Equestrian equipment buying guide 

A Tesco guide to buying equestrian equipment

When it comes to horse riding, having the right saddlery, tack and clothing is as important as learning to handle the horse skilfully. Find out more about the clothing and equipment you'll need to enjoy riding horses safely and comfortably.

• Riding hat
• Bridles
• Reins
• Horse riding boots
• Exercise sheet

• Chaps
• Horse bit
• Jodhpurs
• Waistcoats and Jackets
• Horse riding gloves

Riding hat 

The most important piece of clothing you'll need to buy is a riding hat which provides protection if you fall or get kicked. It's worth wearing it at all times while handling a horse as they can be unpredictable. We stock:

• Riding helmets This is a traditional velvet riding hat with a hard peak usually available in black, brown and navy.
• Skull caps A style of hat traditionally worn by jockeys, you can personalise your cap with peaked covers known as silks that cover the top. The velvet ones resemble a classic riding hat, while brightly coloured silks look similar to a jockey's cap.

Our riding hats have an adjustable chin strap and meet the current safety standards which are PAS015 or BSEN1384. A hat needs to be a good fit so it's secure but comfortable, so to get the right size, measure the rider's head circumference above the ears in centimetres and refer to the sizing guide below.

Tesco stocks a range of horse riding hats

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Chaps 

Good for extra warmth and leg protection, chaps are either available in half or full length.

Half chaps

Half chaps are designed to be worn with jodhpur boots that cover the leg from the knee to the ankle and are secured with a strap under the boot. They help protect the lower leg and help prevent jodhpurs from riding up the leg. They are available in a variety of colours and fabrics including leather and suede.

To get the right size for adults or kids, measure the circumference at the widest part of your calf over jodhpurs and the height from just below the knee to the ankle.

Adults

Kids

Full length chaps

Full length chaps are attached at the waist and have two separate legs that are worn over jodhpurs. Full length chaps are available in a variety of materials including leather, suede and waxed waterproof materials. Full length chaps are good for winter riding as they help to keep your legs warm and dry.

Tesco stocks a range of chaps.

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Bridles 

A must when it comes to controlling your horse, the bridle is designed to connect the bit in a horse's mouth with the reins in the rider's hands to communicate signals to the horse to stop or turn.

As the horse bridle is such an important part of your horse's tack, make sure you buy one that is the right style and size for your horse. Bridles can be adjusted so you shouldn't have problems with it being too small or too large.

There are many types of bridles depending on whether you ride English or Western style:

A snaffle bridle is perfect for people who ride English style for pleasure and for dressage beginners (although not for events). One with a flash noseband or a drop nose is good for harder to control horses, as the bit is difficult for the horse to spit out.

Tesco stocks a range of bridles.

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Horse bit 

An essential piece of tack that controls where your horse goes. The horse bit is a metal bar that sits in the horse's mouth and hooks to the two sidepieces of a bridle. Tugging on the reins applies pressure to the horse's mouth. As with the bridle there are two bit styles for Western and English riders and a number of different bits for each style.

It's important to make sure that the bit fits the horse's mouth comfortably. Measure his mouth width where the bit sits and add a half inch to this measurement.

The snaffle bit is likely to be a good option. It's the gentlest and is good for novice riders who may be inclined to tug too hard on the reins or pull on them for balance.

The standard English snaffle bit consists of two bars of metal linked together to form a bit long enough to fit comfortably in the mouth of your horse. The Western snaffle bit is known as a snaffle curb.

Your horse should be relaxed and happy with the new bit very early on. If he shows signs of resistance, find him something more suitable.

Tesco stocks a range of horse bits.

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Reins 

Reins are available in many materials and designs depending on their intended purpose. Most are ready to use either by lacing or buckling them to the bit loops.

Most English reins come in plain leather that can be dressed with lacing for extra grip, however, braided reins provide even extra grip. Web reins don't stretch, rot or crack as easily as leather and offer more grip than plain leather.

Western reins come in split or closed styles. Closed reins are fastened together so they're good if you accidentally let go of them as they're easy to retrieve. Split reins are good for riders who dismount frequently.

Bear in mind the length and width of the reins. Long reins are easier to use but they can get tangled. Whereas wide reins are better for cueing because the horse feels them more easily.

Tesco stocks a range of reins.

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Jodhpurs 

Jodhpurs need to be tight fitting but comfortable to allow the knee to flex. The inside knee area is reinforced for extra padding. They are worn with jodhpur boots or long riding boots.

CHILDRENS

LADIES

Tesco stocks a range of jodhpurs.

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Waistcoats and Jackets 

Outerwear for all seasons, opt for the lightweight jackets or waistcoats in the warmer weather and the quilted types for Autumn or Winter. We offer 2 in 1 Jacket/ Waistcoat which is multi-purpose allowing you to adjust to the time of year.

All Waistcoats and Jackets come in a range of standard sizes for both children and adults. Essential features available such as rear gusseted vents; adjustable cuffs; draw-cord waist; all offer fitting comfort.

CHILDRENS

LADIES

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Horse riding boots 

You'll need a sturdy pair of riding boots to protect your legs and feet. There are two basic types - the full length riding boot and ankle boots known as jodhpur boots.

Long riding boots that are available in rubber and leather, offer more leg and ankle protection, but can be restrictive and uncomfortable to wear in hot weather.

Jodhpur boots are more comfortable but don't offer leg protection, so you'll need to wear with half chaps or gaiters for extra lower leg protection.

Tesco stocks a range of horse riding boots.

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Horse riding gloves 

You'll need a comfortable pair of gloves to keep a tight grip on the reins. Choose from hard wearing leather, fabric or warm fleece and get the right fit.

Tesco stocks a range of horse riding gloves.

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Exercise sheets 

If your horse has been clipped, an exercise sheet will help to keep his back warm during exercise or dry if it is raining.

To get the best fit, measure from the withers to the tail where the rug will go.

Tesco stocks a range of exercise sheets.

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