Do you have the right accessories to your riding wear?
One shouldn’t skimp on equipment - not for the horse, nor for yourself. Often enough, it is the details that makes the difference. Here, it is not just the appearance, we are talking about, but also the practical matter, that in many cases can be made easier or quicker with the right equipment - in the stables as well as in the saddle. Besides an adequate riding wear wardrobe, the more practical items such as a riding belt, durable riding gloves or special show socks, hairnets and pins, is really what gives you the optimized outfit.
The equipment is more than exterior
Just as it goes for the equipment you have for your horse; your own gear needs to be functional as well as you want it to look a certain way. More and more of the equipment we use, does much more than looking exclusive and stylish, it has a practical function as well, and is meant for making your life as an equestrian easier - both at the yard and at the show.
Riding belt
A riding belt is one of the items, that is in high demand. It is not always an easy task to find riding breeches, that fits well whether you are standing on the ground or flying with your horse. It this case, where your favorite breeches do not stay where they are supposed to, a belt can be the perfect accessory to make them fit all through the day. Furthermore, a belt is a practical item to wear, when you need to bring a wallet, a hoof cleaner or a phone on your ride. Your stuff can just be strapped to the belt, and you are ready to go.
Riding gloves
All the equestrian’s accessories taking into consideration, riding gloves is the one product, that has the most popularity among horse people. Riding gloves has nothing to do with wanting to pull off a certain look, but everything to do with practical functions. Riding gloves is a must-have in more or less all the different kind of work that has to do with having a horse.
First and foremost, a pair of riding gloves can be insulated and protect from cold weather and is a great way to protect your hands from cuts and blisters, when doing yardwork. A pair of well-fitted riding gloves also provides you with a better grip on the reins, which gives you better control of the horse, when you ride.
Hairnet and pins
Especially if you are a dressage rider, you need to add a little extra shine. More than it goes for other riding disciplines, a dressage show is the place to shine bright. Therefore, when a show is coming up, one must be perfectionistic about finding the right gear for both horse and rider. Hairnets, pins and clips are just some of the things, that can make you stand out in the ring. Other ways are adding some gems and bling to your helmet. In this case, it is more about exuding confidence and elegance, than it is about practicality.
Riding socks
Riding socks is not like normal socks, and there is a whole lot of different types in the selection. Show socks are made to provide you with a feeling of freedom in the lower leg, while looking like you are wearing boots. Of course, you can also buy riding socks that are designed for bling or creativity. Take a look around the many types of riding socks there is - maybe you can use them outside of the arena as well?
The bag for treats -” The goodie bag”
Are you one of us, who loves to pamper your horse? If so, a bag for treats can easily be an item, you need in your collection of horse gear. This bag can hold all your horse’s favorite treats, and you can therefor always reach them, when you need to. With this bag, you can bring your horse’s treats to the indoor as well as the outdoor arena and still have both hands freed for training.
It is especially popular to have the bag for treats attached to your hip when working from the ground, for example during the clicker training. You can bring it with you in the saddle as well, and it can of course hold other items than treats too.
Training Watch
If you are one of those, who loves technology almost as much as you love your horse, or one that want a better insight in how your physiques are challenges while riding, you should probably consider getting a training watch for riding. With a smartwatch like this you can keep track of your pulse, your blood pressure and loads of other fun facts, you didn’t know of before. In most cases, you can also get a view of how many calories you are burning while riding.
The training watch will send your data to an app on your phone, from which you will have a great overview of you shape in general as well as improvements in your cardio along the way. Other than that, a watch is a watch, and it can also be just that - something to help you keep track of time.