• Identify Your Riding Style: English or Western

• Select Equestrian Gear: Horse Saddles and Bridles

• Fit In With Appropriate Riding Apparel

• Care for Your Horse

• Choose the Right Horse Trailer

• Find Equestrian Gear on eBay

• Buy Equestrian Gear With Confidence

Identify Your Riding Style: English or Western

Identify Your Riding Style: English or Western

English and Western riding share some similarities, but also have some marked differences. People just learning to ride should understand the fundamentals of each riding style.

• Saddle: Larger and heavier than the English saddle, Western saddles were originally designed with hard-riding cowboys in mind. They distribute a rider's weight more evenly across a horse's back, allowing horse and rider to remain more comfortable on long rides.

• Contact: Riders use reins to communicate changes in direction to a horse. In English riding, a rider holds one rein in each hand. When the rider gently pulls a rein, it applies pressure to the bit held in the horse's mouth, coaxing it to turn. In Western riding, a rider holds both reins in one hand. Western-style riders shift their weight or lay a rein against the horse's neck to steer the horse.

• Position: Both the English and Western riding styles call for a rider to sit up straight with relaxed arms and legs.

Select Equestrian Gear: Horse Saddles and Bridles

Select Equestrian Gear: Horse Saddles and Bridles

The saddle is one of the most important pieces of equipment you can buy. You can purchase leather saddles, suede saddles, or synthetic saddles. Lightweight synthetic saddles offer easy cleaning, but may have a shorter lifespan than leather saddles. Good-quality leather saddles may last a lifetime. When opting for a leather saddle, pay close attention to the finish, stitching, and fittings.

Whether it's a Western saddle or English saddle, the saddle you choose should fit your horse and your body comfortably. It should fit the horse snuggly across the withers, shoulders, and back without digging in. Saddles should also stay firmly in place, never slipping backward or forward on the horse. The saddle should also fit your body. A saddle that is too large will make it hard to maintain proper form, while a saddle that is too small can be uncomfortable.

Popular saddles are available from Stubben, Passier, and Circle Y.

Horse saddles

In addition to materials and fit, consider the exact type of saddle you'll need.

• All-purpose saddle: All-purpose saddles allow a rider to change his position in order to do a variety of riding activities, from jumping to exploring trails at a leisurely pace.

• Dressage saddle: Dressage saddles allow the closest possible contact with the horse. The flaps are cut straight and narrow to allow maximum contact with the rider’s leg and the horse. The dressage saddle also has a deeper cut than a standard English saddle.

• Hunt seat saddle: Originally designed for fox hunting, the hunt seat saddle provides a rider with a better position for jumps.

• Flat racing saddle: Ultra-lightweight flat racing saddles have short stirrups that allow a rider to lean as far forward as possible.

Horse bridles

Just as important as the saddle is the horse’s bridle. A good-quality leather bridle is necessary headgear for any horse. A headstall and bit, as well as reins, are essential for giving the rider control.

Fit In With Appropriate Riding Apparel

Fit In With Appropriate Riding Apparel

Just as Western and English riding are different, so is the apparel appropriate for each one. If you’re looking to build your riding wardrobe, Wrangler provides a wide selection of Western-style riding apparel, while Ariat provides both English and Western riding boots.

• Riding boots: Western riders typically wear cowboy-style boots in competition, although many also like high lace-up boots or even ankle-high paddock boots. English-style riders often prefer knee-high leather boots, particularly in competition.

• Riding hats/helmets: Western and English riders can wear riding helmets out on the trails or during training. In competition, a Western rider will wear a cowboy hat. An English rider will wear a dressage helmet, also called a hunt cap, or a derby, depending on the level and style of competition.

• Riding pants: Western-style riders often wear denim jeans. Leather or suede chaps can provide extra protection. English-style riders typically wear snug-fitting breeches.

• Safety vests: Riders who do a lot of jumping may want to consider a lightweight safety vest.

Care for Your Horse

Care for Your Horse

When you get the right supplies for your horse, you and your horse can enjoy a long and healthy relationship.

• Grooming: Taking good care of your horse requires a number of different items. Start with a set of horse brushes. Then invest in a natural sponge, horse shampoos, hoof care products, and mane and tail conditioners.

• De-wormers: Parasites can seriously damage a horse's intestines and blood vessels. It’s crucial to de-worm your horse on a regular basis. De-wormers are available as pellets, pastes, and powders.

• Horse supplements and vitamins: Good nutrition is the key to the health and longevity of your horse. Horse supplements and vitamins can complete a well-rounded diet regimen.

• Fly masks: Fly masks keep pests off your horse’s face and head. Some even protect against harmful UV rays.

• Horse blanket: Most stables aren't heated. If you body clip your horse, a horse blanket can help keep your horse toasty in the winter. You should be able to slip your hand easily between the blanket and the horse's withers; otherwise, the blanket may be too tight and could cause painful friction sores.

• Saddle pads and cloths: Used under saddles, saddle pads and cloths should be thin enough not to interfere with communication between horse and rider.

• Saddle care: Taking care of your leather saddle requires regular cleansing with leather saddle soap.

Choose the Right Horse Trailer

Choose the Right Horse Trailer

To find a horse trailer that's right for you and for your horse, choose features that meet both of your needs. It's up to you to ensure the safety of your horse in a trailer. Discuss your horse trailer options and address questions about proper loading and unloading techniques with your veterinarian before you buy.

Horse trailer capacity

Make sure your horse trailer can haul the number of horses you need to transport. You can find two-horse trailers, three-horse trailers, four-horse trailers, and larger stock trailers on the market. Some trailers even include a walk-in room or separate side or rear storage area for your equestrian gear. Remember to check the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the trailer. Manufacturers use this number to indicate how much weight a trailer can safely hold. Also make sure your towing vehicle can handle the weight of the trailer, fully loaded with your horses and equipment.

Horse trailer hitching methods

Choose between a bumper-pull horse trailer and gooseneck horse trailer with a front end that projects over your truck bed. Gooseneck horse trailers are easier to maneuver and park, include storage space, and can have a camper or living area. You'll need an open truck bed and truck-bed hitching system, usually sold separately. Bumper-pull horse trailers take up less storage space and do not require an open truck bed. You may need to add a frame-hitch stabilizing system to your tow vehicle.

Horse trailer loading

Choose between a slant-load horse trailer and straight-load horse trailer.

• Slant-load trailers: With slant-load horse trailers, horses stand on a diagonal during transport, allowing you to haul more horses in a shorter trailer. If the front horse has a problem, you'll need to unload other horses in the trailer to reach it. Because of limits on trailer width, smaller horses will typically find slant-load horse trailers more comfortable than larger horses.

• Straight-load trailers: Straight-load horse trailers are longer than slant-load horse trailers and usually have larger capacities. Because they allow each horse more space, larger horses typically find them more comfortable than slant-load trailers.

Both slant-load horse trailers and straight-load horse trailers can come with custom extra-wide and extra-tall stalls for larger horses. The additional space can also add room to living quarters.

Horse trailer entry and exit

Horses can either step up into a horse trailer or use a ramp. Choose a trailer that uses the loading method your horses prefer. Horses will need to back out of the trailer using the step-up/ step-down method or jump down if facing forward. Keep in mind that a ramp is easier for injured horses to use, but you may need more than one person to raise and lower it. Ramps can also make a hollow sound when walked upon, which might frighten inexperienced horses.

Horse trailer materials

Lightweight aluminum horse trailers will not rust and weigh less than comparable steel horse trailers, requiring less fuel to haul. Strong and heavy steel horse trailers cost less up front than aluminum horse trailers and cost less to repair. You'll need to paint your steel horse trailer to resist rust. Treated steel, such as galvanized steel, repels rust better than untreated steel. You can also find combination horse trailers made with aluminum housing over a steel structure. If you consider one of these trailers, make sure no aluminum parts and steel parts touch. When the metals react, a corrosive process takes place.

Horse trailer ventilation

Look for windows and roof vents that allow air to circulate throughout the horse trailer. Windows should have screens that prevent debris from the road and insects from entering the horse trailer during transport. Some horse trailers also feature oscillating fans that run off your tow vehicle's battery, which can come in handy if you get stuck in traffic during hot weather.

A horse trailer that's partially open on the side can also aid in ventilation and may make a good choice if you live in a moderate climate. Select a more insulated trailer, but remember to crack windows, in cooler climates.

Find Equestrian Gear on eBay

Find Equestrian Gear on eBay

Once you know what type of equestrian gear you want, go to the Sporting Goods portal, click Equestrian, and start searching item listings on eBay.

• Categories: The Categories list on the left side of each page will help you narrow down your listings by item type. You'll find links for Accessories, Care & Grooming, Driving, Horsedrawn, Horse Trailers & Accessories, Polo, Riding-English, Riding-Western, and more. As you dig deeper into the site, you'll also be able to narrow down your choice by subcategory.

• Keyword search: Search eBay listing titles for specific words. For example, if you want to find an English riding saddle, type "English saddle" (without quotation marks) into the Search box. Click "Search title and description" to expand your results. Visit eBay's Search Tips page for more tips on searching with keywords.

If you can't find exactly what you want, try shopping eBay Stores, tell the eBay Community what you want by creating a post on Want It Now, or save a search on My eBay and eBay will email you when a match becomes available.

Buy Equestrian Gear With Confidence

Buy Equestrian Gear With Confidence

Before making your purchase, make sure you know exactly what you're buying, research your seller, and understand how eBay and PayPal protect you.

Know your purchase

Carefully read the details in item listings.

• Figure delivery costs into your final price. If you spend a lot of money, make sure the seller will insure the item when it ships.

• If you want more information, ask by clicking the "Ask seller a question" link under the seller's profile.

• Always make sure to complete your transaction on eBay (with a bid, Buy It Now, or Best Offer). Transactions conducted outside of eBay are not covered by eBay protection programs.

• Never pay for your eBay item using instant cash wire transfer services through Western Union or MoneyGram. These payment methods are unsafe when paying someone you do not know.

Know your seller

Research your seller so you feel positive and secure about every transaction.

• What is the seller's Feedback rating? How many transactions have they completed? What percentage of positive responses do they have?

• What do buyers say in their Feedback? Did the seller receive praise?

• Most top eBay sellers operate like retail stores and have return policies. Do they offer a money-back guarantee? What are the terms and conditions?

Buyer protection

In the unlikely event that a problem arises during your transaction, eBay and PayPal are there for you.

• Pay safely with PayPal: PayPal enables you to pay without the seller ever seeing your bank account or credit card numbers. In fact, PayPal protects buyers 100% against unauthorized payments from their accounts. Plus, with PayPal Buyer Protection, your purchase can be covered up to C$1,250.

• eBay Security & Resolution Centre: Visit the Security & Resolution Centre to learn how to protect your account and use eBay's quick and efficient resolution tools.