Horse Riding Accessories

Horse Riding Accessories for Every Rider

The big items — saddle, bridle, boots — get all the attention, but it's often the smaller accessories that make or break a comfortable, effective ride. Solo Saddlers stocks over 50 riding accessories covering everything from whips and spurs to gloves, hat silks, and the practical bits and pieces that every rider needs in their tack box.

Whips and Crops

A whip is an extension of your leg aid, not a punishment tool. Dressage whips are long and thin, designed to reach behind your leg without taking your hand off the rein. Jumping crops are shorter and stiffer, used to reinforce the leg behind the girth during approach. Schooling whips fall somewhere in between. Choose the right length for your discipline — a whip that's too long is awkward to carry and can accidentally touch the horse at the wrong moment.

Spurs

Spurs refine your leg aid, giving you the ability to communicate more precisely with a light touch. They should only be used by riders with a secure, independent leg — a bouncing spur does more harm than good. We stock various styles from blunt-end Prince of Wales spurs to roller-ball and rowel spurs. The mildest option that gets a response from your horse is always the right choice.

Riding Gloves

Gloves improve your grip on the reins, protect your hands from blisters and rein rub, and keep your hands warm in winter. Look for gloves with good finger dexterity — you need to be able to feel the reins and handle buckles. Leather palms offer the best grip, while synthetic palms are easier to wash and dry faster after a sweaty ride.

Girths and Girth Accessories

Girth sleeves, girth guards, and stud girth attachments all fall into the accessories category. A sheepskin girth sleeve can prevent rubs on sensitive-skinned horses. A girth guard protects your saddle flaps from buckle wear. These small additions make a meaningful difference to comfort and tack longevity.

Practical Essentials

Stirrup rubbers to stop your foot slipping. Saddle covers to protect your seat in the float. Bit guards to prevent lip pinching. Rein stops for running martingales. These are the items you don't think about until you need them, and it's worth having spares in your tack box.

Browse our horse riding gear for helmets, clothing, and footwear. Check our saddlery collection for the main tack items, and visit grooming for horse care essentials.