Tack
The products

Bliss Anatomical Long
Soft hide padding, stainless steel buckles.
42–58in
We say…
True to size fit with strong elastic straps so there was less risk of over-tightening. Seemed to help prevent saddle from slipping. The shape allowed the horse to move freely. The buckles were durable and sturdy. Cleaned up really well.

Tech One
Durable double cow leather, flocked with British wool.
125– 140cm
We say…
True to size with soft padding. Although stiff to begin, it became supple with use. Secure buckles were easy to use. Useful rings for training aids. Used regularly and showing no signs of wear. Easy to clean and smart for competitions.

Erreplus Classic dressage
Soft leather, stainless steel buckles.
50–80cm
We say…
True to size, with good shaping around the elbow. The leather was soft on the underside and tough on the outside. Strong elastic made it hard to over-tighten, and the Velcro keepers on the girth straps were handy.

LeMieux Gel-Tek Anatomic Mono
Combination of gel and soft leather.
We say…
True to size. The leather was super soft and supple from the start, and the durable buckles were easy to use. Useful rings for breastplate to be attached. Used regularly, easy to wipe clean and showing no signs of wear.

Arena Comfort
Lightweight technical material with elastic at each end.
We say…
True to size fit, with great clearance around the elbows. The soft, flexible material was nicely padded. We would have preferred less stretch to in elastic to reduce the risk of overtightening. Easy to use central clip.

Rhinegold Soft Leather dressage
Soft leather with memory foam inner and leather touch-tape closure buckle guards.
24–32in
We say…
True to size fit. The shape offered good clearance around the horse’s elbows. Strong elastic straps gave a secure fit, but we found the Velcro coverings bulky under the rider’s leg. The horse seemed hotter than usual under the girth.

Harry Dabbs Curved Waffle
Soft, textured surface to encourage airflow.
34–60in
We say…
True to size fit that provided good clearance around the horse’s elbows. Spring-loaded buckles it made it much easier to tighten the girth. It didn’t cause any rubbing. Very easy to clean, making it ideal for everyday use as well as competing.

Mattes Asymmetric
Lambskin cover, with stainless steel self-closing buckles.
50–120cm
We say…
We spoke to an adviser and used a measuring guide to ensure the perfect fit. The lambskin cover is easy to take on and off. The very flexible material provided great freedom of movement, and our sensitive horse was much happier in it. Spring-loaded buckles made tightening the girth easy. The cover washed well and looks smart even after regular use.

Collegiate Anatomic
Lightweight synthetic leather with internal elastic and stainless steel buckles.
40–54in
We say…
Generous sizing, with a slightly padded underside. The strong elastic straps didn’t have too much stretch, which was good. Provided a stable, comfortable fit on a sensitive horse, who went well in it. A smart girth, and easy to keep clean.

Elico memory foam
Made from strong nylon knit facing fabric and stainless steel buckles.
38–56in
We say…
Generous sizing. The padding was very soft, and the shaping allowed the horse to move freely. Strong elastic made it hard to over-tighten and the spring-loaded buckles made doing up the girth easier. Cleaned up well.

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.

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
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
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
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 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
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
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.

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
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
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
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 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
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
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.

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.

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.

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.

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
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.

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Made from strong nylon knit facing fabric and stainless steel buckles.
Black or brown
38–54in
We say…
Generous sizing. The padding was very soft, and the shaping allowed the horse to move freely. Strong elastic made it hard to over-tighten and the spring-loaded buckles made doing up the girth easier. Cleaned up well.

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.

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”

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.”

Silver Crown flexible reins
Made from internally-reinforced rubber with martingale stops and stainless steel fittings.
“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.”

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.”

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.”

JHL pro rubber grip reins
Rubber grip over internal webbing for strength. Pre-oiled leather with martingale stops, and stainless steel buckles and billets.
“They are very flexible in my hands and a bit shorter than my other reins, so great for jumping.”

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.”

Hy continental reins
Continental webbed reins with leather grips and billet hook fastening.
“Nice, basic reins at a good price. The leather is slightly stiff when attaching the reins to the bit.”

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.”

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

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.”

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.”

Cottage Craft plain reins
Smooth leather reins that are stylish, durable and ideal for showing.
“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.”

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.”

Caldene supergrip reins
Made from vegetable tanned leather that is eco-friendly, strong and supple.
“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.”

Bridleway Melton rubber reins
Flexible grip with all the benefits of quality, vegetable-dyed leather. Includes leather martingale stops and hook stud billets.
“These are flexible and grippy – even in the rain. I like the martingale stops as my horse uses a running martingale for jumping.”