country paths.
Trail shoes like the Hierro V7 have sticky rubber soles and rock plates to protect the foot from sharp stones. That means better grip in muddy yard conditions than many gym trainers, and less fatigue on long walks. Many riders switch to sturdy trail shoes for daily chores and reserve tall riding boots for mounted hours and shows. If you walk several miles on bridleways, a shoe with good cushioning will protect knees and hips, especially on hard, stony trails.
Riding boots provide ankle stability, a defined heel, and classic stirrup contact, which trail shoes don’t. You’ll always want proper riding boots for mounted work because they’re built to be safe in the stirrup and protect against rubs. But for barn work, turnout, and dog walks before and after rides, trail shoes are comfortable, breathable, and easier to wash — a solid complement to your stable wardrobe.
A saddle pad is the interface between saddle and horse. It absorbs sweat, helps distribute pressure, and can correct minor saddle-fit issues. Picking the right pad improves contact and reduces chafing during long rides.
Saddle pads come in foam, wool felt, gel, and layered materials. Wool wicks moisture naturally and conforms to the horse’s shape, while gel pads cushion and distribute shock. Foam pads are lightweight and easy to clean. Many riders prefer a thin corrective pad under a fitted pad to tweak minor fit problems without committing to a new saddle. Look for pads with 1/2" to 1" of cushioning in key areas for trail and sports riding.
Pad sizing matters: too big and it peeks out beyond the saddle; too small and it can slip. Measure your saddle’s length in inches and match pads that align with the panel area. A properly fitted pad shouldn’t contact the horse’s spine directly and should leave 2" to 3" of clearance at the wither when the saddle is fastened.
Bit choice can make or break training sessions. Some horses respond to mild bits, while others need a different action to be comfortable. The aim is clarity: the horse should understand signals without discomfort.
Snaffles are common for general riding; they operate with direct pressure. Pelhams and double bridles offer leverage and more nuanced control for advanced riders. Rubber or sweet-iron bits can help mouthy or sensitive horses accept contact. Always check width in inches — a bit should not be wider than about 1" beyond the horse’s lips on each side, depending on head size, to avoid pinching.
Leather bridles breathe and mold to the horse’s head; they can be restitched and reconditioned. Synthetic options like biothane or nylon are low-maintenance and often more affordable. If you ride in wet weather frequently, synthetic might be a practical choice, but if you want a classic look and the ability to repair, leather wins out for longevity.
It’s tempting to splash out on every shiny bit of kit, but a smarter strategy is to prioritise items with the most impact on safety and comfort. Spend more where failure has consequences, and economise on lower-risk items.
Saddles, well-fitted bridles, and protective boots are worth paying extra for. A quality saddle that lasts many years can be more economical than several cheap replacements. Durable brands often offer better resell value if you decide to upgrade later.
Grooming tools, basic halters, and some turnout products can be functional and affordable without costing a fortune. Look for sales on trusted comparison sites and buy mid-range rather than bottom-of-the-barrel products — you'll usually avoid an early replacement that cancels the initial saving.
With so many options, comparison saves time and money. Use comparison sites to scan product specs, prices, and customer reviews quickly. Focus on real-world details like dimensions in inches, weight, and warranty terms so you’re comparing apples with apples. Remember to check product photos from multiple angles and read the small print about returns and sizing charts.
Before hitting purchase, ask these simple questions: Does it fit my horse (in inches and inches-based measurements)? Is it appropriate for the intended work? Can I test it or return it if the fit isn’t right? Does the material suit my local weather and stable conditions? This quick checklist reduces buyer’s regret and keeps your horse comfortable.
Small accessories can massively improve comfort and functionality. Things like gel seat savers, non-slip stirrup treads, and breathable half-pads are inexpensive upgrades that make rides smoother and protect tack and horse alike.
Stock up on spare girth covers to avoid rubs, a good boot brush for cleaning sticky soles, and a lightweight waterproof jacket for those sudden showers when you’re miles from the car. If you ride cross-country or hack long distances, think about a compact first-aid kit and a headlamp for early morning or evening starts.
Sustainability is increasingly important. Look for gear made from responsibly sourced leather or recycled synthetics, and consider second-hand saddles and bridles in good condition — they’re often fine with a clean and a new set of reins. Sustainable choices reduce waste and can lower costs without compromising quality.
Check for supplier transparency, material certifications, and repairing options. Many reputable makers publish info about tanning processes and recycled content. A well-made item with replaceable parts has a smaller carbon footprint over its lifetime than a disposable alternative.
Whether you’re buying your first saddle or adding a pair of trail shoes like the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro V7 to your stable rotation, thoughtful choices improve both horse welfare and rider enjoyment. Measure in inches, compare smartly, and prioritise comfort and safety — your horse will thank you with better work and a longer partnership.
Conclusion: Equip yourself with knowledge, prioritise fit and comfort, and treat quality tack as an investment in your horse’s health and your own riding confidence. Use comparison tools to find the best deals, but always double-check specs and try gear where possible. Happy riding!
| Horse Tack | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro V7 | £ 72,- |
