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

Horseback Riding: Sunglasses or No Sunglasses? Best Models

Picture of a man wearing sunglasses while horse riding.

There is a big debate in the horseback riding community about whether or not you should wear sunglasses while riding. Some people swear by them, while others say they are dangerous and can cause accidents. So, what is the truth?…

Miles Henry

Horse riding gear

Which Western Saddle Is Right for You? Types Compared

Picture of a paint horse with a western saddle.

Years ago, when my grandson was about 5, he asked me how I decide which saddle to use. I’ve got several Western saddles, so it was a fair question. My answer was simple: it depends on what you’re doing with…

Miles Henry

Horse riding gear

Women’s Horse Riding Shirts: What to Wear for Shows and Everyday Rides

Picture of a woman wearing a rodeo shirt.

Maybe you’ve got your first show coming up and you’re not sure what shirt your class requires, or you just want something to ride in that won’t have you soaked through by the second lap around the arena. The answer…

Miles Henry

Cowboy boots, Horse riding gear

What Old West Cowboys Really Wore—and Why

One year our annual trail ride had an Old West theme, and riders showed up in wide-brim hats and chaps. My grandson took one look and asked whether real cowboys dressed like that. It’s a fair question. Movies have given…

Miles Henry

Horse riding gear

Why Cowboys Wear Pearl Snap Shirts

Walk into a rodeo, feed store, or country dance hall and you’ll see plenty of pearl snap shirts. If you’ve ever wondered why cowboys took to snaps instead of buttons, or whether it’s more than a look, the story starts…

Miles Henry

Horse riding gear

Winter Horse Riding Breeches: Which Pair Suits Your Weather?

If your legs are numb ten minutes into a January ride, or the wind cuts right through your regular breeches, it’s time for something warmer. The catch is that winter breeches aren’t all built for the same kind of cold,…

Miles Henry

Horse riding gear

Is a Felt or Fleece Saddle Pad Better for Your Horse?

In our tack room, we have a wide variety of saddle pads. Some are made with neoprene, or traditional felt to absorb impact. However, my favorite is still the old-fashioned standard: fleece, but which is the best? If you typically…

Miles Henry

Horse riding gear

What Size Western Saddle Fits You and Your Horse?

Picture of a horse with a western saddle.

A 16-inch Western saddle might fit you just right and still be wrong for your horse. That’s because “size” on a Western saddle means two different things: the seat has to fit you, and the tree has to fit your…

Miles Henry

Horse riding gear

Felt Cowboy Hats: When to Wear Them—and When to Switch

Picture of a felt cowboy hat hanging on a barn wall.

Maybe you just bought a good felt hat and it’s still 90 degrees out, or you’ve noticed half the crowd at a rodeo switched to felt overnight and wondered whether there’s a rule you missed. There’s a rule, sort of,…

Miles Henry

Horse riding gear

Saddle Oil or Conditioner? What Does Your Saddle Need?

Picture of a girl putting oil on her saddle.

Whether you’ve just pulled a dry, stiff saddle out of the tack room or dropped good money on a new one you want to keep in shape, caring for that leather the right way matters. But walk down the tack-care…

Miles Henry