TackSaddles · Bridles & bits · Girths & stirrups · Saddle pads
Rider gearRiding helmets · Boots & apparel · Safety vests
Horse clothing & careBlankets & sheets · Grooming & clippers · Boots & fly gear · Hoof care
Barn & stableFeeding & watering · Stable & arena · Stall mats & bedding
Training & trailGroundwork · Arena · Trail & trailer
Beginners & kidsKids' riding gear
Tack · Rider · Horse care · Barn

Fit the horse.Fit the rider.Then buy the gear.

Buying guides for saddles, bridles, helmets, boots, blankets, grooming and barn equipment for English and Western riders, starting with fit, certification and the care of the horse.

Quick answers

Equestrian Gear questions, answered

Browse the glossary →
Is a Snell E2021 helmet accepted in every riding competition?

No. Competition requirements vary and change. Check the current rulebook for the discipline and event.

Read: ASTM vs Snell Riding Helmets →
Are automatic waterers safe for horses?

They can be used when correctly installed and maintained, but horses need access to working, clean water. Follow the maker and equine-care guidance.

Read: Automatic Horse Waterer vs Buckets →
What should I wear to my first horse riding lesson?

A certified helmet, boots with a small heel, long close-fitting pants and gloves. Ask the barn about any rules.

Read: Beginner Riding Gear Checklist →
Are cordless horse clippers powerful enough for a full clip?

It depends on the exact model, coat, blade and battery. Check the maker’s runtime and intended-use details.

Read: Corded vs Cordless Horse Clippers →
What size English saddle do I need?

Adult riders commonly use 16.5 to 18 inch seats. Your thigh length and riding discipline also affect size.

Read: English vs Western Saddles →
How do I measure a horse for a blanket?

Measure in inches from the center of the chest, along the side, to the point of the buttock near the tail. That length is the blanket size in many brands.

Read: Horse Blanket Weights and Sizing →
Why trust HorseCriteria

Fit and welfare first

How we test
01Fit before features

Every guide starts with how the gear should fit the horse or the rider, and who should check it.

02A clear verdict

Each guide says who the gear suits, who should look elsewhere, and what to check before you buy.

03No paid placements

Brands cannot buy a review or a spot on a list. Partner codes save you money; they never decide what we recommend.

04Kept current

Prices are dated, codes are updated across the site at once, and pages are revised when a product, standard or rule changes.