There are several types of protective gear for horseback riders. They can be worn in addition to a helmet and help protect your head, shoulders, arms, legs, and back. They can also help protect you from bumps and bruises when you fall from your horse.
To help you find the best equestrian protective gear for your needs, we’ve turned to reviews from real customers on Amazon who have purchased and used the products for themselves. These best-selling items not only have near-perfect ratings, but they also have countless glowing reviews describing why they’re so great.
Read on for the best horseback riding protective gear.
Our Editor’s Best Equestrian Protective Gear Reviews
- CERTIFIED RIDING PROTECTION - The Ovation Adult Comfortflex Protector Riding Vest is ASTM/SEI-approved and CE Level 3 Certified, providing riders with reliable protection and meeting the highest safety standards
- COMFORT WITHOUT COMPROMISE - Designed for passionate equestrians, this protective vest offers a comfortable and non-restrictive fit, ensuring that riders can maintain their full range of motion in the saddle
- ADJUSTABLE AND SECURE - The riding vest features an easy-to-use YKK front zipper, along with adjustable hook-and-loop shoulder straps and dual hook-and-loop adjustable side panels. This allows riders to customize the fit for maximum comfort and security
- ENHANCED VISIBILITY - Safety is prioritized with reflective piping on the front and back, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions. This feature adds an extra layer of precaution during rides in various lighting environments
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION AND CARE - Crafted from 100% polyester, this riding vest is not only protective but also durable. For optimal performance, it's crucial to follow the manufacturer's care instructions, including hand washing and avoiding direct heat
- Safety breathable vest combines optimum comfort and fit while affording a high level of shock absorption and impact reduction.
- The zippered front and laced side adjustment provides an easier fit.
- Extended padding provides increased protection for the tail bone.
- Scalloped lower front allows less restriction.
- Professional horse riding equestrian body protector for kids, children, women and men.
- CERTIFIED RIDING PROTECTION - The Ovation Adult Comfortflex Protector Riding Vest is ASTM/SEI-approved and CE Level 3 Certified, providing riders with reliable protection and meeting the highest safety standards
- COMFORT WITHOUT COMPROMISE - Designed for passionate equestrians, this protective vest offers a comfortable and non-restrictive fit, ensuring that riders can maintain their full range of motion in the saddle
- ADJUSTABLE AND SECURE - The riding vest features an easy-to-use YKK front zipper, along with adjustable hook-and-loop shoulder straps and dual hook-and-loop adjustable side panels. This allows riders to customize the fit for maximum comfort and security
- ENHANCED VISIBILITY - Safety is prioritized with reflective piping on the front and back, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions. This feature adds an extra layer of precaution during rides in various lighting environments
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION AND CARE - Crafted from 100% polyester, this riding vest is not only protective but also durable. For optimal performance, it's crucial to follow the manufacturer's care instructions, including hand washing and avoiding direct heat
- Safe Beginner Helmet: Whether it’s for riding lessons, camp packages or trail riding, TuffRider’s starter helmet is the perfect choice as a comfortable and safe helmet.
- Certified For Safety: A helmet’s job is to protect you, so our helmets are independently certifi ed by the SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) to the ASTM F1163-23 standard for horse riding gear, a certification that includes impact tests.
- Fits Snugly & Comfortably: Thanks to the adjustable harness and the adjustable padded chin strap, this equestrian helmet achieves a solid and safe fi t while being comfortable to wear even on long rides.
- Lightweight & Fresh: Thanks to the washable soft lined inner shell, which prevents chafi ng, and four air vents to create air fl ow, which help you stay fresh during a long day of riding, this helmet keeps you safe without discomfort.
- Recognized Quality: TuffRider is an equestrian guarantee, providing riding equipment that is safe, comfortable, and geared to performance, at all levels of riding experience.
- Protects Braids & Keeps Mane Neat: Tames wild manes and protects braided styles - perfect for show prep or overnight use. Prevents tangling, rubbing, and breakage under blankets or while stabled
- 4-Way Stretch Spandex Blend for Custom Fit: Made from premium stretch spandex that offers a snug yet flexible fit. Conforms to your horse's head and neck comfortably without restricting movement
- Breathable & Lightweight Material: Soft, slick, and breathable fabric keeps your horse cool and comfortable. Ideal for year-round use, even in warmer weather or under sheets and blankets
- Secure Zipper Closure & Elastic Edges: Equipped with a smooth zipper for easy on/off and elastic noseband and girth strap for a secure stay-put fit. Designed to prevent slipping or shifting overnight
- Multipurpose Use - Show, Travel & Stable: Whether prepping for a show, traveling, or preventing rubs from winter blankets - this sleazy hood is the go-to solution for keeping your horse clean and polished
- 【Comfortable Fit Design】Our men's and women's riding undershirts are designed with a zippered front closure and lace-up side adjustments for a comfortable fit. It has a very flexible base that is cleverly designed to help mold to the body's curves for unrestricted movement.
- 【Professional Protective Construction】 The internal components of the undershirt are strategically separated for ideal flexibility and comfort. This western undershirt has a shorter front for easier rider movement and an elongated padding under the back for better tailbone protection.
- 【Shock Absorbent Technology】This riding undershirt combines comfort and fit with excellent shock absorption and impact protection. The Riding Safety Vest is slightly snug, but not too tight.
- 【Breathable&Versatile Fabric】This undershirt is made of high quality lining fabric and is suitable for both men and women. Our equestrian protective undershirts have lace-up adjusters on the sides for a perfect fit and adjustability. The Rodeo Vest is highly recommended for those who wear helmets or face masks during competitions.
- 【Suitable for People】The safe and breathable undershirt combines optimal comfort and fit with a lower front for less restriction, while providing a high level of shock absorption and impact resistance, professional horse riding protective clothing for children, women and men.
- DESIGNED WITH COMFORT IN MIND - Derby originals lycra shoulder guards are designed to keep your horse comfortable and clean and are made from stretchable, breathable, non-rubbing, and moisture-wicking lycra that will polish and protect your horse's coat.
- 4 WAY STRETCH DESIGN INCREASES COMFORT - all Derby Originals lycra is made from lycra spandex that can stretch in all 4 directions, making our slinkies, hoods, and shoulder guards perfectly form-fitting and extra comfortable for your horse to wear.
- EFFECTIVELY STOPS BLANKET CHAFING - many horses suffer from chest, shoulder, and wither chafing and fur loss due to wearing blankets. Our lycra shoulder guards are designed to prevent rubbing, chafing, and irritation and help restore the fur coat.
- KEEPS YOUR HORSE CLEAN AND FLY-FREE - Derby Originals lycra wear is designed to help your horse clean, comfortable, and fly-free. Our soft spandex lycra polishes the hair coat and keeps it free of dirt, hay, and debris while also preventing chafing.
- COMES WITH A 6 MONTH WARRANTY - all Derby Originals lycra wear comes with a 6-month limited manufacturer's warranty that protects against manufacturing defects. Visit Derby Originals' website to register your product and for more details.
- CERTIFIED RIDING PROTECTION - The Ovation Kid's Comfortflex Protector Riding Vest is ASTM/SEI-approved and CE Level 3 Certified, providing young riders with reliable protection and meeting the highest safety standards
- COMFORT WITHOUT COMPROMISE - Specially designed for young equestrians, this protective vest offers a comfortable and non-restrictive fit. It ensures that young riders can develop their skills in the saddle without compromising comfort or safety
- ADJUSTABLE AND SECURE - The vest features an easy-to-use YKK front zipper, along with adjustable hook-and-loop shoulder straps and dual hook-and-loop adjustable side panels. This allows for a customizable fit that remains secure during rides
- ENHANCED VISIBILITY - Safety is prioritized with reflective piping on the front and back, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions. This feature adds an extra layer of precaution during rides in various lighting environments
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION AND CARE - Crafted from 100% polyester, this riding vest is not only protective but also durable. To ensure maximum performance and protection, it's essential to follow the manufacturer's care instructions
- Safe Starter Helmet: Whether it’s for riding lessons, camp packages or trail riding, TuffRider’s starter helmet is the perfect choice as a comfortable and safe helmet. TuffRider is an equestrian guarantee, at all levels of riding experience.
- Two Layers Of Protection: The hard ABS outer shell provides protection against impacts, while the EPS inner layer further absorbs the impact force.
- Certified For Safety: A helmet’s job is to protect you, so our helmets are independently certified by the SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) to the ASTM F1163-23 standard for horse riding gear, a certification that includes impact tests.
- Fits Snugly & Comfortably: Thanks to the comfortable nylon reinforced harness and the adjustable padded chin strap, this equestrian helmet achieves a solid and safe fit while being comfortable to wear even on long rides.
- Lightweight & Fresh: Three large ventilation openings create air flow, keeping you fresh during a long day of riding, while the washable Coolmax liner wicks away the sweat, keeping you safe without discomfort.
- CERTIFIED RIDING PROTECTION - The Ovation Kid's Comfortflex Protector Riding Vest is ASTM/SEI-approved and CE Level 3 Certified, providing young riders with reliable protection and meeting the highest safety standards
- COMFORT WITHOUT COMPROMISE - Specially designed for young equestrians, this protective vest offers a comfortable and non-restrictive fit. It ensures that young riders can develop their skills in the saddle without compromising comfort or safety
- ADJUSTABLE AND SECURE - The vest features an easy-to-use YKK front zipper, along with adjustable hook-and-loop shoulder straps and dual hook-and-loop adjustable side panels. This allows for a customizable fit that remains secure during rides
- ENHANCED VISIBILITY - Safety is prioritized with reflective piping on the front and back, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions. This feature adds an extra layer of precaution during rides in various lighting environments
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION AND CARE - Crafted from 100% polyester, this riding vest is not only protective but also durable. To ensure maximum performance and protection, it's essential to follow the manufacturer's care instructions
Best Equestrian Protective Gear Buying Guide
Before choosing the best equestrian protective gear you should consider following options:
1. Boots: Riding boots are the single most important piece of clothing that you wear when riding. The job of the boot is to protect your feet and lower legs from injuries.
It does this by keeping your foot in the stirrup even when you fall from the horse. Riding boots can also be worn off the horse for protection from the elements.
This is important in cold climates where your feet are exposed to the elements while riding.
A quality pair of riding boots should have a leather upper with a waterproof membrane to keep you dry. They should also have a rubber sole with a deep tread to provide traction.
The fit is also important when choosing riding boots. They should be tight around your foot and ankle with about 1/2 inch of space in the toe area for your socks.
2. Gloves: Gloves are worn for protection from the environment and from falls. They should be worn over your riding gloves to protect your hands from the elements.
They should be waterproof and windproof with a breathable back to keep your hands from getting clammy. Leather gloves are a good choice for winter riding.
3. Helmet: Your helmet should be sturdily constructed and provide a snug fit. You should be able to make a fist and feel like you can move the helmet from side to side without it feeling loose.
A helmet should be replaced if you fall with the helmet on. Even if the helmet doesn’t appear to be damaged, it should be replaced.
Helmets have a built-in shelf life, so they should be replaced every 3-5 years. Helmets should have an internal suspension system that is adjustable with a chin strap to keep them in place.
4. Riding Jacket: Riding jackets are essential for warmth and protection. They are usually made with a leather or nylon shell with a quilted nylon lining.
The quilted lining provides warmth without adding bulk. Riding jackets come in a wide array of styles from waterproof breathable to raincoats.
5. Riding Tack: Your saddle should fit your horse and you. The saddle should be wide enough for the horse to move freely under it with enough knee clearance for the rider.
The gullet should be wide enough for the horse to not feel pinched or stressed when being ridden.
Saddles should be replaced every 20 years. They are like a well-made pair of shoes that keep you warm and dry in all conditions.
Your bridle should be made of quality leather with a bit that fits your horse. The bit should have enough room in the mouth to allow him to breathe freely while being ridden.
6. Riding Boots: Your boots should fit well and protect your feet. They should be waterproof and have a deep tread for traction.
The sole should be made of a durable material that will last you for many years. Boots are an investment and should be treated so that they last you for many years to come.
What else you should know about equestrian protective gear
1.What are the different types of protective gear available for equestrians?
The different types of protective gear available for equestrians are helmets, boots, gloves, vests, and chaps.
2.What are the benefits of wearing protective gear while riding?
There are many benefits to wearing protective gear while riding, including reducing the risk of serious injury in the event of a fall or collision. Protective gear can also help to protect riders from the elements, such as wind, rain, and sun.
3.How does protective gear help to prevent injuries?
Protective gear helps to prevent injuries by providing a barrier between the person and the potentially harmful object or surface.
4.What are the different types of injuries that protective gear can help to prevent?
The different types of injuries that protective gear can help to prevent are:
1. Head injuries
2. Neck injuries
3. Eye injuries
4. Facial injuries
5. Dental injuries
6. Chest injuries
7. Abdominal injuries
8. Pelvic injuries
9. Leg injuries
10. Foot injuries
5.How should protective gear be chosen and fitted to ensure maximum safety and protection?
There are a few key things to keep in mind when selecting protective gear:
– Make sure the gear is the right size. It should fit snugly but not be too tight.
– Choose gear that is comfortable to wear. If it’s uncomfortable, you’re less likely to wear it.
– Make sure the gear is appropriate for the activity you’ll be doing.
– Make sure the gear is in good condition. Check for wear and tear and replace it if necessary.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best equestrian protective gear. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best equestrian protective gear will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.