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

Do Horses Really Need a Bit?

Not every horse needs a bit to be ridden, but deciding whether bitless is right for yours takes more than a yes-or-no answer. When I choose tack for different horses, I look at their training, comfort, the job I am…

Miles Henry

Horse riding gear

3 Dressage Saddle Pads Worth Considering Before You Buy the Wrong One

I do most of my riding in Western tack, but a good saddle pad has the same basic job in any discipline: it must fit the saddle, stay clear of the withers and spine, and be easy on the horse’s…

Miles Henry

Horse riding gear

My Top Western Saddle Pad Picks—and the Mistake That Ruins Them

Shopping for a new saddle pad for your Western saddle can get expensive fast. Every brand promises more comfort, better airflow, extra shock absorption, or a tougher pad that will last for years—but the features that matter most are usually…

Miles Henry

Horse riding gear

3 Best Horse Riding Body Protectors for Children

If your child is starting to ride horses, competing, or getting involved in rodeo, it is worth taking a few minutes to understand body protectors. They don’t replace a properly fitted helmet, good instruction, or sensible horse handling, but the…

Miles Henry

Horse riding gear

Are Horse Hobbles Right for Your Horse? What You Need to Know Before Using Them

Are you considering hobbles for your horse, or have you seen someone use them and wondered what they’re for – or whether they’re cruel? Used the right way, horse hobbles are a practical piece of equipment. Used carelessly or on…

Miles Henry

Horse riding gear

Finding the Right Helmet for Your Young Rider

Picture of horse saddle being adjusted for dressage or jumping.

If you’re buying a riding helmet for a child, I wouldn’t start with color or price. I’d start with certification, fit, and whether the helmet is actually sized to suit your child’s head. Look for ASTM/SEI certification and a helmet…

Miles Henry

Horse riding gear

Can a Saddle Hurt Your Horse? Here’s What Really Matters

When my daughter finally got her own horse after six years of asking, she wanted to know whether saddles are actually bad for horses. It’s a fair question – plenty of people saddle up because that’s what horse people do,…

Miles Henry