Horse-riding comes with an array of physical and mental health benefits. It can help achieve the feeling of relaxation, alleviate stress, boost core strength, improve circulation, and increase muscle tone. This is why, more people are making it a part of his or her hobby. If you want to make it a part of your hobby, too, you can buy your own horse.
However, know that taking care of a horse is not easy-peasy. It needs to be taken care of like a man’s best friend which is a dog. It needs to eat 15 to 20 pounds of hay grass daily, exercise, and be guarded against different weather conditions. Once you feel that you are ready to take on this new challenge, here is the horse-riding equipment checklist to keep in mind.
Gloves
The horse-riding gloves have to be comfortable to wear. They need to have breathable features that can help in holding the reins with utmost comfort – whether hacking or competing. When choosing the horse-riding gloves, make sure that they can protect the hands and improve the feeling of the reins. Do not forget to get the exact measurement of your hand’s girth without the thumb. A well-fitting pair of horse-riding gloves is beneficial especially if you will be riding a self-willed horse.
Reins
The reins are used by the rider to steer and signal their horses. It is important to have reins to have a “horse talk” with your horse as well as to start and stop it. The reins in English riding are different from Western riding. The reins in English riding have two-part reins that are connected in the centre of the buckle. Meanwhile, the reins in Western riding are two disconnected reins. Take a look at horse reins for all your reins needs.
Helmet
Whether you are an adult or a child, safety has to always comes first. Your choice of helmet has to be according to your skill level. You can polish your search based on your comfort level too. Before you buy a helmet, check the condition of your environment first. If you get sweaty instantly, choose a helmet that can give you maximum comfort. The fit of the helmet has to be taken into consideration as well.
Safety Vest
Choosing a safety vest is more of a personal choice, instead of choosing a riding boots or saddle. When shopping for a safety vest, you need to factor in the fit, the type of horse-riding you do, and quality. Go for a softer vest if you want a body protection that is light to wear. If you want some protection from any injury or trauma, go for a bulletproof vest.
Paddock
A paddock can help in giving a clean and safe area for your horse to exercise and interact. Therefore, if you are planning to build one, be sure that it is made from high-quality materials. Also, it needs to be the right size to avoid the risk of accident or injury.
Besides this list, you need a pair of riding boots and pants.
