The Costs & Equipment for Horse Riding

Saddle

• The most expensive and perhaps most important piece of equipment for horseback riding is the saddle. Several different saddle types are available, depending on the type of riding being done. Plain, simple saddles are used for general-purpose recreational riding, while other specialty saddles are used for hunt, dressage and show competitions.

  The saddle is commonly made from high-quality leather and allows the weight of the rider to be distributed evenly across the back of the horse. On English-style saddles, equipment such as girths and stirrups used to keep the rider in place are not included. Western-style saddles, however, usually come with stirrups and are sold as a complete package.

  Because many types of saddles are available, the costs can vary widely. Generally, however, prices for saddles range from between $300 and $1,000 and have an average cost of approximately $600.

Halter

• The halter is used to guide and control the horse from the ground, such as when the animal is being led. The halter is also used to keep the horse from moving when it is tied to a post, thus the name. Halters are typically made from flat nylon or leather. A nose band goes around the muzzle of the horse. Rings built into the halter are used to attach rope, which is then used to lead or tie the animal.

  Halters are usually fairly simple and inexpensive. A basic nylon halter has a cost of around $10, while a more elegant leather version may cost closer to $30.

Pad

• The pad is a type of small blanket placed under the saddle to protect the horse and make riding more comfortable. The pad also absorbs sweat from the animal and reduces abrasion on the back of the animal. Saddle pads can have simple or elegant designs and can be made from many different materials.

  Pads used with Western-style saddles are commonly wool or cotton. Synthetic lightweight fabrics are often used for specialty riding, such as hunting or jumping. Costs for pads range from $15 for a basic design to around $50 for synthetic material.

Bridle

• Like the halter, the bridle is used to control and direct the horse. However, while the halter is used from the ground, the bridle is used when a rider is on the back of the horse. A strip of material called the headstall connects to the bit. This bit is placed in the mouth of the horse and allows the horse to feel directions through the reins, which are held in the rider's hands.

  Some bridles, called hackamores, do not use a bit, but instead use a tightly fitting nose band around the face of the horse. This type of bridle lets the horse feel inputs through the sensitive parts of its muzzle. Simple bridles, such as hackamores, cost around $50, while more complex bridles using bits can range up to $150.

Girth

• The girth is a strip of material that runs underneath the belly of the horse and is connected to both sides of the saddle. The girth, or cinch as it is sometimes called, keeps the saddle firmly in place on the animal.

  For recreational riding, a simple girth is usually all that is needed to keep the saddle in place. For advanced riding that involves jumping or high speeds, however, more complex girths with additional straps are used. Simple girths have a cost of approximately $30, while more high-end versions are near $80.