Tack for Equitation

[AliMarieC]

Hi all, I’ve been out of the show scene for years now. Bought a horse last year and I’ve got a young girl showing him for me, and they’re going to do both hunter and equitation classes.

So, what’s an ideal tack set up for an equitation horse? He goes well in a plain snaffle. Is he required to wear boots? What color/kind? He’s black…do they have to be brown, or should they be black so they’re less distracting? If he wears boots does he need to wear all 4, or can he wear open fronts without the back?

Also, which close contact pads fit best in your opinion? Or is correct size what’s most important?

All basic basic questions but that’s what happens when you haven’t shown in 10 years.

[JenEM]

What level of showing/eq classes are you doing? There is a lot more variety at local shows, and even smaller rated stuff, versus if the young rider is doing something like Maclay classes. There should be pics all over the internet from Devon, look for Maclay/Medal classes to get an idea of what attire is popular in the ring at the top levels.

You can use a plain snaffle if he goes well in it. You’ll see a lot of pelhams in the eq, but it’s not a requirement. Boots, again, you’ll see most horses going in them, but absolutely not required, especially if it’s something where riders are doing their eq round just before doing something like Children’s Hunters, where they can’t wear boots. Mostly fronts, occasionally hinds. Usually you see brown boots because they’re leather, but there are plenty of technical material boots that are appropriate that are black, like Equifits.

IMO you can’t go wrong with a classic Wilker’s pad. If it fits your saddle, they hold up well, wash well, and don’t break the bank.

[BLBSTBLS]

You can also use black polo wraps if you prefer. I believe white are also allowed - however you never really see white used.

Good luck!

[refresh]

You will not go wrong at a show of any level with:

A D ring, full cheek, loose ring (less common) or tom thumb pelham (if needed, of course).

Shaped pad (Wilkers are great), no martingale (unless you need it - I was excused from Maclay flat group after walking 5 steps into the ring with martingale still on, such a bummer and from that point on we just didn’t use one so that wouldn’t happen again)

Brown leather open fronts, black polos, Equifit. Eskadron and Veredus look too jumper-y IMO but you won’t get excused. Hind boots very optional but if so, brown leather ankle boots. Or, no boots.

Perhaps most importantly, I’d make sure your client has a hunt coat that fits her beautifully!

[findeight]

You might want to skip the boots if it’s a non Rated with low jumps. The horses don’t need them and it can look a bit pretentious in a 2’ class. Look at the others in your class at your show are wearing and go by that.

Watching first is always a good idea before spending money on tack just so you can put it on instead of because it’s really needed.

[Irish_Ei_s]

A Leather girth ! One that fits well enuf to hide the elastics !!

[findeight]

Eh…not so sure a leather girth is a necessity, even in the Big Eq. Some of the alternatives are very good looking, you can’t tell from further then 10ft away. Sure don’t need it at schooling shows.