Home Gear Guide Tack Tried & Tested
Gear Guide Tried & Tested

Tack

The products

Equipe-BP01-Breastplate
RRP
£232.00

Equipe BP01

Quality leather

Durable elastic

Stainless steel fittings

We say…

A gorgeous breastplate that’s perfect for competition wear or for smartening up your home tack. Found it true to size with plenty of room for adjustment for finding the perfect fit. Would’ve preferred a strap over the withers to help keep it in place. Allowed the horse to move freely and the elastic had a good amount of give. High-quality fittings that are easy to use, and really easy to put on and take off as every fastening is a clip. 

Schockemohle-Pro-Jump-Plus
RRP
£125.00

Schockemöhle Pro Jump Plus

Elastic inserts

Fully adjustable

Provides a comfortable and flexible fit

 

We say…

Smart looking breastplate that performed really well. Offered the horse a comfortable fit with plenty of room available for adjustment, with rings for training aids and a robust clip for the girth. The clips made it quick to swap over or take off if using on multiple horses. The martingale was easy to remove if you didn’t want to use it. Good quality leather that’s showing no signs of wear even after regular use. 

Rambo-Micklem
RRP
£115.95

Rambo Micklem

Ergonomic three-point design

Fully adjustable

 

We say…

The leather was soft and supple with plenty of padding. Looked stylish and the fit was comfortable. Didn’t rub, unlike previous breastplates. It didn’t restrict movement and the wide range of adjustment was pleasing. The detachable safety strap was a nice touch – perfect for jumping and riding youngsters – and was easily removed when not needed. The possibility to secure the breastplate to the stirrup bars was quite unique and ensured a more secure fit. Robust clip attachments. Really worth the money.   

Mark-Todd-Hunting
RRP
£84.98

Mark Todd Hunting

Made from soft supple leather

Stainless steel fittings

We say…

A good quality leather breastplate that was supple from the start. It offered plenty of room for adjustment and attached to the saddle very neatly and securely with no clips to get caught up. The large aluminium rings would even be plenty for thicker or double reins. It’s been used regularly and always came up well after cleaning. A lovely breastplate with plenty of adjustment that does the job and would be a smart addition to any rider’s wardrobe with stylish fancy stitching and detailing. 

Mackey-Classic-Hunting
RRP
£68.75

Mackey Classic Hunting

Fully adjustable

3/4″ wide leather straps

Detailed white stitching with an elegant finish

 

We say…

Smart overall appearance, although the thick leather looked better on stockier builds. Simple to adjust but found the sizing came up slightly small. The leather’s stood up well to regular use and still looks like new. Ideal for everyday use but the smart white stitching looked great when hunting. The neck strap was great for jumping and the detachable martingale was handy, too.

Gallop Five Point Breastplate
RRP
£49.99

Gallop Equestrian Five-point leather

Quality leather

Sheepskin pressure pads

Elastic webbing for maximum comfort

We say…

Offered a comfortable fit once adjusted but best suited to a chunkier build as it only came in one size so we had to make additional holes for the perfect fit. Easy to put on and take off, though some of the fittings were fiddly. It’s stood up well to regular use and the leather’s showing no real signs of wear. It didn’t restrict the horse’s movement and looks smart enough for competition. 

Equipe Soft Clean
RRP
£19.00

Equipe Soft Clean

A non-soapy formula to remove dirt and sweat from leather without drying it out.

£19 for 500ml

  • Conditioner sold separately

Ideal for everyday use. Quick and easy to apply, it removed dirt and grease without the need to use much product. The bottle’s small opening meant you didn’t overload your sponge with too much product at once. Soaked in quickly and left the leather clean but would prefer a more versatile two-in-one option to produce more of a shine when time’s tight.

Cavalor leather soap
RRP
£17.00

Cavalor leather soap

Glycerine-based liquid saddle soap for intensive leather cleaning. 

£17 for 500ml

  • Cleans and conditions
  • Conditioner sold separately
  • Refills available

Very easy to apply spray that despite being a liquid formula didn’t drip. Only needed a small amount for long-lasting results as it lathered up a bit if too much was applied. A quick wipe over with a cloth after cleaning removed any soapy residue and brought out the shine. Effects remained for days and left leather feeling soft and supple. Despite being a higher pricepoint, the product lasted well and offered decent value. 

eskadron
RRP
£11.12

Absorbine Horseman’s One Step

All-in-one formula that cleans, conditions and protects tack. 

£11.12 for 425g

  • Cleans and conditions

Easy to apply and left a lovely shine. It has a creamy texture that removed dried sweat, light dirt and grease without leaving a sticky finish. Can be used straight from the pot with a sponge and a little went a long way. Cleaned and conditioned equally well, so a great all-rounder. Even used on leather riding boots with great results. The tack looked great even a couple of days after application. 

Supreme Products soft leather soap
RRP
£10.10

Supreme Products soft leather soap

Ideal to clean, soften, refresh and add show-ring shine to leatherwork. 

£10.10 for 450g

  • Conditioner sold separately

The soap was easy to use and effectively cleaned off any grease and dirt, absorbing well and leaving the leather feeling soft and supple. Great for when the leather needs extra attention. The soap hardened during colder weather, but was still easy to apply. It also left the tack with a lovely shine without a greasy residue, so great to use everyday or for special occasions.  

Aqueos anti-bacterial tack cleaner spray
RRP
£9.99

Aqueos anti-bacterial tack cleaner spray

A two-in-one solution that cleans and disinfects your tack.

£9.99 for 750ml

  • Refills available

Lifted off grease and grime easily before conditioning. Really convenient and could be used on metalwork, too – just needed a dry cloth to wipe it over afterwards. The spray trigger became a bit dribbly after a few weeks of use. Has the added bonus of keeping tack disinfected, giving peace of mind. Especially helpful in share situations where multiple people handle the equipment. 

Leovet leather foam tack cleaner
RRP
£7.00

Leovet leather foam tack cleaner

Petroleum-free. Cleans, nourishes and makes leather shine without any residue. 

£7 for 200ml

  • Cleans and conditions

A handy cleaner for everyday use or to have on the lorry for competitions. The light foam is easy to apply and you only need a few pumps and a quick wipe over with a sponge – great if you’re short on time. Did an amazing job cleaning up muddy yard boots and tack with built-up grease. Lifted dirt and left behind a natural shine without any residue. Small in size, but the bottle has stood up well to regular use. 

Gold Label Antifungal tack cleaner
RRP
£6.84

Gold Label Ultimate anti-fungal tack cleaner

Cleans and helps prevent mould and mildew growth.

£6.84 for 500ml

  • Conditioner sold separately

A really useful cleaner in an easy-to-use trigger spray bottle that removed dirt and grease well. The liquid is quite runny, so you don’t need to use a lot. It was effective in stopping mould growing on the bridles that aren’t in regular use. Would have liked to see more shine after use, so would recommend that a conditioner is used after this cleaner.

Mastacare soft soap
RRP
£6.49

Mastacare soft soap

Cleans and renews leather and provides protection from dirt build-up. 

£6.49 for 500g

  • Cleans and conditions

The tub was a good size and you could fit a sponge into it for easy application. The soap didn’t lather up too much when applied with a damp sponge, but it really needed working into the leather to get the best results. It did a great job of cleaning and suppling the leather. The shine remained for a few days and regular use has improved the overall condition of the leather. 

Nikwax leather cleaner
RRP
£5.75

Nikwax leather cleaner

Cleans while revitalising the leather for added water repellency.

£5.75 for 300ml

The spray bottle made it easy to apply. It was effective at cleaning and removing mud and dirt from tack, especially after a muddy hack. The spray was fairly effective, but the bottle could’ve been a bit more robust to withstand regular use on the yard and in the tack room. A great cleaner to apply before using a conditioner. 

Jin Stirrup Air
RRP
£229

Jin Stirrup Air

Anatomic tread pad and smart safety-release mechanism.

Impressed with their sleek, lightweight design. They’ve proved very versatile and improved lower leg stability. The tread isn’t as raised as on other stirrups but it still offered great grip when needed, although it marked the leathers when running up. The safety-release mechanism is firm enough to offer support but released when needed, the perfect balance for safety and practicality.

Ophena S stirrups
RRP
£295

Ophena S

Magnetic safety system with insoles and a unique design.

The magnetic system kept feet in the stirrups without needing a studded tread, giving a secure foot and lower leg position – though there was definitely a skill to removing foot from the stirrup at the end of a ride. The double arm design was a great time-saving feature for swapping your stirrups between saddles. They were a bit heavier than other stirrups, but their sleek design looked super-smart and modern. 

Compositi Ellipse Soft stirrup
RRP
£179

Compositi Ellipse Soft

Featuring a quick- release branch and shock-absorbing sole.

The small, steel studs on their wide tread offered great grip. They’re ideal for jumping as they kept your lower leg and heel secure. Although the outer branch looked different to traditional stirrups, it didn’t cause problems. Better suited to jumping as they’re bulky with brightly coloured detailing. They were comfortable and didn’t cause any aches after riding. 

Alfa Jump stirrups
RRP
£199

Alfa Jump

Classic and lightweight with an ergonomic design.

Super lightweight and smart. They were really comfortable and the added spikes improved grip in all weathers. The angled sole plate allowed for a better heel and lower leg position. Looked quite streamlined, but didn’t offer as many safety features as others in a similar price bracket – though they performed well. Used for a variety of different disciplines. Would definitely recommend.

Equipe STAF14
RRP
£299

Equipe STAF14

Stylish and lightweight with a silicone arm safety-release.

These stirrups are lightweight and were so comfortable to ride in. The wide metal footbed offers a good grip even in wet conditions, and the unique tread meant sand didn’t interfere with its non-slip properties. The silicone arm was easy to manoeuvre when needed, and it can be customised with a variety of colours, no matter how bold. Lower leg felt noticeably more secure. 

MDC Super Sport stirrups
RRP
£175

MDC Super Sport

Low-profile with a high-traction tread and adjustable top.

Traditional looking yet lightweight, so great even for the show ring. The wide tread and angled footbed supported weight well. The adjustable top pivots and locks at three different angles to suit you, so kept joint pain to a minimum while encouraging correct position – plus made it easier made it easier to find the stirrup after losing it.

Flex-on Green Composite
RRP
£174.95

Flex-on Green Composite

Environmentally sourced with shock- absorbing properties.

These stirrups were so comfortable even after being in the saddle for longer rides and hacks. Kept lower leg secure and the wide, spiked footbed offered a lot of extra grip, even in wet weather. Had a really smart overall look. Used for jumping, schooling and hacking and would recommend them for use in all disciplines.

Sprenger Bow Balance stirrups
RRP
£173.40

Sprenger Bow Balance Stirrups

Wide tread and a four-directional pivot to reduce impaction. 

They have a smart design with a wide footbed that offered good grip and balance. Angled arch design and flexible sides allowed feet to stay in the correct position and their shock absorbency made them really comfortable to ride in, even during long periods of time and over fences. Easy to clean and durable.

Childéric Anatomical girth
RRP
£265

Childéric Anatomical girth

Elasticated at both ends with an integrated clip.

Made to order, bespoke colours, sizes from 125cm

The verdict:“An investment, but will last for a lifetime of use.”

“Although expensive, the quality of the materials is outstanding. It has become more supple with use and although hairs sometimes get stuck in the stitching, they are easy to remove. The wide clip is easy to use and the shaping allows freedom of movement.”

Prestige A52 RP Jump girth
RRP
£253

Prestige A52 RP Jump girth

Features a sliding, padded panel to distribute pressure.

Black or tobacco

100–150cm

The verdict: “An alternative design to a conventional girth.”

“The padded ring in the centre was hard to place initially, but my horse felt freer in his stride while wearing it. It’s tricky to check the tightness as it doesn’t touch his sides, but once I’d worked out which holes it needed to be on it wasn’t a problem.”

Saddle Exchange Comfort Elite Reflex girth
RRP
£239.95

Saddle Exchange Comfort Elite Reflex girth

Extends laterally and medially.

Black or rich dark brown

40–56in

The verdict: “Offers extra protection, smart for competitions.”

“I really liked the theory behind this girth and it certainly suited my horse well, holding his saddle in place while keeping him comfortable. The leather is soft and the shape was almost like a stud girth, perfect for extra protection.”

Voltaire Design Long Anatomic girth
RRP
£210

Voltaire Design Long Anatomic girth

Shaped, with memory foam.

Brown or black

105–155

The verdict: “High-quality girth with exceptional fit and function.”

“I loved the quality of the leather and the softness of the memory foam pad. The fit was fantastic and true to size, and the elastic was strong so there was no danger of over-tightening. It had plenty of D-rings, was easy to clean and looked really smart.”

Stübben Equisoft girth
RRP
£210

Stübben Equisoft girth

Elasticated straps to allow pressure distribution.

Black, ebony or tobacco

45–140cm

The verdict: “Alternative design for sensitive horses, but may need a size up from normal.”

“My horse is quite sensitive to girth up, but was much happier with this design. I liked how lightweight it is and the space it allows behind the elbow. However, this meant it was difficult to judge the tightness. The pad is quite thick, so made the fit tighter.”

Harry Dabbs Platinum girth
RRP
£189

Harry Dabbs Platinum girth

Full grain English leather, triple crossover elastic at both ends.

Black or havana

40–56in

The verdict: “Quite pricey but good-quality materials.”

“I really liked the softness of the padding. Together with the cutaway design, this suited my sensitive mare very well. The elastic was tough enough to prevent any over-tightening, and held the saddle firmly in place. It’s pricey, but performs very well.”

Butet jumping girth
RRP
£180

Butet jumping girth

Calfskin-lined, with elastic ends and shaped style.

Gold or cachou

120–140cm

The verdict: “Expensive, but soft, supple leather.”

“The leather was soft and easy to clean, and the cut-away style allowed for more movement. It stopped any slipping without needing to be over-tightened and didn’t cause any rubs or excessive sweating. A high price tag, but with quality to match.”

Ideal Affinity F2 girth
RRP
£158

Ideal Affinity F2 girth

Ergonomic shape for a forward girth groove.

Black, brown, ranch or military

34–58in

The verdict: “Soft padding and quality leather, but no D-rings.”

“The padding is really soft and the quality of the leather is fantastic. The buckles are easy to adjust one-handed and the ergonomic shape suited my horse. I would prefer if it had side or centre D-rings, but the quality of the materials make the price tag worth it.”

Passier broad centre girth
RRP
£125

Passier broad centre girth

Broad centre for comfort, elasticated at both ends.

Black, havana or teak

110–145cm (teak from 125cm)

The verdict: “Good quality, but D-rings and clips a bit fiddly.”

“I really liked the fit and feel of this girth. The leather is soft and wide over the sternum, while the elasticated ends are strong. The side D-rings are protected by elastic, which made them a bit fiddly to use, and I found the central clip wasn’t big enough for my martingale strap.”

Total Saddle Fit shoulder relief girth
RRP
£119.95

Total Saddle Fit shoulder relief girth

Designed to redirect the billet line for ease of movement.

Black or brown

40–60in

The verdict: “Good for freedom of movement, but quite hot.”

“The quality of the leather is lovely and the padding is soft, but this makes it quite heavy and thick so my horse got hot. However, he moved very freely, as it gave a lot of space behind the elbow, and was comfortable with the wide sternum pad.”

Kieffer Comfort girth
RRP
£117

Kieffer Comfort girth

Roller buckles with elastomer band for ease of adjustment.

Black or brown

110–150cm

The verdict: “Easy to clean, tough outer but  soft inner.”

“I liked the shape and the spring buckles made it very easy to adjust when mounted. I also liked that the stitching is very small, so hairs didn’t get stuck in it, and it was easy to clean. The outer leather is quite hard and tough, but the inner is very soft and didn’t cause any rubs or problems.”

Jeffries Atherstone girth
RRP
£106.46

Jeffries Atherstone girth

Soft, padded leather, shaped for a narrow girth groove.

Black or havana

34–60in

The verdict: “Soft leather, but generous in length.”

“I liked the narrow style of this girth, which suited my mare and allowed her to move more freely through the shoulder. The leather was soft and easy to clean, and it still looks very smart with no marks. The sizing is generous, so take that into account when buying – you may need a size down.”

Wintec Anatomic elastic with CAIR girth
RRP
£99.99

Wintec Anatomic elastic with CAIR girth

Elasticated with CAIR cushion, stainless steel roller buckles and central D-ring.

Black or brown

22–60in

The verdict: “Cushioned comfort, but choose a size up.”

“I liked the central cushion, which my horse found very comfortable. Because it’s quite a thick pad it made the girth come up a bit small, so I’d recommend a size up. It was easy to clean and the D-ring clip was really convenient.”

Acavallo Gel & PVC anatomic girth
RRP
£89.95

Acavallo Gel & PVC anatomic girth

Soft leather and shock-absorbing gel pad with airflow to reduce sweat build up.

115–140cm

The verdict: “Lightweight and pressure-relieving, plastic feel to some of the materials.”

“This girth was lightweight and the contoured shape suited my horse. I was concerned that the gel pad would attract hairs and dirt, but it was surprisingly easy to keep clean and not as sweaty as I expected, either. I didn’t like the plastic feel of the PVC material, but it wasn’t noticeable when in use.”

Fylde Anatomic girth
RRP
£85

Fylde Anatomic girth

Designed for a forward girth groove to prevent slipping.

Black or brown

32–54in

The verdict: “Soft, anatomical design, but no side or centre D-rings.”

“I liked the softness of the padding and the anatomical shape fitted my horse well. Hairs tended to get stuck in the stitching, but it cleaned up well and fairly easily. I’d prefer if it had some D-ring attachments, which I would expect for the price.”

Bucas Optima Jump girth
RRP
£85

Bucas Optima Jump girth

Synthetic, anatomically shaped with a non-slip lining.

Black or brown

38–60in

The verdict: “Good for preventing any slipping, but not very breathable.”

“My horse went well in this girth and was comfortable. The lining worked well and stopped any slipping, but it wasn’t very breathable so she sweated up. I couldn’t use my looped martingale, as the girth is too wide and there’s only a ring for a clip.”

Mark Todd Deluxe Leather girth
RRP
£83.95

Mark Todd Deluxe Leather girth

Elasticated at both ends.

Black or havana

44–54in

The verdict: “Good design with rounded edges to prevent rubbing.”

“I liked the design of narrower sides and wider over the sternum, which fitted my large hunter-type well. The rounded edges stopped any rubbing and the leather was soft with neat stitching. Even after lots of use, it still cleans up very well and looks like new.”

BR Fairford girth
RRP
£82.95

BR Fairford girth

Leather, anatomically shaped, and elasticated at one end.

Black or tobacco

41–57in

The verdict: Slim, contoured design, would benefit from elastic at both ends.”

“The slim, contoured style of this girth suited my mare and allowed her good freedom of movement. I liked that it has three D-rings so I could attach a breastplate. However, I would prefer the elastic to be at both ends so the pressure is distributed more evenly.”

Claridge House Naira girth
RRP
£44.90

Claridge House Naira girth

Soft, padded leather with an ergonomic shape.

Black or brown

44–56in

The verdict: “Excellent value for a soft, ergonomic leather girth.”

“I loved the softness of the leather and padding, which didn’t cause any rubs on my sensitive horse. It was quite generous in length. The design allowed for freedom through the shoulder and I noticed an improvement in her work.”

Fouganza Romeo girth
RRP
£39.99

Fouganza Romeo girth

Buffalo leather with a memory foam inner.

Black or brown

115–145cm

The verdict: “A good value girth, but no additional D-rings.”

“I thought this was very good value for money for a leather girth. The leather isn’t as soft as other, more expensive alternatives, but it fitted well and was great for everyday use. I would prefer it if there were additional D-rings on the sides and if it was a bit wider under the sternum.”

Shires Fleece-lined Contour girth
RRP
£36.99

Shires Fleece-lined Contour girth

Synthetic lining for airflow.

Black or brown

30–60in

The verdict: “Soft and smart, but needs a lot of washing.”

“This girth looked really smart on, and the lining was soft and comfortable. It wasn’t easy to keep clean and it needed a lot of washing, but absorbed sweat very well, so I was surprised to find that it actually kept my horse cooler despite the thick lining. It washed well and was dry by the next day.”

Stübben Cord girth
RRP
£36

Stübben Cord girth

 Soft, synthetic fibres in a broad style to distribute pressure and prevent rubs.

Black, brown or white

50–150cm

The verdict: “Excellent value for money, good for sensitive horses.”

“I was very impressed with this girth – my horse is quite girthy, but she had no problems with this one. Even on the hottest days there was almost no sweat. It stretched a little bit after lots of use, but after washing it went back to the original size.”

Elico Memory Foam girth
RRP
£34.95

Elico Memory Foam girth

Soft, memory foam inner and elasticated at both ends.

Black or brown

38–54in

The verdict: “Soft and easy to fit, but difficult to keep clean.”

“It looked very smart and the padding was soft. The fit was a bit tighter than normal because of the added padding, but the spring-loaded buckles made it easy to adjust. It was tricky to keep clean, as the hairs stuck to it, and it was quite hot, but no more than some other synthetic girths.”

Horze Dakota girth
RRP
£32.99

Horze Dakota girth

Horze Dakota

Contoured, webbed design with elastic at both ends.

Black or brown

90–140cm

The verdict: “Soft material, but prone to bunching.”

“I liked the softness of the synthetic material. The ends tended to bunch up a bit underneath the elasticated straps, although this didn’t cause any rubs or problems. It cleaned up well and the contoured design suited my horse.”

HyComfort waffle girth
RRP
£25.99

 HyComfort waffle girth

Shaped material, textured for airflow with elasticated ends.

Black or brown

36–60in

The verdict: “Good value but not the highest quality.”

“I was pleased with the overall performance – it was a good fit, prevented any slipping and didn’t chafe my horse. It was quick and easy to clean with a damp sponge, and although the material felt a bit cheap, it has lasted well and still looks like new.”

Cottage Craft shaped PVC girth
RRP
£25.99

Cottage Craft shaped PVC girth

Elasticated on both ends for an even distribution of pressure.

Black or brown

80–145cm

The verdict: “An everyday girth at a good price.”

“I liked the soft, contoured design and the elastic ends kept the pressure even. It was easy to clean, just requiring a rinse, so was great for muddy days. My horse didn’t sweat any more than I expected with a synthetic girth.”

JHL Air Mesh Anti-Gall girth
RRP
£23.99

JHL Air Mesh Anti-Gall girth

Sweat-reducing and anti-rub properties, with triple-layered elastic at both ends.

42–54in

The verdict: “A good value girth, but lacking in colour options.”

“I was impressed with the quality, especially as it has such a reasonable price tag. It fitted my horse well, didn’t rub and was easy to clean. The elastic is strong and my saddle didn’t budge. It’s a shame black is the only colour option.”

Voltaire Design Hercules leather balsam
RRP
£15.00

Voltaire Design Hercules leather balsam

Natural ingredients to soften and protect without chemicals. 

£15 for 500ml

  • Conditioner sold separately

Soft creamy texture and a little goes a long way, so it’s lasted well. Once applied it leaves the leather soft and supple with a high shine and no greasy residue, which made it ideal for everyday use. It has a pleasant scent. Cost more than I’d normally spend on a product but the impressive results justified the price tag.

Stübben glycerin saddle soap
RRP
£12.90

Stübben glycerin saddle soap

A soap to cleanse leather without harming its fibre structure. 

£12.90 for 500g

  • Conditioner sold separately

Tub stood up well to yard life. The soap was easy to use and worked well into the leather. It smells lovely, absorbed easily and improved the condition of the leather, leaving it soft and supple.  Lifted off dirt and grease without leaving any residue and buffed up with a cloth for a good shine. You don’t need a lot of it for great effect, so the tub has lasted longer than my usual cleaner.

NAF Sheer Luxe Leather Cleanse & Condition
RRP
£10.99

NAF Sheer Luxe Leather Cleanse & Condition

Deep-cleaning, cleansing formula that leaves a luxurious finish. 

£10.99 for 500ml

  • Cleans and conditions

Easy to apply and smells amazing. It worked really well and has made the leatherwork noticeably softer, more supple and moisturised. Would’ve liked a more robust trigger. Gave a lovely natural finish. Also used on footwear with impressive long-lasting results. The shine lasted for days without any greasy residue, which made it really handy for last minute touch-ups, too.

Lincoln Heritage leather cream
RRP
£12.99

Lincoln Heritage leather cream

All-in-one leather treatment that cleans, polishes, waterproofs and protects.

£12.99 for 400g

  • Cleans and conditions
  • Conditioner sold separately

Easy to apply and the cleaning and conditioning qualities saved time. A little went a long way so found it lasted longer than some other products. Has a lovely smell. Worked well and had long-lasting results without leaving a residue. Saw a real improvement in suppleness of the leather as a result. It’s even been used it to bring back some neglected tack with brilliant results. 

Childeric-DSC-Dressage-Saddle
RRP
£3900

Childéric DSC dressage saddle

A new generation seat with a slim-line centre that allows for a deeper seat and better connection with your horse.
Colours: Black, master or Irish, in calf, buffalo or suede
Sizes: 16–18.5in

“I was slightly apprehensive about testing this saddle. It costs as much as my horse did and I found it hard to imagine that anything could be worth that investment. However, I couldn’t have been more wrong. From the pre-fitting discussion to ensure the team brought the right saddles for me and my horse to try, to the fitting itself, where my comfort was taken into as much consideration as fit for my horse, to the follow-up aftercare to make sure the saddle was still fitting correctly, I was delighted with the service. The saddle fits my horse better than anything I’ve tried on him before and is the comfiest I’ve ever sat in. It really has transformed his way of going and helped improve my position significantly. I feel excited about schooling because I enjoy riding in it so much and I’m seriously considering trying the jump version. It’s a significant investment in a piece of equipment, but worth it if you can afford it”

RRP
£84

Vespucci hand grip rubber reins

These reins have nearly double the number of leather grips for a precise, steady contact. They’re shorter than normal reins to avoid the danger of getting your foot caught up in the excess loop.

“The finish and the grip are top class.”

RRP
£68

Silver Crown flexible reins

Made from internally-reinforced rubber with martingale stops and stainless steel fittings.

Tel: 01628 302301 shadowhorse.co.uk

“These are very good quality and have a unique finish with white stitching. They’re easy to hold and flexible. They’re a premium product at a premium price.”

RRP
£24.99

Kincade soft padded reins

Traditionally-styled reins with leather martingale stops.

“These reins are very soft on my hands and I love the style of the martingale stops. The design is great for schooling, but I probably wouldn’t compete with them.”

RRP
£30

John Whitaker red patent rubber reins

English leather with black rubber grip and brass buckles.

“They really stand out against my horse and have been much admired. They’re just the right width and thickness for my hand.”

RRP
£31.95

JHL pro rubber grip reins

Rubber grip over internal webbing for strength. Pre-oiled leather with martingale stops, and stainless steel buckles and billets.

Tel: 01303 872277 wefi.co.uk

“They are very flexible in my hands and a bit shorter than my other reins, so great for jumping.”

RRP
£64.11

Jeffries traditional laced reins

Made in Britain, these traditional reins are made to stand the test of time.

“These reins are well-made and designed to last.”

RRP
£11

Hy continental reins

Continental webbed reins with leather grips and billet hook fastening.

Tel: 01522 529206 battles.co.uk

“Nice, basic reins at a good price. The leather is slightly stiff when attaching the reins to the bit.”

RRP
£21.99

Horze selfoss rubber reins

Soft rubber reins reinforced with nylon, with snap hooks at the ends.

“Very flexible grip and I love the clips on the ends for ease of use. It would be great if they came in different lengths.”

RRP
£60

Harry Dabbs continental reins

Double-layered English leather ends with hook studs, leather martingale stops and a fine layer of rubber interwoven with the webbing to provide extra grip.

Tel: 01239 614648 thermatex.co.uk

“I love the leather grips as they help me keep a consistent contact on the reins.”

RRP
£29.99

GFS insider grip reins

Rubber on the inside of the rein gives discreet grip, ideal for showing.

“They aren’t too bulky and provide good grip, even in the rain.”

RRP
£9.99

Fouganza Romeo reins

Web and rubber reins with raised, fancy-stitched bit ends. Includes leather martingale stops.

“I like how supple these reins are and the stitching detail on the padded leather bit end. The wing-shaped martingale rein stops are a great feature. The grip is fine with bare hands, but isn’t as good with gloves.”

RRP
£16.50

Cottage Craft plain reins

Smooth leather reins that are stylish, durable and ideal for showing.

Tel: 01274 711101 cottagecraft.co.uk

“A good price for a nice pair of reins for showing or quiet hacking. They’re smooth, so they don’t have a great grip if your horse is strong.”

RRP
£24.99

Collegiate rubber reins

Made from European leather with stainless steel fittings.

“Very grippy rubber reins that don’t slip through my hands when riding my strong horse.”

RRP
£22.49

Caldene supergrip reins

Made from vegetable tanned leather that is eco-friendly, strong and supple.

Tel: 01274 711101 caldene.co.uk

“Grippy, continental-style reins with rubber woven in, good for dry weather and using with gloves. The rubber isn’t as grippy in wet conditions as they are when dry.”

RRP
£17.95

Bridleway Melton rubber reins

Flexible grip with all the benefits of quality, vegetable-dyed leather. Includes leather martingale stops and hook stud billets.

Tel: 0845 2419970 bridlewayequestrian.com

“These are flexible and grippy – even in the rain. I like the martingale stops as my horse uses a running martingale for jumping.”

Newsletter Sign-up

Sign up now

Subscribe

Latest Issue