Category Horse riding gear

Everything you need for you and your horse to have a great riding experience. From saddles and leg boots to body protectors, riding boots, and helmets.

Horse riding gear

Tendon Boots vs Fetlock Boots: What’s the Difference and When to Use Each

Tendon boots versus fetlock boots: which do you need — both or neither? This is a question I often get, especially from new show jumpers, because the two boots are frequently used together. Tendon boots go on the front legs…

Miles Henry

Horse riding gear

Half Chaps That Stay Put: 7 Expert Picks and the Sizing Rule Most Riders Miss

Here are the best half chaps for horse riding based on fit, durability, and real barn use: Best overall: Ariat Heritage Contour — full-grain leather, built to last 5+ years Best value: HORZE Amara Adult — machine washable, accurate sizing,…

Miles Henry

Horse riding gear

How to Fit Riding Boots Correctly: The Horseman’s Guide to Safety and Comfort

Learning how to fit riding boots correctly is one of the most overlooked safety skills in the stable. Get it wrong, and it is more than just uncomfortable—it is a safety hazard in the saddle. A boot that is too…

Miles Henry

Horse riding gear

The Best Horse Riding Boots for Beginners (English & Western Explained)

Close-up of a riding boot heel resting correctly on an English stirrup for safety

The best riding boots for beginners have a defined heel of at least one inch, a smooth sole for stirrup release, and enough ankle support for your riding discipline. The best beginner riding boot matches your discipline, fits snugly on…

Miles Henry

Horse riding gear

Not Sure Which Noseband Your Horse Needs? Start Here

A horse wearing a crank noseband with a padded crank closure for increased tightening.

Look closely at any bridle and you’ll see a strap crossing the horse’s face just above the bit. That’s the noseband, and choosing the right one can help a horse stay comfortable and focused in its bridle – or create…

Miles Henry

Horse riding gear

I Tested American Hat Makers Cattleman and Bozeman for 3 Years: Here’s My Review

I wear a cowboy hat almost daily, so when I buy one, it has to earn its keep — not just look good sitting on a shelf. I’ve owned the Cattleman felt and Bozeman straw cowboy hats from American Hat…

Miles Henry

Horse riding gear

Snaffle Bits 101: The Horse Owner’s Guide to Types and Uses

A snaffle bit is more than just a piece of metal in a horse’s mouth; it’s a nuanced tool that forms the core of communication between rider and horse. Among various types of bits, the snaffle stands out due to…

Miles Henry

Horse riding gear

Why Grooms, Riders, and Trainers All Reach for Paddock Boots

Spend any time on the backside of a track in the South — Fair Grounds, Delta Downs, Evangeline Downs — and you’ll notice most grooms and exercise riders aren’t in tall boots. They’re in paddock boots, ankle-high, often paired with…

Miles Henry

Horse riding gear

Horse Riding Boots: An Essential Guide for Every Equestrian

In equestrian sports, footwear isn’t just a fashion statement; it’s a vital piece of equipment. Horse riding boots are critical for safety, comfort, and overall performance. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner at the reigns, understanding this piece…

Miles Henry

Horse riding gear

Which Saddle Pad Is Right for Your Horse?

Whether you’re outfitting a new horse or replacing a worn-out pad, you’ll end up staring at a wall of pads in every material, thickness, and color. The thickest or most expensive one on the rack isn’t automatically the right one…

Miles Henry