Horse Riding Accessories & Equestrian Gear

Horse riding accessories are the functional details that complete a rider's setup - the small, purposeful items that improve control, comfort, and convenience in and out of the saddle. From the grip of a well-made glove to the precise communication of a correctly fitted spur, riding accessories bridge the gap between core equipment and a fully optimized riding experience. This collection includes riding gloves, spurs and straps, crops and whips, saddle accessories, and rider utility gear suited for all disciplines and riding environments.

Why Riding Accessories Matter

Core riding equipment - saddle, bridle, helmet - provides the foundation, but accessories determine how effectively a rider can use that equipment. A crop used correctly reinforces a leg aid without escalating pressure. A well-fitted spur allows precise, quiet communication with a trained horse. Saddle accessories like stirrup covers and seat savers extend equipment life and improve comfort over long rides. Rider utility gear keeps essentials organized and accessible during trail rides and competitions. Each accessory serves a specific function, and choosing the right ones for your discipline and riding style directly affects your effectiveness and comfort in the saddle.

Benefits of the Right Riding Accessories

• Improve rein grip and hand control across varying weather conditions
• Enable precise, quiet leg communication with trained horses
• Reinforce aids effectively without increasing physical effort
• Extend the life of core equipment through protective accessories
• Improve rider comfort and endurance during long rides and training sessions
• Keep essential items organized and accessible during riding and competition

How to Choose the Right Riding Accessories

Start with your discipline and primary riding goals. Accessories that are standard in one discipline may be restricted or unnecessary in another - check competition rules before purchasing spurs or crops for show use. Match accessory quality to your level of use: everyday schooling gear benefits from durability and ease of cleaning, while competition accessories may prioritize appearance and precision. For items that affect horse communication - spurs, crops, and whips - choose based on your horse's training level and responsiveness, not habit or convention. Fit matters for gloves and straps; an ill-fitting glove reduces feel, and incorrectly positioned spurs reduce effectiveness and can cause unintended contact.

Types of Riding Accessories & Gear

Riding Gloves

Riding gloves improve rein grip, reduce friction and blisters, and maintain consistent hand feel across wet and dry conditions. They are made from leather, synthetic, or combination materials with grip-enhancing textures at the palm and fingers. A well-fitted riding glove should allow full finger movement and rein feel without excess material bunching at the knuckles. Lightweight summer gloves prioritize breathability; insulated winter gloves maintain dexterity in cold conditions. Gloves are a practical everyday accessory for riders at all levels and are required or recommended in many competition dress codes.

Spurs & Straps

Spurs are worn on the heel of a riding boot to provide a more precise and refined leg aid than the boot alone. They are used by trained riders on trained horses to communicate subtle directional and forward cues without increasing leg pressure. Spur length, neck angle, and rowel type determine the intensity and precision of the aid - shorter, blunter spurs are appropriate for everyday schooling, while longer or angled spurs are used in advanced dressage and Western performance. Spur straps secure the spur to the boot and should be fitted so the spur sits level across the heel seam. Many disciplines have specific rules governing spur type and length for competition.

Crops & Whips

Crops and whips are schooling aids used to reinforce leg aids and maintain forward energy. A crop is a short, stiff stick with a flat keeper at the end, used with a flick of the wrist to reinforce a leg aid on the shoulder or behind the leg. A dressage whip is longer and more flexible, allowing the rider to apply an aid behind the leg without removing the hand from the rein. Lunge whips are used from the ground during lungeing to direct the horse's movement and energy. All whips and crops should be used as precise reinforcement tools, not as primary aids, and their use is governed by competition rules in most disciplines.

Saddle Accessories

Saddle accessories include seat savers, stirrup covers, saddle bags, and pad accessories that extend equipment life and improve rider comfort. Seat savers add a layer of gel or memory foam cushioning to the saddle seat, reducing pressure during long rides. Stirrup covers protect stirrup irons from scratching and weather damage during transport and storage. Saddle bags and cantle bags attach to the saddle for trail riding, providing storage for essentials without requiring a separate pack. Saddle pad accessories - including pad clips and girth loops - keep pads correctly positioned during riding.

Rider Utility Gear

Rider utility gear covers the practical accessories that support organization, visibility, and convenience during riding and stable activities. This includes number holders and armbands for competition, reflective bands and tabards for road riding visibility, boot pulls and boot jacks for easier boot removal, and riding belts sized for competition dress codes. Hydration accessories, phone holders, and trail riding essentials fall into this category for riders who spend extended time on the trail. Utility gear is discipline-specific - competition riders prioritize organization and presentation, while trail riders prioritize practicality and accessibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need spurs as a beginner rider?

No. Spurs are an advanced aid intended for riders with an established, independent leg position and horses that are trained to respond to them. A beginner rider whose leg is still developing stability and control should not use spurs, as unintentional contact can confuse or upset the horse. Spurs are introduced progressively as a rider's position and feel develop, typically under the guidance of an instructor.

What length crop should I use?

A standard jumping or general-purpose crop is typically 24 to 26 inches long, suitable for most English and Western schooling use. Dressage whips are longer - typically 39 to 47 inches - allowing the rider to apply an aid behind the leg without moving the hand. Check your discipline's competition rules for permitted lengths before purchasing for show use, as maximum lengths are regulated in most disciplines.

Are saddle seat savers worth using?

Seat savers are a practical addition for riders who spend long hours in the saddle - trail riders, endurance riders, and those in extended training sessions. They add cushioning that reduces pressure and fatigue without altering saddle fit for the horse. They are not a substitute for a correctly fitted saddle and should not be used to compensate for a saddle that does not fit the rider or horse correctly.

What should I look for in riding gloves?

Prioritize fit, grip, and feel. The glove should fit snugly through the fingers and palm without excess material, and the grip surface should provide traction on the rein without being so textured that it reduces sensitivity. For everyday use, durability and ease of washing are practical considerations. For competition, check dress code requirements - some disciplines specify color or material.

Can I use a crop in competition?

In most disciplines, yes - but with restrictions on length and use. Dressage competitions typically permit a whip of a specified maximum length during training but prohibit whips in the arena during tests at certain levels. Show jumping and eventing have their own rules on crop use and length. Always check the current rulebook for your discipline and level before competing with any schooling aid.

Shop Horse Riding Accessories & Equestrian Gear

Browse our full selection of horse riding accessories and equestrian gear - built to improve control, comfort, and convenience across all disciplines and riding environments. Filter by accessory type or discipline to find the right additions to your riding setup.