Making double bridles optional at the top level remains a talking point in dressage – as equine ear plugs could be allowed in freestyles.

Following years of discussions, on 1 January 2026 a new rule came into force allowing snaffles or double bridles up to CDI3* level. Now, the Swedish federation – backed by British Equestrian (BEF) – is calling for this to be expanded for all grand prix competitions.

A Swedish federation spokesperson said it is “up to the rider to decide” the best option to support the horse’s comfort and overall welfare. A BEF spokesperson agreed and said the organisation “sees no reason why” the rule applies up to CDI3* only.

“We would welcome standardisation across all competitions at the earliest opportunity to ensure that we have a consistent approach regardless of the level of competition,” said the BEF spokesperson.

The FEI dressage technical committee (DTC) responded by saying that allowing doubles up to CDI3* means riders have the choice in up to 90% of FEI dressage competitions each year.

“The DTC remains of the opinion that using the double bridle at top sport level is not a welfare issue, we also believe that we need to gather further data when evaluating the choice of bridles from an athlete and official’s perspective before making further amendments to the rule,” said a DTC spokesperson.

The DTC came out in favour of double bridles remaining for junior competitions. A discussion around prohibiting them was raised last year but deferred to this year’s full rules revision. The German federation and European Equestrian Federation (EEF) stated that they “strongly opposed” removing doubles for CDIJ competitions.

“The DTC agrees with the feedback from many national federations and continues to permit the choice of using either a snaffle or double bridle at CDIJ, CDIOJ and junior championships,” said a DTC spokesperson.

Four organisations, including the EEF and US equestrian federation, have called for equine ear plugs to be permitted during competition. They are currently only allowed at trot-ups and prize-givings. The DTC agreed, but said this should be limited to freestyles.

A BEF spokesperson said research has shown that ear plugs “may heighten other senses, making horses more reactive” – and instead suggested a rule to “reduce potential stress” to the horse from excessive music in freestyles.

“It is proposed that a maximum decibel level should be established for freestyle competition, alongside consideration of sound system quality and audio dynamics at the venue, to ensure that there is a consistent sound level for all music played throughout the competition,” said the spokesperson.

Reducing horse stress is also a focus point for prize-givings; the International Dressage Riders Club and German federation proposed that riders should be allowed to attend ceremonies unmounted or on another horse. The organisations said this would “align prize-givings with the welfare code and prevent unnecessary strain, especially for sensitive and young horses”.

The DTC and dressage strategic action planning working group are reviewing prize-giving protocols.

“Where mounted prize-giving is required, we agree that athletes should be permitted to use an alternative horse,” said the FEI spokesperson.

Following previous discussions around making judges’ test comments public, BEF has raised a concern that these could be misinterpreted or judges “may soften” comments.

“As a potential compromise, we would propose that the summary comments at the end of the test rather than per movement could be published, so that the score can be put into the context of how they viewed the overall performance,” said a BEF spokesperson, adding this should apply to all tests, with no opt-out.

The DTC responded it was in favour of initiatives that “may enhance transparency” – but broadly agreed that judges may “become less specific in their comments, which would be a negative for the development of the sport”.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Booking a saddle fitting and getting your horse’s saddle checked is something all horse owners should be doing regularly, but it can fall by the wayside until there’s an issue. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve got a second-hand GP saddle, a custom-made dressage saddle or something in between, good saddle fit is essential to your horse’s welfare.

We asked Ruth Spencer, a master saddle fitter who also serves on the board of Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) assessors, to explain how often you really need to get your saddle checked and answer some other need-to-know questions about saddle fitting.

How often should you get your saddle checked?

As a general rule, saddles should be checked at least every six to 12 months.

“This is in line with guidance from the Society of Master Saddlers,” Ruth explains, “however, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Horses in regular work, young horses, those changing shape through training, or those coming back into work after time off may need more frequent checks.

“In contrast, a mature horse in consistent, light work with a stable condition may be fine with annual checks – but it’s important not to become complacent, as subtle changes can still occur over time,” she warns.

What factors affect saddle fit?

A horse’s shape is not static, so saddle fit can change for a variety of reasons, but riders can also affect how the saddle fits and performs, Ruth explains.

These factors include:

• changes in horse weight
• muscle development (or loss)
• fitness levels
• age
• workload
• seasonal factors, such as availability of grazing
• changes in rider weight
• rider position or balance

Additionally, the saddle itself can alter over time through flocking compression, wear or tree movement.

What can owners do between checks to ensure good fit?

There are several simple but effective checks owners can do regularly, Ruth reveals.

You should look for:

• Even contact and balance – the saddle should sit level and not tip forward or back
• Clearance and symmetry – check there is adequate clearance over the withers and that the saddle sits evenly on both sides
• Horse’s way of going – monitor changes in performance, willingness, or behaviour under saddle

“Consistently running your hands under the panels and observing your horse before and after work can help you pick up early signs of change,” she advises.

Signs a saddle doesn’t fit as well as it should

Common indicators include:

• uneven sweat patterns
• dry patches
• ruffled hair under the saddle
• reluctance to be tacked up
• resistance under saddle
• hollowing
• change in performance
• muscle wastage
• soreness
• sensitivity when grooming around the saddle area

Who can check saddle fit?

Owners should look for a fitter qualified through the SMS, such as a qualified saddle fitter (QSF). This ensures they have undergone recognised training, assessment, and adhere to professional standards. You can find more information about saddle fitting qualifications at mastersaddlers.co.uk.

Ruth adds that “ongoing professional development and insurance are also important indicators of a reputable practitioner”.

Regarding specific brands, Ruth says that a well-qualified, independent saddle fitter should be able to assess a wide range of saddles.

“Some brands do have specific design features, however, so a fitter with experience or training in that brand can be beneficial in some cases,” she adds.

“Ultimately, the priority should be the fitter’s qualifications, experience, and ability to work objectively in the horse’s best interest.”

How long does a standard saddle fit check take?

A standard saddle check typically takes 45–90 mins. It should include assessing the horse statically and in motion, templating, evaluating the saddle on and off the horse, checking flocking and balance, and observing the rider where possible.

Any necessary adjustments, such as flocking, may be carried out on the day or scheduled for a later date.

How much does saddle fitting cost?

As with many costs of keeping a horse, prices can vary depending on location and the level of service, Ruth explains, but costs “typically range from around £50 to £100 for a standard check, with additional costs for adjustments such as reflocking”.

She advises that it is always worth clarifying what’s included in the fee before booking an appointment.

“I struggle to find someone willing to check a saddle they haven’t sold me” – any advice?

Ruth agrees that this is a common frustration, but says “there are good fitters who will assess any saddle objectively”.

She suggests searching the SMS register to find qualified professionals in your area.

“When contacting fitters, be upfront about your needs – many will offer a check-and-advice service even if you’re not looking to purchase. Building a relationship with a trusted fitter over time can also make future appointments easier,” says Ruth.

“It’s worth remembering that an ethical, professional fitter’s priority should always be the welfare of the horse, regardless of where the saddle was purchased.”

• For unlimited access to advice on how best to care for your horse, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also enjoy: 

9 saddle pads that will help prevent slipping

8 anatomical girths for freedom of movement and saddle stability

The Horse & Hound Podcast 143: Emily King | When to call a qualified saddle fitter

All in a day’s work for a master saddle fitter… *H&H Plus*

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Reins are an essential piece of riding equipment, but are often sold separately when purchasing a bridle. Reins can be a personal choice, varying based on the rider’s hand size, horse size, and what style makes you feel the most confident and provides enough grip.

There are many types of reins available, which vary in their length, width, and overall design. This guide focuses on the most popular types that are suitable for use across the disciplines.

Best reins for horse riding: H&H’s quick guide

Best for everyday use: Shires Velociti Rapida SureGrip

Best for beginners: Balanced Support Full Rubber

Best for dressage: Cottage Craft Half Rubber

Best for cross-country: CountryDirect Thumb Best Grip

Best available in longer lengths: Heavy Horse Shop V Grip Rubber

Best reins for horse riding

What types of reins are good for beginner riders?

Beginners who struggle with balance would benefit from Balance Support Reins, while novice riders that find it a challenge to keep even rein contact would benefit from reins with coloured sections.

What thickness of reins should I choose?

The width of your reins should be chosen based on hand size and the type of horse you are riding. For riders with smaller hands, or those using a fine pony, a narrower ½inch width is ideal. This thinner option is also suitable when riding with two sets.

The most popular choice for general riding is the ⅝inch width, offering a slightly thicker feel. Even wider, ¾inch reins are a thicker option, often preferred by riders of very strong horses as the increased material offers a feeling of having more to hold.

• For unlimited access to the latest product news, buying guides and reviews, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also like:

13 anatomical bridles to ensure maximum comfort

9 bits designed with young horses in mind

A selection of the best stirrup leathers to complement your saddle

Looking for some new stirrup leathers? Here’s a selection of different types we think are worth a look at...

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

The best grackle bridles (also known as figure-of-eight or cross-over bridles) are designed to help prevent the horse from crossing its jaw or opening its mouth. This type of noseband is a variation of the flash. The grackle applies pressure more evenly over a larger area than a flash when the horse evades and allows more room around the nostrils.

If you want to switch to a grackle noseband, you can either buy a complete grackle bridle or the noseband on its own. If you’re buying a single noseband, it’s best to select leatherwork as similar as possible to the rest of your bridle. If you’re buying a new bridle, be aware that many don’t come with a pair of the best reins included, but matching ones are usually available separately.

Best grackle bridles: H&H’s quick guide

Best grackle bridle for the perfect fit: Henry James Saddlery Mexican

Best value grackle bridle: Eco Rider Freedom

Best premium grackle bridle: Antares Origin

Best grackle bridles

Types of grackle bridles

There are two types of grackle bridles – the English and the Mexican, which is sometimes known as the American or high-ring grackle.

The English is fitted with the upper strap of the noseband just below the cheekbones, while the upper strap of the Mexican is fitted higher up the head and has a softer action. The lower strap of both types fastens below the bit.

How to fit a grackle bridle

• The central pad on the noseband of any grackle bridle should sit as high as possible
• When fitting a Mexican grackle bridle, the top rings on the noseband should sit above the projecting cheek bone, with the top straps fastening around the upper jaw
• When fitting an English grackle bridle, the top straps of the noseband should sit underneath the cheek bone
• The lower strap on all grackle bridles should sit comfortably in the chin groove
• If the bridle has buckle fastenings on either side of the face, ideally they should be fastened on the same hole on both sides
• As a rule of thumb, you should be able to fit one finger easily between the horse’s face and the noseband to enable the horse to relax its jaw

• For unlimited access to the latest product news, buying guides and reviews, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also like:

13 anatomical bridles to ensure maximum comfort

8 bridles with flash nosebands that you might like in your tack room

8 bitless bridles to consider if you’re thinking of making the switch

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

International rider Carmen Edwards shares his thoughts on the handling of the recent tack rule changes by British Showjumping, buying horses at auction and whether an app could solve some of the issues when moving horses to and from Europe

If there’s one thing the recent chaos over tack rule changes has shown, it’s that British Showjumping (BS) needs to communicate better.

It’s a difficult task trying to create rules for a membership that encompasses everybody from 70cm riders to those jumping grands prix, but if our governing body could be a bit more talkative, we could work together to improve the sport.

I can’t see how these new guidelines improve the sport in any way. Nobody knows who is making up these rules, on what evidence, or why.

The use of several bits, including gags, combination bits and hackamores, has been impacted but it is hard to see the logic behind the decision. Some rules make sense – I understand the banning of bit clips, in case they break – but others are mystifying.

BS has a paying membership but seems to be dictating what happens without consultation. You can never please everybody, but the organisation needs to be more democratic.

At the moment, rules are changed with no apparent consideration for their impact and competitors are given no time to prepare. Should we be going straight to banning tack, or should we take a different approach and have stronger measures for reporting misuse?

Breeding for success

I’m currently out in Spain on my favourite tour at Oliva Nova. It’s perfect for bringing on the young horses and it’s a shame we can’t replicate it at home. Even if you don’t make a sale here, you can come home with videos from lots of different arenas that you can send on to potential buyers, and show a horse’s progress.

Since we left the EU, there are fewer continental buyers sourcing horses from the UK. This is despite the fact our breeding has improved greatly in recent years, helped by advancements like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Twemlows do a great job, also offering semen from some very nice stallions, and they’ve recently started sponsoring the British Performance Horse (BPH) auction, run by James Wilson, Danny Dunne and Jake Saywell. Twemlows foal and look after hundreds of horses, so it should be an exciting collaboration for British breeding.

Auctions can be very expensive but BPH offers some value-for-money options for horses to bring on and produce. We have had a couple of really nice horses from there.

Historically, auctions haven’t always worked in the UK – we lost Brightwells, and while the Billy Stud auctions have been a success, the horses are from the one breeding programme. I like that BPH is overseen by James, Danny and Jake together, as three heads are better than one.

It would be fantastic if BPH can promote British breeding, and aim for 90% of their catalogue to be bred here.

An app to solve travel woes?

In my last column, I spoke about the horse welfare issues stemming from delays at the ports. The more I’ve thought about it, the more I am convinced that an app is the way forward. If this takes off then I’d also like my share of the profits!

If we can have an app for the NHS, and if domestic pets can travel simply on passports, then why can’t our carnets, blood results and health paperwork all be stored digitally?

Even if using a “carnet” app required a restriction on travel time, say between 7am and 7pm, to make sure vets were present, it would be preferable to the current arrangement.

At the moment, once a trip is complete, all the paperwork goes in the bin, which can’t be great for the environment either.

Vets not having to drop health papers off will also save them time and us a call-out fee.

Progress with this has to start soon – the problems can’t be allowed to persist indefinitely.

● What did you think of British Showjumping’s recent rule changes regarding tack and bitting? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your views published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major events, as well as exclusive insights from top names, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also enjoy reading:

Riders raise concerns over unexpected new tack rules

An innovative new jumping class could boost spectators and create a fresh market for 1.30m horses, suggests Carmen Edwards

‘Why can’t our national showjumping champion have a crack at Hickstead’s King George,’ asks Carmen Edwards

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Rebecca Penny shares her thoughts on new classes and tack rule changes as the new showing season gets underway

Finally, it feels like we are getting a break from the relentless rain, and a new season is fast approaching. With it comes change, some of it a positive step forward, and some of it more contentious. I fully support rules that protect equine welfare, yet not every update inspires confidence.

On the positive side, the increasing popularity of the London International has brought some exciting additions. The two new working sports pony classes are a welcome inclusion. So, too, are the first pony of hunter type and cradle stakes at the Royal International (RIHS) as these classes give our younger riders a fantastic introduction to top-level showing.

I’ve managed to attend a couple of winter shows with some newly broken ponies, and I popped along to an unaffiliated event. It was lovely to see classes with 20-plus entries so early in the year, even though I was supposedly out for a quiet outing for purely educational purposes.

Veteran classes have also been introduced to the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) line-up this year, which is undoubtedly a great addition. However, I’m sure I wouldn’t be the only one disappointed to see these classes restricted to amateur riders.

Amateurs are being given more and more opportunities, which is fantastic. However I still believe HOYS should be a showcase for the best horses in the country, regardless of the owner’s status.

It feels like a real kick in the teeth for competitors who don’t fit into that bracket, particularly owners with older horses or ponies that they no longer wish to compete in open classes, but who they have kept and cared for over many years.

Where is the science?

Some of the National Pony Society’s (NPS) newly adopted tack regulations for 2026 raise serious questions.

Take the blanket ban on the Swedish crank noseband, solely adopted by the NPS. This design is entirely legal under FEI rules and widely used in British Dressage.

The FEI is an organisation that has invested significant time, expertise and financial resource into researching tack, biomechanics and equine welfare, so why has the society taken a different stance? What evidence, consultation, or research underpins this decision?

In-depth studies show a properly fitted crank noseband exerts no more pressure than a cavesson. Issues occur predominantly when it is misused, either by incorrect fitting or over-tightening. The use of the FEI noseband measuring tool to spot check seems to be the approach all other associations have followed.

The fact that the NPS has independently adopted this rule also creates conflict when a HOYS qualifier is held at an NPS show, as HOYS rules take precedence, meaning a crank noseband could be used in that class. How can two conflicting tack rules be applied at the same show?

In the context of navigating a crowded ring on a large breed stallion with 20 or more ponies cantering at speed, mares passing in close proximity and heightened levels of excitement, I can understand why a rider might prefer to use a correctly fitted crank noseband. It is typically padded, and designed to distribute pressure in a more stable way should a pony become unsettled and try to cross his jaw.

In such a scenario, a small adult rider, particularly one riding within the permitted 20% weight ratio, has a better chance of maintaining safety and ensuring an enjoyable experience.

It also seems illogical that these regulations can restrict experienced adult riders where control and safety are critical. Yet in stark contrast, novice M&M first ridden classes allow children as young as six or seven to have more freedom over their bitting choice, even though their balance and ability to maintain consistent contact are still developing.

This inconsistency highlights both practical and safety concerns. Rules should be informed, practical, and evidence-based. Ignoring riding realities and established research risks compromising both rider safety and horse welfare.

● What do you think of recent rule and class changes? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your views published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major events, as well as exclusive insights from top names, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also enjoy reading:

Do you know a cavesson from a Kineton? The complete guide to nosebands

Transparency or a ‘state of limbo’? HOYS returns to 2024 judging format

New series with £1,000 top prize to reward consistent combinations

From STARS to HOYS: 13 show ring opportunities for amateurs in 2026

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

New tack rules in British Showjumping (BS) have caused debate among riders.

On 6 March the governing body announced that following a recent national sports committee meeting, amendments had been made to the tack and equipment rules. Cheltenham gags with roundings and Stephens continental hackamores are no longer permitted with immediate effect – and other bits including the Beris Mullen Comfort Tandem, hammerhead spurs and bridle clips, are among items to be banned from 1 April.

The announcement generated discussion on social media around the notice period – and the reasoning behind the changes. Some riders said they had recently bought bridles with clips or bits that are no longer permitted; others raised concerns about having to find a new bit to suit a particular horse at short notice.

Rider Derek Morton told H&H he believes riders should have more input into rule changes.

“There doesn’t seem to be any sort of discussion with the membership, we don’t know where the root of these changes is coming from. If it’s welfare related, that’s fair enough and would give us a bit more of an understanding, but it just seems to be random things coming out of the blue,” he said.

“It’s like with everything, spurs and bits can be as soft or hard as you want depending who is using them – with a Cheltenham gag, it’s softer with the roundings than having two reins, so I don’t understand where these ideas have come from. Then if you look at FEI competition, it’s a completely different set of rules.”

Shirley Light of Brendon Stud questioned why certain bits have been banned

“I’m not a lover of bridle clips because I’ve seen too many horses put their heads down to rub their head on their front leg and undo the clip – but when it comes to the bits, some of the ones listed are very well made, with good materials and mechanisms, and I can’t understand why they’ve banned them,” Shirley told H&H.

“I’ve got a six-year-old that goes beautifully in the Bomber Happy Tongue Hybrid, and now I have two weeks to find a different bit for him. Unless there’s an extreme reason behind it, rules should be brought on 1 January.”

On 13 March BS issued “clarification”, stating that members are “encouraged to review the clarification” to ensure they are fully up to date with the latest guidance before competing.

In this update, BS confirmed that rope nosebands are not permitted, only one noseband may be worn in competition, and horses may compete without a noseband. The document states that any bit with adjustable mechanisms is not permitted, clips are not allowed on a bridle, with the exception of the throatlash – and further information has been provided around hackamores; this includes that no metal may be inserted in the nose piece, padding or sheepskin, cheeks may not exceed 17cm and the back strap of the hackamore must be made of leather.

H&H has contacted BS for comment.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Information shared in new showjumping concussion suspension rule: ‘We have to protect riders’

Places to stay if you’re heading to Addington for the Winter Dressage Champs or Blue Chips

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Many horse owners favour the best leather headcollars over synthetic varieties. As leather should break under pressure, they are considered safer and are advisable if you’re transporting horses. They’re also considered more comfortable for the horse, especially if they’re an ergonomic and padded style.

A good leather headcollar also looks very smart, and should be long-lasting if cared for correctly with one of the best leather cleaner and conditioners. Some leather headcollars also come with nameplates that you can engrave with your horse’s name, which also makes them one of the best personalised gifts for horse lovers.

Best leather headcollars

What is the best headcollar for travelling?

A leather headcollar is considered the best choice for safety reasons. In the event of an emergency, leather will break under extreme pressure or can be easily cut, reducing the risk of injury.

If you don’t wish to use a leather headcollar, you could also consider one of the best field-safe headcollars as they are also designed to break under pressure.

• For unlimited access to the latest product news, buying guides and reviews, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also like…

The best tack cleaners and conditioners that will bring shine to your tack room

7 of the best field-safe headcollars designed to prevent injury

Worried you might forget something? Here’s a complete packing list for travel

8 rope halters that give more precise aids for training

6 simple steps to supple and sparkling tack

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

I learnt how to clean tack as a child – at the time it was not my favourite job at the stables where I spent my weekends, but looking back I’m glad we were drilled in it because I’m not sure where else I would have learnt how to do it in the pre-internet days.

Years later, while at equine college, I won a competition that involved putting a bridle back together while blindfolded. I remember being surprised at how many of the other students had never taken a bridle apart to put it back together, while I was feeling confident I could do so by feel alone – who knew how handy my tack cleaning practice would be all those years later.

Nowadays, like most horse owners, I probably don’t clean my tack as frequently as I should as I was once told: “Georgia, if you’ve got time to clean your horse’s tack you don’t have time to ride it”, but I still pull out all the stops if I’m heading out in public or if I’m tasked with putting the best saddle soaps to test.

I’ll take you through everything you need to clean your horse’s tack, including what to use and a few tips I’ve picked up along the way, to help you clean your kit in the best and most efficient way.

Horse tack cleaning kit

You will need:

• two sponges – one for cleaning, one for conditioning
• microfibre cloths (like these) for buffing and drying
• leather cleaner
• leather conditioner
• soft toothbrush
• cocktail stick
• bucket of warm water

How to clean tack

1. Take the tack apart

For a full and proper clean, you need to take the bridle apart completely – including the martingale if you have one. The same goes removing stirrups, stirrup leathers and girth from the saddle. Remove the bit and unbuckle every strap on the bridle – you can’t clean the leather under the buckles if you leave it assembled, and that’s usually where sweat and dirt causes the most damage.

2. The dry wipe

Use a dry cloth to wipe off loose hair, dust, and dried mud off the leather. If you jump straight to a wet sponge, you’ll just be “painting” mud into the pores of the leather.

3. The deep clean

Dampen your sponge (it should be damp, not dripping) and apply your leather cleaner (I like this one). Focus on the buildup of grease and sweat that you’ll find on the undersides of straps.

Soak the bit in warm water to loosen dried saliva or grass, then scrub it clean, using a toothbrush to get into the links. Do not use leather cleaner or chemicals on the bit. Do the same with the stirrup irons and use a toothbrush on the tread.

4. Rinse and dry

Wipe away any excess saddle soap with a clean, slightly damp cloth, then let the leather air dry naturally.

Never put leather near a heater or in direct sunlight to dry as it will shrink and crack.

5. Condition and feed

Once the leather is clean and dry, it’s time to put the oils back in. Apply your leather conditioner (I like this one) with a clean sponge or cloth.

Avoid over-oiling as the leather will attract more dirt. You should also avoid heavy oiling on the seat of your saddle unless you fancy a very slippery ride and oily breeches.

6. Buff and reassemble

Use a dry microfibre cloth to buff the leather to a soft sheen and polish your metal buckles (I use this one). Then put everything back together, ensuring all the runners and keepers are in place.

How to clean mouldy leather

If you’ve not cleaned your tack in a while and come across mouldy leather, make sure you clean it outside to avoid spreading spores. Wipe off any mould with a damp cloth, which should be soaked in boiling water with disinfectant if you plan to use it again, then treat the tack with a leather-specific mould inhibitor (like this one), and finally condition the leather.

Check that stitching hasn’t rotted and that spores haven’t spread to other items. Fitting a low-wattage electric bar heater (like this one) in the tack room will help prevent leather from going mouldy.

How to clean synthetic tack

Synthetic tack is not only usually cheaper, but it is also easier to maintain – and you don’t need to use any soaps or conditioners. You can, if you would like, use a synthetic leather cleaner (like this one), but otherwise you just need to use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down synthetic leather areas.

For faux suede, use a stiff brush or suede brush (like this one) to lift the nap and restore the texture. If there is dried sweat, use a lightly damp sponge to dissolve it, then brush it once it’s dry.

Tack cleaning tips

• Gift your tack a “daily wipe” after every use – it might seem like hard work at the time, but it will make your life easier in the long run
• Keep tack cleaning wipes (like these ones) in your lorry or tack box – they’re perfect for a quick wipe down when you’re short of time
• If your bridle is not well worn, make a note of which holes your cheekpieces and noseband are done up on for a good fit before you take it apart
• Use a cocktail stick to gently poke out dirt and product deposits from buckle holes in the bridle pieces and stirrup leathers
• If you have a crystal browband, use a toothbrush to clean between the stones
• You can use any sponge, but a purpose-made tack cleaning sponge (like this one) will last well over time and create less waste

Why bother cleaning tack?

Keeping your tack clean keeps in it good condition from a safety point of view. It gives you a chance to check the stitching and fixings, so that you notice any wear and tear before it becomes an issue. Keeping the leather clean also increases its lifespan, preventing it from becoming brittle, which could cause it to break. Well-maintained leather lasts for decades, but neglected leather becomes dangerous.

A bridle breaking while it’s hung up is annoying – you’ll have to buy another – but a bridle or stirrup leather breaking while you’re riding could leave you in a tricky situation.

Aside from safety, keeping your tack clean is important if you want to look smart. This might not matter so much to you on a daily basis, but if you’ve got a lesson booked or have a show, competition or day’s hunting in the diary, it pays to make the effort.

Best way to store tack

Ideally, you want to tack room to be at a consistent ambient temperature, but this is often not the case. Storing your bridle in a bridle bag (like this one) and covering your saddle with a shaped cover (like this one) will give them extra protection.

• For more advice on how to look after your horse, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also enjoy:

The best tack cleaners and conditioners that will bring shine to your tack room

13 anatomical bridles to ensure maximum comfort

8 anatomical girths for freedom of movement and saddle stability

Technical stirrups — what’s on the market?

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Tack cleaning may not be your favourite task, but it’s essential, and using one of the best saddle soaps and leather conditioners will help your leatherwork last longer and keep it looking smarter.

Saddles and bridles, as well as other items of leather tack, such as the best anatomical girths, are a real investment, so it’s important to clean and look after them. Luckily, there are many saddle soaps and conditioners available to make this necessary chore quicker and easier.

Best saddle soaps and tack cleaners

Leather conditioners: what’s on the market?

This leather conditioner from Oakwood provides intense rehydration, while softening leather and repelling water for overall protection. It contains the perfect balance of natural nourishing waxes and oils including lanolin, beeswax, emu oil, tea tree and eucalyptus oil.

This natural leather care product cleans and creates a smooth, matt look, while also helping to waterproof the leather and protect against mould and mildew. It is ideal for use on riding boots.

A premium natural leather conditioner made with nourishing oils and pure beeswax, handcrafted in the UK. It deeply conditions, waterproofs and protects leather while leaving a rich, long-lasting finish.

This leather balsam is a conditioner and protector that is specially formulated to clean, rejuvenate and nourish leatherwork. It is made with natural waxes and oils to restore softness and long-lasting shine. It’s easy to apply and absorbs quickly into the leather, providing long-lasting protection against moisture, stains and scratches.

Effax Leather Balsam offers durability of leather while enhancing its appearance with a radiant shine. Enriched with nourishing ingredients like beeswax, lanolin, and avocado oil, it deeply conditions, keeping leather soft, supple, and protected. Ideal for maintaining saddles, bridles, boots, and other leather equipment.

This conditioner spray is based on the original solid bar best saddle soaps recipe and softens, preserves and shines leather. The clear conditioner is formulated with glycerine and coconut oil, for regular use with minimum effort. The glycerine fills and seals pores in the leather to form a barrier against salt, dirt, grease and water. Use after ‘Step 1’ Belvoir tack cleaner.

How often should you clean your tack?

It is good practice to wipe down your tack after every ride with one of the best saddle soaps to remove sweat and dirt that could end up causing irritation to your horse or damage your tack. If you ride in wet, or muddy conditions and your saddle gets dirty, it is important to clean your tack afterwards to remove any mud and dirt from the leather. Here’s some more advice on how to clean your horse’s tack.

If you’re really short on time there are products that clean and condition in one. It’s recommended to take your tack apart once a month so that you can give it a thorough clean and check stitching and leather for any damage.

How to store your tack and leatherwork

Often overlooked, storage is an important part of looking after your tack and keeping it in good condition. A tack room should be dry with good ventilation as damp conditions can cause leather to go mouldy and high temperatures may dry the leather out and it becomes brittle.

For added protection, ensure your saddle is covered with a cloth or saddle cover (like this one), and that it is placed on a saddle stand or rack rather than on the floor. Bridles should also be hung up to keep them protected and you may also opt for a bridle bag (like this one) for added protection.

• For unlimited access to the latest product news, buying guides and reviews, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also like:

6 simple steps to supple and sparkling tack

13 anatomical bridles to ensure maximum comfort

8 anatomical girths for freedom of movement and saddle stability

9 of the best leather headcollars for travelling, competing and everyday wear

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

The best short dressage girths support your horse’s movement, reduce pressure and improve comfort under a dressage saddle. Nowadays, anatomical girth designs are far popular, with cutaways for elbow clearance and wide panels to spread pressure at the sternum. And picking the right girth to complement your horse and his dressage saddle can help prevent rubbing, pinching, and tension – all of which can affect performance and relaxation.

In this guide, I’ve highlighted the top-rated short girths for dressage horses on the market, from premium designs to budget-friendly basics – because let’s face it, dressage is expensive enough already. I’ve focused on comfort, fit and features that really make a difference in how your horse feels and moves.

Best short dressage girths H&H’s quick guide

Best budget dressage girth: Hy Equestrian Waffle

Best all-round girth under £120: LeMieux Gel-Tek Anatomic Curve

Best dressage girth for sensitive horses: Stübben Equi-Soft

Best high-performance short dressage girth: Fairfax Performance

• Simpler build with fewer anatomical or pressure‑dispersing features than higher‑end specialist girths

• Occasionally runs a little short

• Premium price point

• Premium price point

• Synthetic material won’t appeal to leather purists

• Simplified design means fewer premium features (cut‑away shape, anatomical panels) compared with higher‑end models

• For flatter or straighter girth grooves, you might prefer a simpler design

• While well-priced, it lacks some of the high-end tech (e.g., specialised foam or gel)

• Doesn’t have the anatomical premium shaping or high‑end materials

• Premium price point means this is likely more of an investment than a routine schooling girth

• The setup might be too expensive or complex for riders not looking for marginal gains

Are anatomical girths better?

They can be – it really does depend on your horse. Anatomical girths are shaped to avoid pressure on sensitive areas, especially around the elbows and sternum, which can make a big difference for horses who get tight or uncomfortable when girthed.

Some horses show an immediate improvement in movement or softness; others feel no different at all. Like most tack, it’s about finding what works for your horse’s body shape and way of going. Not every anatomical girth will suit every horse.

How to choose a dressage girth?

Start with your horse’s shape. Think about how deep the girth groove (the narrowest part of a horse’s body, behind the elbows, where the girth sits) is, how wide or narrow the chest is, and whether there’s enough clearance behind the elbows.

Look for soft materials, even pressure distribution, and enough flexibility to move with the horse. If your horse is girthy, sensitive, or changes shape easily, it’s worth spending a bit more on something with anatomical shaping or specialist cushioning.

And always check the sizing charts – height and barrel shape matter just as much as the length.

Do short girths need to be tight?

They need to be snug – but not cranked right up. With monoflap saddles, especially, it can be tempting to overtighten to stop the saddle moving, but a properly shaped girth with good elasticity shouldn’t need to be done up to the last hole.

Aim for even tension on both sides and check that the buckles sit comfortably above the elbow. A girth that moves with your horse, rather than locking everything in place, is usually the better bet.

You might also like:

Great stirrup options for flatwork and dressage

8 anatomical girths for freedom of movement and saddle stability

The best tack cleaners and conditioners that will bring shine to your tack room

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

A new rule for tack or rider-induced blood has been proposed in showjumping – as terminology concerning “minor cases” is scrapped.

The final draft of the FEI rules changes that will go to the vote at the general assembly (4–7 November) have been published. The first draft was released on 8 July, and national federations and stakeholders had until 26 August to submit feedback.

The showjumping rules are undergoing a full revision this year and there has been much deliberation over blood-related eliminations, including repeated calls for sanctions to have proportionality when it came to “micro or minor” cases of blood on the horse.

In the first draft of rule changes the FEI proposed that “any minor blood cases” will result in a recording warning – and blood not considered minor will result in elimination or disqualification and maybe separate disciplinary proceedings.

This was met with mixed reviews over the definition of “minor”. The German federation said “the determination between minor and more than minor blood could lead to different results between events and officials”.

The International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) welcomed the FEI’s revised approach as “a more fair and proportionate solution to a sensitive issue” – but raised concerns that “the terms ‘minor ’and ‘natural causes’ remain open to subjective interpretation”. The IJRC called for the event’s FEI veterinary delegate to be consulted by the ground jury to provide expert opinion in these cases.

The FEI said that following the latest comments, it had removed the word minor “as it is indeed challenging for officials to determine if the blood is minor or not and it could lead to inconsistencies in its implementation in practice”.

The FEI added that in addition the “concept of blood on the horse caused by tack or equipment or any athlete-induced blood” has been introduced.

“This is similar to what is already applicable in eventing for cross-country. We have removed the initial wording about elimination or disqualification in this specific article on recorded warning as other provisions in the rules apply for this (abuse of horse, excessive use of spurs, whips, etc),” said the FEI spokesperson.

“Finally, we have now added that the horse must be fit to compete in order to compete again and that the veterinary delegate will be consulted.”

The new wording that will be voted on states: any blood in the horse caused by tack or equipment or any athlete-induced blood detected during a competition will result in a recorded warning for first and second offences. Should the person responsible receive two or more warnings at the same or any other event within 12 months, they will receive a 1,000CHF fine and be suspended for a month.

In cases of blood where a horse appears to have bitten its tongue or lip, or is bleeding from the nose, the blood may be wiped and the combination can continue, “provided that the horse is deemed fit to compete”. No warning will apply in these cases

In all of these cases of blood under this article, the horse may only be permitted to continue in a competition or participate in any subsequent competitions at the event if the ground jury, in consultation with the vet delegate, has deemed the horse fit to compete.

“Tack is integral to our sport”

On 14 October showjumping stakeholders held a meeting on “shaping the future of tack requirements in the sport”. Discussions included whether rules should vary by competition level or rider experience, if there should be a list of “acceptable” tack combinations, and if current rules, controls and education systems for officials are sufficient.

“Jumping is evolving, and our rules must evolve with it. We need a proactive framework that protects horse welfare, supports athletes, and ensures safety. Tack is integral to our sport; its correct use requires skill and understanding, and it is fundamental to performance and welfare,” said FEI secretary general Sabrina Ibáñez.

The FEI has proposed to consolidate descriptions and principles relating to tack from all discipline specific-rules into a single tack and equipment section, effective from 1 January 2026, but for showjumping this is deferred until January 2027.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

New rules proposed around blood, eliminations and whips in showjumping

‘The rule needs to evolve’: further calls for revamp of elimination for blood in showjumping

Are the blood rules in FEI horse sport working – and how can we move forward?

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Ireland’s Sam Watson and Ballyneety Rocketman have risen from 33rd after the dressage to 16th going into the final showjumping phase at the 2025 Defender Burghley Horse Trials. But his cross-country round wasn’t without incident.

Sam and the 11-year-old he co-owns alongside his wife, Hannah, picked up 23.2 time-faults around the Derek di Grazia-designed cross-country course, mostly due to the gelding becoming very keen after jumping the Irish Horse Board Cottesmore Leap at fence 11. But Sam also suffered a tack malfunction just one minute into the course, when the outside of his stirrup snapped.

“A lot of things were thrown at me, including my stirrup breaking one minute into the course at the Lion Bridge at fence four,” explained Sam. “I decided the leather was okay, but it meant my foot was slipping off the side of it.

“You have to give it to my horse though, he dug deep in that moment.”

Sam said that he had to think very quickly to analyse the situation and make a decision about what he was going to do.

“I had to think about how I was going to manage to jump round with the stirrup broken and then change my tactics a little bit. And then when he became keen I had to add in some little turns to regain rideability – it was a challenging 12 minutes.”

Speaking further about his broken stirrup on the Burghley Horse Trials cross-country course, Sam Watson explained: “There was nothing keeping my foot in, so I had to get a bit more balance in my toe and tried to take the weight onto my knee, but my horse wanted to jump the fences and I have to credit him for that.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout Burghley and other major shows this year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website, from £1 a week. Horse & Hound’s 20-page magazine report on Burghley is published in 11 September issue, including full analysis and exclusive comment from six-time Burghley winner William Fox-Pitt.

You might also be interested in:

Ros Canter leads after Burghley cross-country with superb performance, tweaking her style to account for her pregnancy

‘Burghley is always the monster in this sport’ – riders react to new-look cross-country course

How to watch Burghley Horse Trials 2025 live streams and on TV wherever you are

One horse withdrawn before Burghley final trot-up as 29 progress to showjumping

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Most riders who use auxiliary reins do so owing to others’ influence and their own lack of skill, research has found – and those who use them tend to have less knowledge of equine biomechanics than those who do not.

In a study published in ScienceDirect and presented at the International Society for Equitation Science conference (23–26 July), researchers investigated equestrians’ use of auxiliary reins, such as side- and draw reins. A survey, which had 570 responses, gathered data on demographics, behavioural factors relating to the use of auxiliary reins and riders’ biomechanical knowledge.

Among the results, 344 participants said they had used or would use auxiliary reins. When asked about knowledge level, 39% of total respondents felt they had moderate to good knowledge of equine biomechanics, but 280 participants, 81.4%, were unable to identify a balanced trot, from diagram sequences.

Lead author Mikaela Tapuska of the University of Edinburgh told H&H the aim of the study was to determine why equestrians used auxiliary reins, what keeps them reliant on the equipment, their perceptions about how the aids might influence horses’ movement and whether these perceptions were supported by evidence.

“We found that equestrians most often started to use auxiliary reins due to the social influence of others and their own lack of skill, either real or perceived,” she said.

Ms Tapuska added that most often, riders continue to use the auxiliary reins less because of others’ influence and more because it suits them, their horses and their ability and situation.

“Once human behaviours were established, perceived horse characteristics and lack of rider ability were the most prominent barriers to reduced auxiliary rein usage,” the study states. “Equestrians who presently used or would use [them] tended to have lower biomechanical knowledge scores than those who no longer used [them].”

Ms Tapuska said: “The perceived benefits of using auxiliary reins had become part of the solution to their riding-related challenges. But most equestrians did not demonstrate strong evidence-based knowledge of the possible effects of auxiliary reins on the horse’s movement.

“It was interesting how important auxiliary reins were suggested to be in making up for lack of skill – even when equestrians had likely gained more experience. We’ve often relied on educational interventions to improve horse welfare, which increase people’s knowledge. However in many of these cases the respondents indicated that they knew auxiliary reins weren’t an optimal approach, but used them anyway.”

Ms Tapuska said this work would be useful for coaches and trainers, who were found to hold “a huge influence” over students and clients.

“If we could get the governing bodies on board as well, that would really help influence change at every level of the sport, because changing behaviour in this sector relies very much on the social context,” she said.

“I hope this research inspires a conversation, or at least some reflection, regarding how we can do better in training upcoming equestrians.”

• Read the full paper

Prof Dr Inga Wolframm of the Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, who supervised the work alongside Dr Victoria Lindsey-McGee from the University of Edinburgh, told H&H: “If we want to encourage meaningful change in the equestrian world we need to understand what drives people to do what they do.

“Interestingly, the vast majority of riders don’t start using auxiliary reins because they want to force the horse into a frame. More often, they believe they are not physically capable of achieving a training goal themselves, or they believe their horse isn’t.”

“Even though these two beliefs are closely linked, the distinction is important. The first is an internal barrier – a lack of perceived competence – the second is externalised onto the horse.”

Dr Wolframm added that although education is important, social context plays a “critical role” in equestrianism.

“The equestrian sector can sometimes feel fragmented, with different groups pointing fingers at each other. But ultimately, we all identify as horse people. If we want to move forward, we need to collectively embrace the principle of welfare; not just in words, but in deeds. And we need to create environments that support that principle,” she said.

“We need governing bodies to implement and enforce clear welfare standards. But informally, we need credible ambassadors at every level of the sport to model good practice. From elite riders to local trainers, from competition arenas to riding schools, the message has to be consistent and lived.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Searching out the best jump saddles to find one that fits and works for you as well as your horse isn’t something you can do solely on the internet, but it’s a good place to start. Unlike most purchasing decisions you make, this one really has to strike the balance between getting the best one for you and the perfect fit for your horse – if it’s not quite right for either of you, the chances are you won’t get as many clear rounds as you potentially could.

H&H recommends consulting a qualified saddle fitter prior to purchase and following up with regular checks to tailor the fit to your horse’s changing shape. The links below should help direct you to local stockists of the best jump saddles. You might also want to check out what stirrup leathers, technical stirrups, girths and jump saddle pads are on offer, too.

Best jump saddles

Whitaker Overton

Colours: Black or Havana

Seat sizes: 16–18in

RRP: £1,095

Part of the Whitaker Demands collection, this saddle is described as low maintenance, with a forward cut and interchangeable gullet. It has a large padded knee roll that is staggered to encourage proper leg positioning. The leather flap also features a padded section at the skirt to stop creasing and aid comfort. The underpanels are made from a synthetic leather and memory foam core that moulds to the shape of your horse, but there are also felt slits should you require additional flocking.

More info and stockists at johnwhitaker.com

Bates Victrix

Colours: Black or Havana with coloured highlights

Seat sizes: 16.5–17.5in

RRP: £3,099

This jump saddle is lightweight, compact and ultra-close contact offering your horse complete freedom in every stride. It has an adjustable ergonomic stirrup bar and adjustable blocks that aid balance and allow you to fine tune your position for your perfect natural alignment.

More info and stockists at batessaddles.co.uk

Albion Fusion Mono-Flap Jump

Colours: Black or brown

Seat sizes: 16.5–18.5in

RRP: £4,635

The monoflap design helps to create a closer contact and a lighter weight design. The fusion benefits from modern styling, a new flat seat and a pure wool flock and felt-lined panel to allow for minor adjustments. The refined weight-bearing panels work in conjunction with the low-profile seat, ensuring the correct balance of the saddle when in work. The Fusion Mono-flap Jump saddle has been extensively researched and trialled with a wide cohort of riders varying in abilities.

More info and stockists at albionengland.co.uk

Amerigo Salto Vega

Colours: Black, brown, cognac or red brown

Seat sizes: 16.5–18.5in

RRP: £4,507

This saddle is designed for horses with an average length of withers to the deepest point and a straighter topline, but it’s also great for short backed horses and bigger warmbloods. There are four flap lengths available and you can choose between grip leather, pinerolo leather and traditional leather. Customisation is available in nameplates, coloured stitching and coloured welting,

More info and stockists at amerigo-saddles.com

Equipe Saint Tropez

Colours: Black, brown, cognac or red brown

Seat sizes: 16–18in

RRP: From £2,993

Perfect for riders seeking balance and style, comfort and performance. Made from high-quality leather, this saddle has a composite tree and semi-deep seat to help the rider maintain a balanced and secure position.

More info and stockists at selleriaequipe.it

Fairfax Deluxe Monoflap XC

Colours: Black or Havana

Seat sizes: 17–18in, N–XXW

RRP: £2,490

This saddle is for riders looking for a cross-country or jumping saddle with a close-contact feel. It is fully covered in super-soft full grain hide for superb grip and looks, the knee block is large and supportive, providing enhanced security galloping or over fences. Wool flocking, changeable gullet bar and unique monoflap girthing options that really help with stability. Also available in a low wither version that’s perfect for Connemaras, cobs and crosses.

More info and stockists at fairfaxsaddles.com

GFS Premier Jump

Colours: Black, brown or Bordeaux

Seat sizes: 15.5–18in

RRP: £1,795

This jump saddle is a forward-cut monoflap saddle designed for jumping and eventing. It offers extreme close contact due to reduced bulk under the leg and seamless girth points. The saddle features a flexible polymer synthetic webbed tree and is available in various seat depths and flap lengths to suit rider preferences.

More info and stockists at gfsriding.co.uk

Jeffries Liberty Jump

Colours: Black or Havana

Seat sizes: 16.5–18in, M–XXW

RRP: £2,736

The Liberty tree has flatter rails and an open head that make it ideal for warmbloods and heavier horse types.The wool-flocked panel has a good depth and bearing surface. The saddle has an open head, generous gullet and soft dual density seat. Other features include substantial knee and thigh blocks and stitched knee pads. Also available as a monoflap.

More info and stockists at ejeffries.co.uk

Pessoa Gen-X Elite

Colours: Black, oak or brown

Seat sizes: 16.5–18in

RRP: £2,450

This saddle has a square cantle to help the rider develop a perfect jumping position, while double adjustable rubber knee rolls offer comfort, security and stability. It is particularly suited to the modern day sports horse and has interchangeable gullet plates so you can change the width of the saddle if your horse changes shape.

More info and stockists at pessoa-saddlesuk.com

Stübben Portos

Colours: Black, Havana, ebony or tobacco

Seat sizes: 16.5–18in

RRP: From £2,910

This close-contact jump saddle has a narrow twist and flat panel with a short rib, which reduces the distance between you and your horse. The saddle is made of full grain, soft leather and has eye-catching decorative stitching. There are plenty of customisation options available with this saddle.

More info and stockists at stuebben.co.uk

Wow DMK Peak

Colours: Wide range of combinations and customisation options

Seat sizes: 16–19in, N–XXW

RRP: From £4,744

This saddle has an exceptionally close contact seat as well as a new adjustable seatbone support system that helps the rider sit level and distribute their weight equally. An adjustable under flap leg support can be moved creating maximum lower leg stability. Interchangeable panels and headplates ensure a perfect fit for every horse, even after shape changes. The panel choices include the new BBS panel with its massive bearing surface encouraging the horse to lift through its back.

More info and stockists at wowsaddles.com

Voltaire Design Lexington

Colours: Black or brown

Sizes: 16–21in

RRP: From £4,434

This fully customisable lightweight, mono flap jump saddle offers a half deep seat and multiple flap possibilities to accommodate the rider. The anatomical panels are custom made for each horse to ensure support, comfort and freedom of movement.

More info and stockists at voltairedesign.com

Wintec 500 Close Contact

Colours: Black or brown

Sizes: 16.5–17in

RRP: £809

This leather-look, easy-care saddle has an open seat with a low cantle. The super-soft panels are designed to mould in and around your horse.

More info and stockists at wintec-saddles.co.uk

Arena Jump

Colours: Black or brown

Sizes: 16.5–18in

RRP: £999

This saddle has been designed to allow your horse to move freely on the flat and over fences. It’s shaped to help you maintain the correct position and is now available in smaller seat sizes, too.

More info and stockists at arenasaddles.co.uk

Bliss Loxley Jump Monoflap

Colours: Black, cocoa, claret or custom colours

Sizes: 15–18.5in

RRP: £2,780

This close contact jump saddle is designed with a fashionable monoflap to offer a close contact feel, with the added benefit of a lighter weight saddle. A shallow seat with moulded front blocks provides direct support and a unique 3-point flexible billet system creates greater stability. This saddle is available in our range of classic, warmblood, hoop, close-contact, adjustable, or pony trees. Made in England using tactile calf nappa leather for suppleness and grip with plenty of design detail options to personalise your saddle.

More info and stockists at bliss-of-london.com

AMZ Platinum jump saddle

Colours: Black, brown, tan or chestnut

Seat sizes: 16.5–18in

RRP: From £2,395

This dual-flap, forward-cut saddle is designed to offer stability and security over a fence yet the freedom to move with your horse. It has a chunkier knee roll for a secure leg position and is crafted in the UK from high quality British leather selected for its durability and longevity. The saddle is fully customisable with coloured welting, stitching and an array of personalisation.

More info and stockists at amzsaddles.co.uk

Equiline Valor JMP

Colours: Black or brown

Sizes: 16–18in

RRP: From £3,800

This jump saddle has been designed with a medium-deep seat to offer a secure, comfortable position that enhances rider stability. Built with the innovative Coreshield tree and soft Italian leather, it offers exceptional comfort and responsiveness. Ideal for both jumping and flat work, it combines modern design with customisable features for horse and rider.

More info and stockists at equiline.it/uk

Childéric FSC

Colours: Black, Irish, master or chataigne

Seat sizes: 15–19in

RRP: From £4,500

Offering a bespoke cut and twist, this saddle aims to brig you closer to your horse and give you the feel and position you want. It offers a slightly deeper seat than other Childéric jump saddles. The open head enables the saddle to be shared between horses more easily. All saddles are fully bespoke and therefore available in single or double flap, and with options for integrated panels and customisable flap design. Stitching and piping colour is also fully bespoke.

More info and stockists at childericsaddles.co.uk

Comfort Elite Elevation

Colours: Black, dark brown or custom

Seat sizes: 16.5–18in

RRP: £2,495

The tree used in this saddle is described as being able to ‘fit a large range of horses and ponies, and great for really wide horses. It has a deep, contoured seat, large adjustable knee blocks and fixed external thigh blocks. The monoflap saddle comes with a special wide gullet, large weight-bearing panels in gel foam or flocking, and four girthing straps. Custom options are available, including knee blocks, twist, flap length, or suede/doeskin seat or knee rolls.

More info and stockists at comfort-saddles.com

Smart Elite Jump Saddle

Colours: Black or Havana

Seat sizes: Available in 4 seat sizes

RRP: From £3,495

This close contact saddle has a narrow twist and recessed thigh support, which enables the rider to make controlled postural adjustments and precise aids. The open seat profile offers the rider more manoeuvrability, while the fully flexible saddle also allows your horse’s jumping to be unimpeded.

It has deep panels with a larger surface area, to support and lift the saddle on a wide range of back shapes, and a contoured shape that creates clearance around a prominent wither.

More info and stockists at smartsaddles.com

What’s the difference between a GP and a jump saddle?

A GP (general purpose) saddle is designed for riders who enjoy doing a bit of everything. They typically have a fairly deep seat and short flaps, which offers balance and a good range of movement for you and your horse. A jump saddle tends to be more forward cut, have a much flatter seat and give you a closer contact with your horse. They also have knee and/or thigh blocks to offer security and help you achieve the right position while showjumping.

What’s a monoflap saddle?

A traditional (or dual flap) saddle has two flaps that sit under your leg, and the girth straps lie between them, while the stirrup leathers lay on top. A monoflap saddle is designed to offer you a closer contact with your horse – it has a single flap and the girth straps emerge from underneath it.

You might also like:

8 saddle pads worth pairing with your jump saddle

20 excellent GP saddles – ideal for the rider who does a bit of everything

11 stud girths to protect your horse while jumping

Protective tendon boots for jumping and flatwork

17 dressage saddles to dream about

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Horses can show conflict behaviours in both double bridles and snaffles during dressage tests – as new research backs up the need to give riders choice.

In a study published in Animals, researchers from Aberystwyth University and the University of Portsmouth, looked at the effects of bridle type – double versus snaffle – on equine behaviour at competitions. The researchers assessed 135 tests, filmed at two British Dressage (BD) competitions, from elementary to intermediate I level. Of the 135 tests, 70 were ridden in doubles and 65 in snaffles.

• Read the full study

An ethogram was used to assess the horses’ behaviour throughout the tests; on average horses spent 27.4% of the test showing conflict state behaviours – and there was mouth opening in all tests. Tail swishing was seen in 86.7% of horses, on average every eight seconds, 69.6% tossed their heads and 50.4% were seen lip smacking.

The study highlighted different behaviours between bridle type: head tilting and tossing, tripping and low levels of tail swishing were similar across competition levels for the double bridle – but increased with competition level in snaffles. Mouth opening and tongue and jaw exposure were higher at lower competition levels for double bridles, but increased at higher competition levels for the snaffle and double. The researchers said the results showed ”multi-faceted interaction between bridle type, inferred rider skill level and riding style”.

The researchers added that the “high prevalence of conflict behaviours at dressage competitions reported here and in other studies raises potential welfare concerns”.

“It particularly raises the question of why, when this has previously been well documented by the scientific community and relayed to the governing body of the sport, these high levels of stress-related behaviours are still being observed across all levels of dressage competition,” they said.

Lead author Rifka Faithfull told H&H this work provides information on what is happening in the test environment – and at home.

“It gives us an idea of what’s happening in the training of the horse, because the test is a snapshot of that moment in time, but also a reflection of the horse’s experience outside the test,” she said.

Ms Faithfull added that the way the conflict behaviours were recorded in the study, by recording behaviour “transient events” and “continuous states” – or both, meant higher volumes of behaviours were recorded than some methods used by other researchers.

“But we feel it’s more representative of the actual amount of behaviours occurring. It’s not just whether or not a behaviour is happening, it’s a measure of how much it is occurring,” she said.

“The key takeaway is the complex interaction between the different components – there’s no clear-cut ‘one bridle type is more or less related to negative welfare than the other’.”

This backs up a study by Russell MacKechnie-Guire and Rachel Murray that found double bridles are not an issue in themselves – but education on their use was key to continuing to improve equine welfare (news, 1 May)

Co-author Sebastian McBride added: “There are good and bad ways to ride with a double bridle. A lot of that seems to come down to rider ability, in riding and knowledge about the tack they are using and its impact on the horse.

“Giving people the option to ride with the bridle they are most educated with will hopefully lead to people using the right tack for them. That might be horse dependent; some get on better with a snaffle and some with a double, and again that maybe reflects a lot of their training experience.”

Double bridles are optional in national competitions and BD chief executive Jason Brautigam told H&H: “We welcome all scientific research that aims to advance our collective understanding on these vitally important topics, but as this study notes these are complex issues, and the results can be open to interpretation. There are many factors that contribute to how a horse reacts in a competition environment, so it’s important that we do not equate all of these different observed actions as ‘conflict behaviours’ when their responses may vary in each case.

“We are working closely with experts from across the equestrian community to build a better consensus on all horse welfare matters, from equine ethnography to tack and equipment, and we remain fully committed to upholding the highest standards of horse care and well-being in our sport.”

The FEI told H&H it has not had the opportunity to review the paper, but it will be discussed with the veterinary committee in September and “brought to the attention of the groups involved in the FEI equine welfare action plan”.

“The FEI welcomes all new research that can contribute to the continuous improvement of horse welfare standards, which remains a top priority for our organisation,” he said.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

New double bridle rule proposed for international dressage alongside making judges’ comments public

The double bridle debate – the facts, the opinions… and the politics

Double bridles create less pressure than snaffles in elite dressage horses, research finds

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Double bridles could become optional at international CDI3* competitions in an “important step in gathering data and evaluating choice”.

The suggestion has been included in the FEI’s first draft of proposed rule changes for 2026, published on 8 July. The double bridle debate has continued in recent years, as some call for it to be made optional at all levels – and others argue that it tests rider skill at the top level.

Currently double bridles are optional up to CDI2*. At the FEI Sports Forum the dressage strategic action planning working group discussed holding a trial of giving riders a choice on double bridles up to and including CDI3* grand prix (news, 10 April). The FEI has taken this a step further by submitting the rule change; if approved, a snaffle would be permitted up to and including three-star competitions.

“The dressage technical committee (DTC) and the working group have considered the level of expertise required to use the double bridle and conclude that the choice of using either a snaffle or double bridle at grand prix level should be permitted up to and including CDI3* and CDIO3* events,” said an FEI spokesperson.

“While the DTC remains of the opinion that using the double bridle at top level is not a welfare issue, we also believe that this proposed rule change would be an important step in gathering further data and evaluating the choice of bridles from an athlete and officials’ perspective.”

The FEI spokesperson added that as part of the full dressage rules revision scheduled for 2026, an item “under consideration” is to no longer permit double bridles for juniors at junior events and championships. Were this to be brought forward and approved by the general assembly, it would apply from 1 January 2027.

Another proposal includes the introduction of “paperless judging”, put forward by the International Dressage Officials Club (IDOC), in which the electronic judges’ sheets would be made available after the competition – unless a rider asks for them to be kept private.

The FEI said the DTC is “in principle, supportive of this proposal as an initiative that may enhance transparency and understanding of the sport” – but it has been deferred to the full rules revision in 2026.

“The DTC suggests that there should first be consultation with the International Dressage Riders Club and International Dressage Trainers Club, and following this consultation, the proposal could be trialled on a pilot basis at selected events,” said the FEI spokesperson, adding that the DTC agrees riders should have the option to choose whether their test comments are made public.

The IDOC has also submitted that movements specifically to assess suppleness and self-carriage should be added to big tour tests and this would “put more emphasis on the correct training, according to the scales of training, contributing to the welfare of the horse”. The DTC said it was in “full agreement” with this.

“The DTC believes that, for this purpose, a group of specialists should be assembled, in order to achieve the best possible solution,” said the FEI spokesperson, adding that there would be no change in the rules wording, but tests would be updated.

National federations have until 26 August to give feedback on the proposals. A final draft will be published in October, and this will be put to the vote at the FEI General Assembly on 7 November.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Optional double bridles and judges’ alert buttons among measures proposed in dressage

FEI sets out next steps as dressage seeks to restore public’s trust

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The best safety stirrups are designed to release your foot quickly and easily in the event of an accident. There are a variety of designs and release mechanisms available. The most common are shaped irons and breakaway stirrups with mechanical or flexible arms.

• Shaped irons – stirrups with a distinctive bend have been designed to help prevent the foot from becoming caught in the event of a fall. If you aren’t keen on the full breakaway effect, this style of stirrup can offer some reassurance and is usually much cheaper than the breakaway style.
• Breakaway stirrups – some designs have a flexible or mechanical outside arm that releases the foot when put under a specified amount of uneven pressure in the event of a fall, while others are designed to release from the stirrup leather completely. Many designs also have features associated with the best technical stirrups, which has resulted in a wide range of price points.

Best safety stirrups: H&H’s quick guide

Best for customisation: Flex-On Safe-On Stirrups

Most comfortable safety stirrups: Rid’Up Plus Stirrups

Best value safety stirrups: Fouganza Stirrup Irons 500

Flex-On Safe-On Stirrups

Colours: 11 frame, 3 footbed and 17 elastomer options

Sizes: Adult or junior (for riders under 40kg)

Weight: 500g each (adult), 275g (junior)

RRP: £244.95 (adult), £145.95 (junior)

H&H review: 9/10, H&H Approved

Reasons to buy

• Loads of customisation options
• Well-suited to jumping
• Available in junior sizes

Reasons to avoid

• Need to keep the key with you to re-secure the arm after falling

Based on the design for Flex-On’s Green Composite Stirrup (featured in our guide to the best technical stirrups), the Safe-On has shock-absorbing and ergonomic features and can be customised in the same way. The outer branch is designed to open in the event of a fall when at least 40kg weight is exerted on it – and can quickly and easily be re-attached using a tool supplied. They are also available in a junior size (for riders under 40kg).

The elastomers provide shock absorption to protect joints, while the off-set leather slot ensures the stirrup sits at the optimum angle. The angle of the tread helps you to maintain the correct leg position. The junior stirrups are available with flat or inclined treads, and an optional stirrup cage for the junior stirrup and endurance riders is also available.

Professional event rider Sam Jennings put these stirrups to the test and loved them so much that she rated them H&H Approved. She said: “I’d definitely recommend these stirrups… the safety mechanism is very safe – one side is rubberised and your foot can ping out.”

The angle of the footplate encourages good position, and Sam thought they were particularly well suited to jumping. The only niggle she had was that if you want to re-secure the arm after falling, you need to have the key with you – however, you can continue riding without securing it as it doesn’t completely detach.

Read H&H’s full and independent Flex-On Safe-On stirrups review.

Rid’Up Plus Stirrups

Colours: Plum, black, red, chocolate, grey or royal blue

Weight: 440g each

RRP: £230

Reasons to buy

• Safety-focused design for those not so keen on breakaway arms
• Very comfortable and ideal for longer rides
• The same pair can be used by adults and children

Reasons to avoid

• No real negatives, but some riders might prefer stirrups with a mechanical arm

These stirrups are a great choice for riders looking to combine safety, comfort, and performance. They have a unique release system that allows the stirrup to disengage from the leather. The mechanism remains firmly shut under severe but normal pressure but releases immediately in the event of abnormal twisting forces.

There is no minimum weight, so these stirrups can be used by adults and children. The wide footbed, which is positioned 90 degrees from the leather, relieves pressure on the knees. This, and the other comfort features, makes a big difference on longer rides. They’re solid, comfortable, and a great pick if you’re ready to invest in quality.

Fouganza Stirrup Irons 500

Colours: Black, black/red or black/blue

Weight: 600g each

RRP: £69.99

Reasons to buy

• Great budget option
• Wide footplate offers excellent grip and stability, enhancing rider confidence
• Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance for both kids and adults

Reasons to avoid

• Heavier than some alternatives, which may not suit all riders

If you’re looking for a budget safety stirrup with an arm release mechanism, these stirrups are likely to be the cheapest you’ll find. The opening system features a flexible arm that releases under pressure, helping to free the foot in the event of a fall. The wide footplate provides excellent grip and stability, making these stirrups suitable for both kids and adults. While they are slightly heavier than some alternatives, their durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.

Veredus Vita Steel1 Stirrups

Colours: Black/Black, Black/Silver, Pink/Silver, Light Pink/Silver, Brown/Silver, Blue Navy/Silver or Bordeaux/Silver

Sizes: Adult

Weight: 750g each

RRP: £249

Reasons to buy

• Lots of colour options
• Flexible outer branch to help release your foot quickly
• Unique footbed to encourage a secure position

Reasons to avoid

• Heavier than some alternatives

The durable Veredus Vita Steel1 Stirrups feature a forged steel frame and a 360-degree flexing techno-polymer arch for quick foot release in case of a fall. Sloped eyelets help to hang them in the correct place when secured to your saddle, and the inclined footbed with grip rings promotes stability and drainage.

JS Italia Jin Air Stirrups

Colours: 17 options

Sizes: Standard or junior

Weight: 480g each (adult)

RRP: £229 (adult), £169 (junior)

H&H review: 9/10, H&H Approved

Reasons to buy

• Anatomical wide footbed encourages heel placement and improves leg position
• Available in junior sizes
• Lightweight aluminium design with several vibrant colour options adds style and practicality

Reasons to avoid

• May take time to adjust to the unique footbed shape for some riders

These stirrups are a fantastic mix of clever design and rider-focused functionality. The wide footbed isn’t just comfortable — it really helps you get your heels down, which is such a bonus for training or long rides. Shaped with the rider in mind, they’re designed to ease joint stress, support your leg position, and give you a secure grip. The smart-release mechanism with its flexible arch is a great safety feature, snapping back into place effortlessly. Plus, the junior size option means younger riders (UK2½ and below) aren’t left out.

Sam Jennings said: “I really liked these stirrups – they’re well suited to jumping and I felt very springy. They helped get my heels down and I was surprised at how far they went down without me even thinking about it!”

Read H&H’s full and independent Flex-On Safe-On stirrups review.Jin Air stirrups review.

Shires Karben Ultra Grip Stirrups

Colours: Black

Weight: 450g each

RRP: £139.99

Reasons to buy

• Lower-end of the price scale for stirrups with breakaway arms
• The dual grip system ensures secure footing in all weather conditions
• Lightweight aluminum design helps reduce strain during longer rides

Reasons to avoid

• Limited colour options may not suit all tastes

These stirrups are a great option for riders who want a mix of safety and performance. The spring-loaded arm is a clever safety feature that adds peace of mind, while the grippy footplate ensures your feet stay secure, even in wet or muddy conditions. With their lightweight feel and ergonomic design, they’re ideal for riders who value comfort and practicality.

FreeJump Soft’Up Pro+

Colours: Silver, blue, choco, pink, red, Bordeaux, navy, black, green or cream

Weight: 502g each

RRP: £259

Reasons to buy

• Single-branch design reduces pressure on joints
• They offer a high level of shock absorption
• A wider footbed with a non-slip grip provides effective stability and support

Reasons to avoid

• May require an adjustment period for riders new to single-branch stirrups

These stirrups are a great choice for riders seeking a blend of safety and comfort. The inner branch is fixed, while the outer open branch can bend open to easily release your foot in the event of a fall. They also offer a high degree of shock absorption – the stirrups flex at the lower inside bend of the stirrups, which absorbs shock travelling into riders ankles, knees and hips in addition to the shock travelling across the horse’s back.

The main difference from the Soft’Up Classics is the position of the stirrup eye, which is on a 45° angle to provide extra comfort and allow riders to easily find a lost stirrup. The Pro+ tread is also 27% larger – this extra size combined with the raised metal studs across each footplate provides extra grip and stability.

Sprenger Aero Stirrups

Colours: Aluminium/black or aluminium/silver

Sizes: One size (4.75in)

Weight: 450g each without spikes

RRP: £283.90 (without spikes) or £302.90 (with spikes)

Reasons to buy

• Shock absorbing and joint friendly properties
• Extra wide, inclined footbed
• Grip system in the tread can be extended with spikes

Reasons to avoid

• Not as many colour options as some others

These high-strength anodised aluminium stirrups feature flexible arms that release the rider’s foot in any direction when dismounted. The 180-degree outer arm movement and wide, 5°-inclined fibreglass-reinforced tread with dual-grip elements offer maximum support and security. Shaped for correct leg positioning, the stirrups also have shock-absorbing, replaceable pads for joint protection and comfortable riding.

LeMieux Vector Balance Stirrups

Colours: Black, silver or black/silver

Weight: 419g each

RRP: £159.95

Reasons to buy

• Lightweight aluminium design
• Unique ergonomic footplate with a slight angle helps keep your leg position secure
• Great if you prefer an understated look

Reasons to avoid

• Some riders may find the safety arm mechanism requires maintenance over time

These stirrups are all about combining comfort, safety, and practicality. The footplate is angled at 5°, which not only feels natural but also helps keep your foot secure, while the grippy surface and cushioned layer absorb impact to reduce strain during your ride. The clever twin balance arch system spreads your weight evenly, and the 45° outward angle makes it so much easier to find or recover a lost stirrup mid-ride.

The integrated safety arm has a two-stage release system, preventing unintentional opening. When pressure is put onto the arm of the stirrup, rather than evenly across the stirrup, such as if the rider falls, the arm releases allowing the foot to come out of the stirrup.

Shires Karben Ultra Grip FX Stirrups

Colours: Aluminium/black

Sizes: Adult

Weight: 365g each

RRP: £139.99

Reasons to buy

• Lightweight
• Shock absorbing
• Deep grip tread offers great traction in all weathers

Reasons to avoid

• Only available in one colour

The Karben Ultra Grip FX Stirrup blends style with safety. Its flexible outer arm releases the foot during a fall, then returns to its original shape. Made from lightweight, strong cast aluminium with a durable powder coating, it features a deep, secure foot plate with excellent traction for all conditions. A weighted, shock-absorbing base stabilizes and energizes legs, while the angled eyelet improves rider alignment and retrieval.

Acavallo Arena AluPro Safety Stirrups

Colours: Black, silver, charcoal, red, blue, brown, titanium or rose gold

Weight: 460g each

RRP: £130

Reasons to buy

• Simple design with lots of colour options
• Combination of lightweight aluminum and polyamide offers strength without extra bulk
• Shock-absorbing footbed reduces strain on joints for added comfort

Reasons to avoid

• The safety release system may need occasional fine-tuning for optimal performance

These stirrups feature a side-opening arm made from durable polyamide, designed to release at the base under stress in the event of a fall. This helps prevent your foot from becoming trapped, offering an important safety advantage for riders. The lock and release system is stress-activated and can be easily reengaged after being triggered, making it both functional and user-friendly.

The main body of the stirrup is crafted from a single piece of integrated metal, providing strength and durability without excess weight. The footpad is made from impact-resistant polyamide, while the non-slip tread is stainless steel for reliable grip in all conditions. Unlike more rigid designs, the stirrup’s slightly flexible structure absorbs impact, providing relief to your ankles, knees, hips, and foot arches during extended rides.

Shires Bent Leg Stirrup Irons

Colours: Silver

Sizes: 3¾–5in

RRP: £39.99

Reasons to buy

• Simple bent leg design reduces the risk of foot entrapment during a fall
• Durable stainless steel construction resists rust and wear over time
• Available in multiple sizes for a personalized fit

Reasons to avoid

• Fixed design lacks the advanced safety features of mechanical arm opening stirrups

These stirrups offer a straightforward approach to rider safety, with a bent leg design that minimizes the chance of your foot getting caught in an accident. While they don’t have the release mechanisms found in some mechanical arm stirrups, their simplicity and durability make them a reliable choice for riders who prefer a classic style. Their rust-resistant construction and variety of sizes ensure they are practical and long-lasting for everyday use.

Equipe Staf15 Safety Stirrups

Colours: Black, light titanium, dark titanium or bronze, with a choice of 11 rubber arm colours

Weight: 455g each

RRP: £324.50

H&H review: 8/10

Reasons to buy

• Straightforward release system
• Lightweight design, reducing strain during rides
• Customisable with various frame and silicone arm scratch-proof colour combinations

Reasons to avoid

• Premium price point may not suit all budgets

These stirrups combine practicality with a sleek, customisable design. The release mechanism operates without springs or magnets, making it easy to reset and dependable in an emergency. They’re made from lightweight yet durable aluminium, so they feel effortless to use while still offering top-notch stability. The black treads have a special scratch-proof treatment and feature unique slots for removing sand from your boots, with a texture that increases grip, helping to ensure optimum security and stability throughout use.

Our reviewer Sam Jennings said: “Overall they’re nice stirrups and are useful is you don’t want your heels to be forced down because they’re flat.”

Read H&H’s independent Equipe safety stirrups review.

What are peacock stirrups?

Peacock stirrups are an open-sided safety stirrup closed by an elastic band attachment. The band is suspended between two hooks with a leather tab at the bottom. In the event of a fall, the band is designed to release, which prevents the rider’s foot from becoming wedged in the iron.

Peacock stirrups have been a popular choice for equestrians for decades. They have a traditional look compared to more modern styles of safety stirrups and are a cost-effective option. They are a style often favoured by younger riders and have been a staple for Pony Club children.

In recent times, there have been concerns regarding the upward-pointing hooks that hold the band in place. It has been reported that the hooks can rip clothing and even skin, which leads to a risk of groin injuries when dismounting. One American lawyer and former showjumper, Armand Leone, has gone as far as to suggest banning the peacock stirrup in the US.

One thing to be aware of with peacock stirrups is wear and tear on the elastic band. You can buy inexpensive replacements as and when you need them.

Are magnetic stirrups safe?

Magnetic stirrups are a relatively modern addition to the world of equestrian equipment, designed to enhance stability and security while riding. They feature a magnet in the footbed that helps keep the rider’s boot in place, which can improve balance and control, particularly in disciplines like dressage or show jumping. Importantly, the magnet is not the primary safety mechanism. Most magnetic stirrups also incorporate a traditional safety release system, such as a side-opening arm, to ensure the rider’s foot can disengage in the event of a fall.

While magnetic stirrups can provide added confidence and functionality, there are factors to consider before using them. The strength of the magnetic connection varies between models and may not suit every rider’s preference. Compatibility with specific riding boots is another consideration, as the magnets are designed to work with particular soles. Regular maintenance is also necessary to prevent dirt or debris from affecting the magnetic connection.

Do safety stirrups work?

Safety stirrups are designed to reduce the risk of injury by allowing a rider’s foot to release during a fall, minimizing the chance of being dragged. Using mechanisms like flexible arms, side-opening designs, or magnetic connections, they respond to uneven pressure or twisting forces to release the foot effectively. While no stirrup can eliminate all risks, safety stirrups are particularly effective for disciplines like eventing or showjumping and are a popular choice for riders of all levels.

Their effectiveness depends on the quality of the design, proper fit, and regular maintenance. A well-functioning safety mechanism can perform reliably, but dirt, debris, or an improper stirrup-to-boot fit can compromise its functionality. While not foolproof, safety stirrups offer valuable protection and are a significant upgrade over traditional designs.

You might also be interested in:

Technical stirrups — what’s on the market?

11 of the best body protectors that meet the current standards

Flex-on Safe-on safety stirrups review *H&H Approved*

Find out how professional event rider Sam Jennings rated these technical stirrups in Horse & Hound’s independent group test

£224.95

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Patrick Whelan might not be high up the leaderboard at the Mars Badminton Horse Trials, but he made an eye-catching debut. His clear round on Ikoon Lan for 27.2 time-faults might give the impression of a safe and steady round, but in fact Patrick showed outstanding skills after his martingale broke early on.

“It was a good round, but I’ve had easier ones,” said Patrick. “My martingale broke at fence four, so I carried that in my hand all the way round.”

Fence 4abc, the Savills Staircase, involved riding through a big arch made of hay bales, down two steps and a related distance to a very wide haywain.

“As I jumped the haywain, the martingale popped out,” said the Irishman. “It broke at his chest, so I held it in my hand the whole way and thought I won’t worry about it too much, it’s just one of those things. But it was fine; we got to the finish line.

“But it’s great to be clear and the horse feels good; he galloped all the way in the heat so I’m really happy.”

Badminton final scores

This is a third five-star for Ikoon Lan, a 12-year-old by Emilion, but his first on British soil.

“It’s my first time [at Badminton] in the saddle; I’ve been here [to watch] but I couldn’t remember quite how big the [fences] were,” said Patrick Whelan. “I have nothing to compare, but these are big jumps, you need a good horse, and I’m sat on a good horse.”

Their clear cross-country round was against the odds after the tack malfunction, but 27.2 time-faults meant they dropped a place on the overall standings from dressage to 40th. However, they’ll be hoping to finish a little higher.

“He’s won a 1.40m grand prix, so we should be jumping clear and it’s my fault if we don’t,” he smiled.

How to watch Badminton Horse Trials

If you want to watch the live action from Badminton Horse Trials from the comfort of your home, wherever you are in the world, you will need to subscribe to Badminton TV. This year, Badminton TV has teamed up with ClipMyHorse.TV, but you do not need a full ClipMyHorse.TV subscription to watch Badminton – you can just subscribe to Badminton TV for £21.99. Go to clipmyhorse.tv/en_GB/badminton to subscribe or to activate your account as an existing Badminton TV subscriber. If you are already a ClipMyHorse.TV premium member, Badminton TV is included in your subscription. As part of Badminton TV, you can enjoy the documentary programme Legends and Legacy, a fly-on-the-wall insight into the 2024 event and preview of 2025.

Enjoy the best of Badminton with Horse & Hound

To ensure you keep up to date with all the breaking news, behind the scenes insight, and the best of the action throughout Badminton Horse Trials with no limits on how much you can read, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website from as little as £1 a week. Sign up now. And don’t miss our bumper 22-page magazine report on Badminton, including in-depth analysis and exclusive comments from top names, in the issue of Horse & Hound dated 15 May.

You may also be interested in:

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The best anatomical bridles, much like anatomical girths, are specifically designed to work with the horse’s anatomy. The goal of these bridles is to enhance your horse’s comfort and freedom of movement, ultimately promoting their overall wellbeing.

If you’re looking for a new anatomical bridle we’ve rounded up a selection to help you decide which style is most suitable for your horse.

Best anatomical bridles: H&H’s quick guide

Best premium anatomical bridle: Fairfax Snaffle

Best value anatomical bridle: Shires Velociti Lusso Dressage Flash

Best anatomical bridle without a flash: Wow FreeSpace Snaffle

Best anatomical bridles

Fairfax Snaffle Bridle

Colours: Black or light havana

Sizes: Standard (cob/full) or large (full/extra-full)

Reasons to buy

• Each component is interchangeable allowing you to get the perfect fit
• Scientifically tested

Reasons to avoid

• Higher price point, however backed by scientific pressure testing

This bridle has undergone rigorous scientific pressure testing and been proven to improve freedom of movement. The design removes pressure and discomfort at the TMJ (temporomandibular joint), and every component of the bridle is interchangeable to help you get the perfect fit.

If you already have a Fairfax bridle, and don’t need to buy a whole new one, you can simply change of noseband or browband. Also available as a double bridle.

Shires Velociti Lusso Dressage Flash Bridle

Colours: Black or Havana

Sizes: Cob, full or extra-full

Reasons to buy

• A great bridle for everyday use
• Smart enough for competitions
• Wide, cushioned noseband for comfort

Reasons to avoid

• You don’t want a flash

This Shires bridle has a padded noseband to cushion and help distribute pressure, while the three-part freedom-fit headpiece has a cutaway design that gives a greater spread of pressure to create a less restricted feeling.

Wow FreeSpace Snaffle Bridle

Colours: Black or dark brown

Sizes: 0, 1, 2 or 3

Reasons to buy

• Soft, adjustable padding on headpiece
• Only has three areas of contact
• Noseband design allows for natural jaw movement

Reasons to avoid

• Higher price point, but it offers plenty of adjustment allowing for a comfortable fit

Designed for ultimate comfort with no pressure on facial nerves, blood vessels, TMJ or the poll. This bridle features an anatomical headpiece with soft, adjustable padding and only three areas of contact for a kinder fit.

The innovative noseband allows for natural jaw movement. Easy to use buckles for quick adjustments with customisable browband and noseband to suit your style. Also available as a double bridle.

Mackey Legend Athena Bridle

Colours: Black or brown

Sizes: Cob or full

Reasons to buy

• Ergonomic noseband with removable flash strap
• Wide, shaped and padded headpiece
• Reins included

Reasons to avoid

• Limited size range

This bridle has a wide padded headpiece that has been cut away around the ears. The padded noseband has been designed to reduce pressure with a removable, wide-set flash strap. Reins are included and the headpiece is also available separately.

Horseware Micklem Competition Bridle

Colours: Dark Havana or black

Sizes: Pony, small horse, standard horse, large horse or large cob

Reasons to buy

• Made from a soft and supple leather
• Noseband prevents breathing restriction

Reasons to avoid

• Separate parts not available

Designed to comfortably fit the shape of the skull and avoid pressure on sensitive areas, this show quality Horseware bridle is made from hand finished leather with improved soft padding on the headpiece, browband, noseband and cheekpieces.

It comes with tongue protection bit clips and two sets of bit straps. Reins are sometimes included, so double check before purchase. Check out other Micklem bridle options.

Collegiate ComFiTec Opulux Padded Dressage Bridle

Colours: Black

Sizes: Cob, full or warmblood

Reasons to buy

• Adjustable noseband and throat lash on both sides for maximum adjustability
• Anatomical headpiece

Reasons to avoid

• Only available in black

Made from high quality European leather, this bridle has an anatomical and padded headpiece that is shaped around the ears to distribute pressure evenly and comfortably. Padded crank noseband with a removable flash. Reins sold separately.

Rhinegold Softee Padded Leather Pro-Anatomical Bridle

Colours: Black or Havana

Sizes: Cob, full or extra-full

Reasons to buy

• Reins included
• Soft padded design for improved comfort

Reasons to avoid

• Noseband style might not suit your horse

This super-soft leather bridle has a fully padded leather crown that is shaped around the ears for comfort. The noseband and browband are also padded, and it’s shaped around the cheekbones to eliminate pressure points. Reins included.

Bliss Allegro Bridle

Colours: Black with white padding or cocoa with white padding

Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra-full

Reasons to buy

• Made from English leather
• Anatomical headpiece for comfort and fit
• Available in crank or traditional noseband fittings

Reasons to avoid

• Contrasting white pad might not suit your style

An English leather bridle with a wide patent noseband (crank or traditional fastening) and contrasting pad. Features an anatomical, curved headpiece for comfort. Custom colours available. Includes a Bliss of London classic browband, with the option to upgrade to a Bliss Bling browband.

PresTeq FaySport Bridle

Colours: Black or brown

Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra-full

Reasons to buy

• Noseband design avoids pressure on molars and cheeks

Reasons to avoid

• No throatlash design might not be suitable

This PresTeq bridle takes twelve anatomical points into account to remove unnecessary pressure or blockages, and offer optimum comfort to deliver maximum performance. It is made of vegetable tanned leather, which is gentle on the skin, durable and eco-friendly. The snap-fastener browband provided with the bridle is made of plain leather, but PresTeq Swarovski browbands are also available separately.

LeMieux Kudos Clear Arc Bridle

Colours: Black or havana

Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra-full

Reasons to buy

• S-shaped noseband distributes pressure
• Padded and shaped headpiece

Reasons to avoid

• You prefer a traditional look

Crafted from European leather with detailed stitching and rolled edges, this bridle is designed to reduce pressure on sensitive areas of your horse’s face. It features an anatomically shaped padded headpiece and a pressure-relieving S-shaped “arc” noseband that prevents your horse from crossing its jaw.

Henry James Mexican Grackle Bridle

Colours: Black or havana

Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra-full

Reasons to buy

• Made from English leather
• Large size range
• Virtual bridle fitting offered

Reasons to avoid

• Reins not included

Crafted from premium English Sedgwick Leather, this bridle features an anatomical headpiece with poll gap and 3D padding for pressure relief. The Mexican grackle design with double buckles evenly distributes nasal pressure and allows maximum adjustment, while the integrated throatlash ensures flat-lying buckles, reducing bulk around the TMJ. A complimentary virtual bridle fitting is included.

Waldhausen X-Line Bridle New Shape II

Colours: Black

Sizes: Cob or full

Reasons to buy

• Combination of flash noseband and drop noseband for optimal control
• Side fastening of the flash strap for increased nostril freedom
• Reins included

Reasons to avoid

• Limited size range

The X-line New Shape II bridle is crafted from soft leather and anatomically designed with padding and shaping to minimise stress on nerves and muscles, enhancing comfort. Features include a padded headpiece avoiding ear pressure, a curved rhinestone browband for freedom, and a flash noseband with side rings to prevent nasal bone pressure.

Whitaker Chicago Anatomic Breathable Bridle

Colours: Black or light havana

Sizes: Pony, cob or full

Reasons to buy

• Wide headpiece and padded noseband for even pressure distribution
• Reins included

Reasons to avoid

• Decorative contrast stitching might not suit your style

This Whitaker bridle features a wide, shaped headpiece and adjustable noseband with perforated leather padding that is specially engineered to be moisture wicking and breathable. The keepers are also lined with a special grip rubber to help them stay in place, while the buckles are backed with a small leather disc to avoid discomfort on the sensitive face area.

What is an anatomical bridle?

Innovations to traditional bridle design focus on anatomical fit, incorporating features such as wider, padded, and cutaway headpieces, shaped and padded nosebands and browbands, and cheekpieces positioned away from the face. Some bridles don’t have a throatlash, so when selecting a new bridle, it is advisable to consult your governing body’s rulebook to confirm its compliance.

How do anatomical bridles work?

Anatomical designs seek to avoid pressure in particular areas, such as on particular facial nerves, which is why anatomical bridles are shaped differently and sit in a different position on the head compared to a traditional bridle. Most anatomical bridles will have a wider, more padded and headpiece that is cut away to avoid pressure on the poll and ears.

This design aims to lead to a happier horse who is able to move more freely, which results in improved performance. Many horses respond really well to an anatomical bridle and show signs they are more comfortable.

What’s the best anatomical bridle for my horse?

As with all tack, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing the best anatomical bridle for your horse. Where possible, it’s worth trialling a bridle before you buy either by hiring one or borrowing from a friend. If that’s not possible, do your research, read some reviews and use this guide to find out what’s on offer.

You might also like:

The Micklem bridle: what you need to know

8 bitless bridles to consider if you’re thinking of making the switch

8 anatomical girths for freedom of movement and saddle stability

8 bridles with flash nosebands that you might like in your tack room

The best tack cleaners and conditioners that will bring shine to your tack room

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Having horses involves owning a lot of kit and, after paying our essential bills, much of our hard-earned cash goes on tack and equipment for our equine partners. With the totals adding up to a considerable amount, it’s understandable that you’d want to protect your items from being damaged, lost or stolen. This is where tack insurance can come in.

Equine tack and equipment insurance is there to protect the various items and gear used for horse care, training, and competition. It helps cover the cost of replacing or repairing damaged, lost, or stolen items. Whether your horse has an extensive wardrobe of bespoke high-end items or your tackroom is filled with second-hand equipment that you’d be equally gutted to lose, tack insurance is a valuable option that some people completely overlook – until it’s too late.

Most standard horse insurance policies offer some level of cover for saddlery and tack, typically including loss, damage, or theft. This coverage can vary, with some policies offering a specific sum insured for tack and saddlery, and others covering it as part of a broader “death, theft, and straying” benefit. Some policies may also require specific security measures, such as locking tack away when not in use.

Equine tack and equipment insurance cover

When looking for insurance for tack and equipment, you need to decide what types of cover you need. Options include:

• Loss or theft: if your tack or equipment is stolen, or if it is lost due to circumstances beyond your control, this insurance can help cover the cost of replacement.
• Damage: coverage typically applies to damage caused by accidents, or even natural disasters. Some policies may also cover damage caused by the horse itself.
• Fire or natural disasters: some policies include coverage for damage caused by fires, floods, or other catastrophic events.

What items can be covered?

Tack is an obvious item that most of us want to be covered, but policies can be extended to include much more. Such items include saddles, bridles, reins, stirrups and other essential horse-riding gear.

Riding apparel including riding boots, helmets, gloves, and other protective gear used by the rider can also be included, as can stable equipment, for example, feed bins and water troughs.

In some cases, insurance can extend to cover such items as horse trailers or transportation gear used while traveling a horse and also competition gear.

In general, horse riding tack insurance policies may require that items exceeding a certain value are specifically listed on the policy. This is often the case for high-value items like saddles and certain bridles. The specific value threshold and whether all tack needs to be listed depend on the individual insurance provider and the policy detail.

“The maximum sum insured at The Insurance Emporium is £5,000 on a lunar monthly paying policy, and £4,500 on an annual paying policy,” says Frances. “The replacement value will be calculated on the price you paid less depreciation, sum insured, or market value, whichever is less.”

Policy types

There are a variety of policy types available to you when it comes to insuring tack and equipment.

All-risk coverage includes virtually any type of loss or damage unless explicitly excluded, whereas named perils coverage includes only the risks specifically listed in the policy, such as theft, fire, or specific types of accidents.

Some policies offer “replacement cost”, meaning they will pay the full cost to replace the item. Others offer “actual cash value”, which factors in depreciation and only reimburses for the current market value of the item.

It is worth noting that you can take out a standalone policy, or you could add it on to your horse insurance or horse rider insurance.

Policy limits, excesses and exclusions

Policy limits and excess

Policies will typically have a limit on how much can be paid out for each item or for all claims within a policy period. It’s essential to check the coverage limit for expensive equipment like custom saddles or high-end tack. Additionally, some policies may have an excess that must be met before the insurance covers a claim.

Exclusions

Insurance exclusions are specific conditions or events detailed in an insurance policy that are not covered, meaning the insurer won’t pay for losses resulting from those exclusions. They define the boundaries of what the policy protects against and are crucial for understanding the limitations of coverage.

Exclusions on tack and equipment could include:

• Wear and tear: normal wear and tear from use is generally not covered.
• Negligence: loss or damage caused by negligence (such as leaving equipment out in the rain) may be excluded.
• Pre-existing damage: if the equipment was already damaged before the policy was in effect, it will not be covered.

Francis Martin, CEO at The Insurance Emporium adds: “You will not be insured if theft or damage happens while the saddlery and tack is being hired or loaned by anyone other than the named policy holder, or a member of their family (this includes husband, wife, civil partner, partner, parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, children, and grandchildren).”

SEIB adds: “Some insurers may also have specific criteria for tack rooms that should be met in terms of the type of lock, window security, and who has access to the area. It is the owner of the item’s responsibility to make sure that where it is kept is appropriate for the storage of tack – not only to meet the insurers needs in terms of security, but also to ensure the tack is kept in good condition in all seasons.”

Security requirements to ensure your policy is valid

A claim could be rejected if your tack isn’t securely stored. Such security requirements might include storing equipment in a house, apartment or non-domestic locked building with security devices in operation, or in a securely locked and fastened vehicle (specific conditions may apply between certain hours).

Measures can also be taken to uniquely identify equipment, such as using air tags, or invisible ink. As with any type of insurance, owners are always encouraged to read the policy wording and security requirements carefully to familiarise themselves with what their policy covers, as insurance cover will vary among providers.

There may also be certain security requirements you should adhere to while away competing at competitions in order for your insurance to remain valid. For example, keeping doors, windows and other openings closed, locked and fastened on horseboxes and tack lockers, and having valid insurance and an approved alarm system.

Making a tack insurance claim

If you need to make a claim, you would typically need to provide proof of the loss or damage (photos, receipts, police reports for theft, etc.). Depending on the insurer, the process may also require an assessment or evaluation of the damage or the value of the items.

A spokesperson for SEIB highlights the importance of keeping receipts of items insured in case you need to make a claim:

“It’s essential to keep purchase receipts in a safe place. Some insurers allow you to send copies of receipts when the item is initially purchased, to keep on your policy file should a claim occur.”

In addition, SEIB recommends keeping the following records.

It is a good idea to have an inventory of all tack and saddlery for insurance purposes.

Keep all purchase receipts alongside the following:

a) Description of items: i.e. brand, colour, size

b) Details of any identifying marks such as engravings, stamps or microchips

c) Good quality photographs showing the items clearly from several angles, plus of any identifying marks

SEIB adds: “In the event of a claim, although some insurers have specialist equine or property loss adjusters who can attend premises if required, most simple claims can be assessed using photos and videos provided by the insured.

“The most useful proof in the event of a claim is a purchase receipt, written saddler valuations plus a photo of where and how the tack is stored – ideally with the tack and saddlery shown in situ.”

Is my tack covered on my home insurance?

Some riders put their tack on their home insurance and Frances says that there are some benefits to this.

“An advantage to having your tack on your home insurance is that it’s linked to other household contents, and everything is included in one policy, but this could be more expensive, and you should always check your policy wording. Horse insurance is tailored specifically to the needs of horse owners.”

Do I need tack and equipment insurance?

So who should consider this insurance? Anybody who owns tack and horse-related equipment should consider insuring it. Whether you are a rider competing at the highest level or a leisure rider, covering your gear could prove invaluable.

Stable owners should also strongly consider insuring tack and equipment given that they may have multiple horses and a significant amount of tack and equipment that needs protection.

SEIB says: “Livery yard owners may have a specific equestrian business policy, and requirements may differ slightly in terms of acceptable criteria for ‘secured’ storage. This may include the tackroom stated as a ‘standard construction’ building.”

Overall, equine tack and equipment insurance provides valuable protection for horse owners and riders who depend on their gear for both everyday use and competitive purposes. It’s important to carefully read the policy details to understand the extent of coverage and any exclusions.

Francis concludes: “As with many aspects that come with owning a horse, buying saddlery and tack is likely to be another big investment in what already has become an expensive hobby.

“Nonetheless, while your home contents insurance may cover your equipment, horse insurance covers the horse for death, theft or straying and, should you choose it as an optional benefit, can include saddlery and tack cover too.

“We understand the rise in veterinary costs, feed, yard fees and all the other costs associated with horse ownership are having a demonstrable impact on owners during the cost-of-living crisis, with many struggling to afford to keep them and looking to make cutbacks, but they should carefully consider the consequences of not having insurance cover.”

We all accept that horses and their gear is a significant investment, so knowing you have insurance can help provide peace of mind.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Tack-theft prevention measures considered as saddles stolen at major show

Do you need horse rider insurance and what does it cover?

Exclusions, death cover and other common horse insurance misconceptions

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Two men have been arrested after a series of burglaries and theft of horse tack and equipment – some of which has been found and will be returned to its owners.

Dorset Police rural crime team officers stopped a vehicle in the Bournemouth area on 1 April and arrested two of its occupants on suspicion of theft.

A spokesperson for police said it was reported that a stable in West Parley was broken into between Saturday and Sunday, 22 and 23 March, and saddles and rugs were stolen. At about 11.40am on the Sunday, it was reported, riding hats, tack, headcollars and saddles were stolen from a storage unit in the Winterborne Zelston area. Police had a report of equipment being stolen from a shed in the Corfe Mullen area on the Sunday afternoon, and two of suspicious activity, in the Sherborne and Weymouth areas later that afternoon and evening, although it is believed nothing was stolen in these two incidents.

“Following enquiries by officers from the rural crime team, two men aged in their 20s and from Bournemouth were arrested on suspicion of theft,” the Dorset Police spokesperson said.

A spokesperson for the rural crime team said the arrests came after its investigation into the offences.

“With assistance from Bournemouth North NPT officers, post-arrest searches were conducted and the vehicle suspected to have been used in these offences was located and seized,” he said. “Stolen horse tack from the two burglaries and one theft was also located and will be returned to their rightful owners in due course.

“The rural crime team is also urging equestrians and livery yards to remain vigilant and has been carrying out visits to yards in the area to officer security advice.”

The men have been interviewed and bailed from police custody while officers carry out further enquiries.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

8 tips to avoid being caught out when buying secondhand equestrian kit

Tack-theft prevention measures considered as saddles stolen at major show

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A link between continual mouth opening and the presence of oral lesions has been identified in dressage horses.

A Danish study, published in October and presented at the International Society for Equitation Science 2024 conference, aimed to investigate if horses competing at upper national level with oral lesions differed in behaviour compared to horses without lesions.

The research was based on data collected at a routine, but unannounced, inspection of 11 randomly selected horses’ mouths immediately after an intermediate I class at a national competition. Five of the 11 had “abrasion of the skin and/or mucosa” at one or both corners, and were eliminated from the competition.

The inspections were carried out by the federation’s then veterinary consultant and the study’s co-author Mette Uldahl, who has since joined Animal Protection Denmark as chief consultant.

Co-researcher Janne Winther Christensen, who was unaware of the outcome of the oral inspection, analysed the behaviour of the horses from footage of the competition to record mouth opening, tail swishing, breaking of gait, head movements and hyper-reactive behaviour.

It was found that the frequency of mouth opening ranged from five to 59 times in the 11 horses, and horses with lesions had a “significantly higher frequency” of mouth opening compared to those without lesions. The frequency of other behaviours did not significantly differ between the groups.

Ms Winther Christensen told H&H the five horses with lesions were given high scores by the judges and some would have been placed had they not been eliminated.

“We know that the most frequently observed conflict behaviours in dressage horses are mouth opening and tail swishing, and it appears that horses can show a lot of these behaviours and still win,” said Ms Winther Christensen, adding that this is “concerning”.

Ms Winther Christensen added that it is difficult to know if the riders were aware of the lesions beforehand, but said they were not new – and lesions are “fairly simple to see in horses by looking at the mouth”.

“Usually lesions are pressure wounds that develop over time, they don’t happen suddenly. Even if riders have someone who tacks up their horse, it is still their responsibility to check that the horse is OK,” she said.

Ms Udahl said this research is part of a portfolio of work she has been carrying out on oral lesions since 2014, with the aim of developing future protocols.

“Of the thousands of horses I’ve examined over the years, there has never been one horse with an acute bleeding lesion – they have all been chronic pressure wounds, where the horse leans too heavily on the bit as a strategy to solve something else,” she said.

“Our research is focused on mapping the horse language and we need to be more observant, what do they tell us? If we can predict a link between oral lesions and mouth opening, then it’s better to eliminate riders before they start and for them to figure out what is the key to the problem.

“There’s no doubt that there is a lot of work to be done and at top-level competitions we need to acknowledge the behaviour of these horses. We don’t do this work to blame individuals, we do it to understand what is going on and to ensure that at governance level we can protect horses by being knowledgeable of human nature, and build the sport so that the incentive to ride horses with oral lesions is not there any longer.”

A Danish equestrian federation spokesperson told H&H the findings from the study, which was conducted in 2022, made it a “top priority” for the federation to conduct further inspections across all levels in dressage competitions, before horses enter the arena rather than after.

The spokesperson said this change in approach since the study has “significantly reduced” the occurrence of oral lesions identified; from 659 inspections in 2023, 11 horses were eliminated, and of 1,689 inspections in 2024, 37 horses were eliminated.

“In percentage terms, the proportion of horses eliminated during horse inspections is now below 2.5%. That is still too much, but it is an improvement from the first initial inspections,” he said.

“The goal is to have no horse eliminated due to welfare concerns. From the 2024 inspections the horses eliminated were entered by amateurs and in competitions medium level and below.”

The spokesperson said the federation is “committed to advancing horse welfare at all levels” and as new knowledge is gained, the federation “continuously” updates its rules to align with this.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘Horse sports will change radically’ as Dutch parliament backs ban on ‘all animal-unfriendly’ tack

Proposed ban on double bridles and riding behind the vertical debated in European Parliament

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

An independent database of verified saddle, bridle and bit fitters has launched with the hope of being a “game-changer” for owners and benefiting horse welfare.

The Equine Fitters Directory is a searchable list of professionals who meet certain criteria and have applied to be on – and been accepted into – the directory.

It was launched on 3 February at Saddlers’ Hall in London by the Equine Fitters Council, an independent, not-for-profit company established by the Worshipful Company of Saddlers and the Worshipful Company of Loriners.

To be eligible, fitters must meet the qualification and experience requirements set out, hold insurance, pursue continuing professional development and agree to abide by the code of conduct and complaints procedure. Fitters can also be delisted from the directory.

“We have an absolute duty, more than ever, to do our best for our horses,” said Hugh Thomas, Equine Fitters Council chairman.

“A well-fitting saddle, bit, bridle or harness is essential to their comfort and overall wellbeing. When fit is correct, horse and rider are comfortable, confident and able to work without issue. Working with a competent and professional fitter helps owners make informed decisions, but above all, be confident that they are looking after their horses’ wellbeing and welfare.

“I want to emphasise that we very much see that fitters are part of a team, not just one more service provider brought in maybe once a year. They should be a key part of the regular care team of the horse alongside the obvious other people, long accepted vets, therapists, coaches and footcare professionals.

“Finding a professional, experienced fitter can feel overwhelming to the horse owner, but it shouldn’t. That is why we need this. The directory is designed to make it easy to search: compare fitters based on their location, their expertise, their specialisation, whether you need saddle, bridle, bit or harness fitter, so you can find the right practitioner for you and your horse.”

Mr Thomas added: “The key message of tonight is overwhelmingly aimed at horse owners: please look on the directory when you want a fitter. If you’ve got a fitter and they are not on the directory, ask them, ‘Why not?’”

In a panel discussion at the launch, World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers said that when considering the involvement of horses in sport, the equestrian world has “a deep responsibility to ensure we are placing horse welfare above all else”.

“Equine fitters play such a fundamental role in that,” he said. “There’s a lot of noise out there, so to have an equine business directory to [help you] find someone you can really trust is going to be right for you and for your horse is a really huge step forward.”

William Fox-Pitt, who won 14 five-stars during his top-level eventing career, lent his support to the directory.

“We know that regularly checked and well-fitted tack both improve the welfare of our horses and their overall performance,” he said.

“I can reflect on numerous times in my career when even small alterations to match the ever-changing size and shape of my horse has made a fundamental difference. Having a ‘one-stop’ online directory that lists professional fitters that all riders and horse owners can trust must be the right thing.”

Dr Kathryn Nankervis, associate professor at Hartpury University, said that everyone who rides “would like to think their horse is comfortable” in the equipment we use, but research shows fit “isn’t always as good as it could be”.

“We have to try and raise the bar,” she said. “I’m really supportive of this initiative because anything that helps horse owners find a fitter and discover the benefits that optimal saddlery fit can bring has to be a good thing for owners and horses.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Are uniformly loose nosebands the answer to horse sport’s image problems, or ‘the beginning of the end’?

Noseband measuring devices to be trialled in Britain this year

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Headpieces that do not have continuous padding across the poll will no longer be allowed in some US dressage competitions, in a decision described as “baffling” by one manufacturer.

Under the US Equestrian’s (USEF) rule change that came into force on 1 September, the crownpiece (headpiece) may be padded and may have elastic inserts, but “must be smooth and continuous across the poll, and rectangular or in the same shape as the crownpiece”. Padding must not extend 1.5cm beyond the dimensions of the crownpiece.

The rule applies to USEF and US Dressage Federation-licensed dressage competitions. A USEF spokesperson said athletes competing in CDIs would be required to follow FEI rules for permitted saddlery/equipment. And an FEI spokesperson confirmed to H&H that there are “no specifications in the FEI regulations regarding the shape and size of the padding of the crownpiece”.

A USEF spokesperson told H&H that the dressage committee put forward the rule and members were able to comment on this in spring before it was approved. The rule was proposed by USEF’s rules working group in “reference to studies being conducted around the application of pressure of the crownpieces to the poll”.

“The contact area of the crownpiece is important for dissipating the force applied to the horse’s head by the weight of the bridle, especially when using a double bridle, which is considerably heavier than a snaffle bridle,” said Hilary Clayton, USEF committee member and vet at Michigan State University.

Ms Clayton is a biomechanics expert and has published seven books and more than 200 peer-reviewed manuscripts in equine research.

“Ideally, the headpiece should distribute the force evenly over a large area. This is accomplished by having a wide headpiece lined by a continuous layer of padding. If the headpiece itself or the padding beneath it are incomplete, poll pressure increases.”

The USEF spokesperson confirmed to H&H that the rule is currently only in dressage – and does not apply to the dressage phase in eventing. But she added that this does not mean “it can’t change in the future or that other disciplines won’t follow suit with a similar rule”.

A WOW Saddles spokesperson said the company “cannot understand the ruling” and described it as “baffling”. WOW has redesigned a USEF-compliant interchangeable headpiece in response.

“As designers of tack, and horse owners and riders, we have never seen a horse go badly in a headpiece that relieves the mane and nuchal ligament. Their concern is that the edges of the pads cause pressure points. However, the mane sticks up from the natural curvature of the poll and this in turn makes all headpieces, that do not have the relief, apply more pressure on the mane or bridle groove,” he said.

“Countless bridles are now made with nuchal relief; this is not fashion, it is because through anecdotal and scientific evidence we have learnt that horses prefer the pressure not to be on the support structure of the spine.”

The PS of Sweden Nirak bridle headpiece is not permitted under the new rule, and PS of Sweden chief assortment officer Jenny Eliasson told H&H that “our commitment to horse welfare comes first in every design decision”.

“With the recent update to the USEF rules in dressage, we immediately moved to ensure our bridles remain both compliant and true to our principles of comfort and support,” she said.

“In response to the new regulations, we are introducing a new headpiece that meets the requirements while retaining our high standard of anatomical comfort. This is already in production and will be released in the coming months.

“It will be available with the Nirak bridle and as a separate item, allowing riders to update their current bridles easily.

“We remain dedicated to supporting both horses and riders with innovative, welfare-focused solutions that align with the latest standards.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout major shows such as London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Updated horse abuse rule to target unethical treatment in and out of competition

Top horse’s ‘avoidable’ death prompts ‘powerful set of new tools’ to improve welfare

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Global superstars Henrik von Eckermann and the brilliant King Edward continue to take the showjumping world by storm, earlier this year clinching back-to-back World Cup Final titles – the first time for 25 years that a horse has achieved the feat – and this week representing Sweden at the Paris 2024 Olympic showjumping.

But while the all-conquering duo effortlessly scale the greatest heights in the ring, the 14-year-old Belgium-bred gelding (Edward 28 x Feo) is no easy ride and the Swedish rider describes King Edward as “very sensitive”, particularly around his face. Henrik has also revealed that taking off the chestnut’s shoes was a “complete game changer”.

The small but mighty King Edward, who was bred by Wim Impens and has carried Henrik von Eckermann to Olympic and World Championship glory, has been seen in an assortment of different bridles in recent years to help with the gelding’s sensitivity – in Herning there was no throatlash (pictured below), a nose net comes in to use at times, and at both the World Cup Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and here in Paris, they have even dispensed with his browband.

So H&H caught up with the reigning world number one Henrik von Eckermann to find out more about the unusual tack he’s been using with multi-winning King Edward.

“We tried the nose net because he is extremely sensitive, he doesn’t like anything on his face,” reveals Henrik, 42. “It’s the same with the browband, we’ve tried going without one for a few months because he doesn’t need it and so it’s less on his face.”

The Swedish showjumper says about their partnership: “It doesn’t help to get nervous or stressed, because the horse feels everything and King Edward is a very, very sensitive horse. We’ve been together so long and know each other so well that I have the biggest confidence in him. He will never disappoint me. It is my main goal to keep my horses happy and motivated and King Edward is definitely a very special horse.”

Equally, King Edward, who is looked after by groom Louise Barraud, clearly has absolute belief in his rider, and we are privileged to be able to watch their relentless clear round performances in this incredible era for the sport.

“He has jumped so many clear rounds and done so many good things – it’s a privilege to ride him,” says Henrik von Eckermann, who also describes him as “such a sweet horse”.

As he sums up, “Edward has the capability from I don’t know where – it’s beyond something else. He can jump a big fence without any effort. No other horse I’ve ever sat on has given me that feeling.”

• To stay up-to-date with all the breaking news throughout the Olympic Games, Burghley, Horse of the Year Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also like to read…

‘Taking off his shoes was a complete game changer’: the story of King Edward’s journey to World Cup Final winner

‘I had no rein for the first five jumps’: bridle mishap in LGCT Super Grand Prix doesn’t stop Swedish rider winning

Explosion W vs King Edward: who is the best showjumping horse in the world? Data experts reveal all

King Edward writes his name among showjumping legends with World Cup Final double

Who needs a bridle anyway? Check out the bridleless leather bit

Who needs a bridle anyway? Tack mishap no hindrance for 1.50m grand prix winner

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

If your tack room looks more like a bomb site than a temple of tidiness, take solace in the fact you aren’t alone

As all owners know, having a horse means having a LOT of associated kit and equipment too. And as the years pass by and our much-loved equine partners come and go, it just seems to multiply (or perhaps we are just hoarders).

While a small number of us may be sufficiently well organised to keep our tack rooms looking spick and span like they do in the “at home” photo shoots with top riders seen in Horse & Hound magazine, far more of us have too much stuff squashed into too small a space and often find ourselves wondering “where is that x or y? I know I’ve got one somewhere” while being unable to locate the aforementioned item.

So if you are of the latter persuasion and need inspiring to get your tack room organised, we invite you to play a quick game of tack room bingo. See how many of these common items found in overflowing tack rooms around the country you are prepared to own up to.

What’s in your tack room?

1. A bucket tucked in the corner full to overflowing with bits, most of which are the wrong size or type for your current horse with many going a little bit rusty in places. There may be the odd stirrup iron in there too.

2. Old stirrup leathers that you thought might come in useful as a neck strap, but they really need the stitching at the buckle attending to before you use them in any context.

3. A pile of dusty and heavily worn saddle cloths or numnahs that you’ve kept as “spares”, but you can’t remember when you last used any of them.

4. A pair of broken (probably rubber) reins that you’ve been intending to take to your local saddler to get fixed for the past 18 months. Maybe this week…

5. At least three partly assembled bridles, most of which are missing at least one important part.

6. A much-loved saddle from a former horse that you can’t bear to part with even though you know in your heart you’re more likely to ride a unicorn than find another horse it will fit.

7. A container filled with tack-cleaning stuff including lots of broken-off pieces of glycerine saddle soap bars. You intended to melt them down to make one new bar, but they are so covered in dust and horse hair, they really are only fit for the bin.

8. Piles of stable bandages in various states of unrolling, most of which are still covered in shavings or straw from the last time they were used.

9. A plastic part-used syringe of what might once have been wormer or equally might have been calming paste. It’s been there so long that the label has worn off so you really don’t have any idea what’s in it and even it you did, it will be past its use-by date.

10. Another bucket (can you ever have too many buckets?!) full of odd protective horse boots, mostly heavily worn and having been replaced with newer models, but kept “just in case” you need a spare. Good luck finding any matching pairs in there!

11. A plastic tub packed full of “first aid” kit with a cracked plastic lid (or in some cases no lid at all). You can be confident that when you need something in an emergency, you used the last vetwrap/roll of gamgee/splash of hibiscrub last time your horse hurt itself and failed to replace it.

Time to get organised

If you’ve recognised some familiar examples above, then why not use this time to get your tack room organised? By following a few simple steps, you’ll be able to relax knowing what you’ve got and where everything is.

• Bin things that aren’t fit for use
• Repair items that are broken
• Clean things you have a use for and pack them away in labelled boxes so you can find them
• Recycle, sell or donate items that are usable, but you don’t need
• Replace important items that are missing, such as items in your first aid kit

Good luck!

You may also be interested in…

9 tackroom essentials we couldn’t live without

Call us high maintenance, but there are some things in our tackroom that we're not sure we could survive without...

16 barmy livery yard rules you’ll struggle to believe are true

Take a look at these rules that some unlucky liveries have had to put up with...

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Subscribe today and enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus unlimited website access and digital versions of the magazine dating back to September 2012.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Whip use in showjumping, horse abuse sanctions and the use of hoof boots during trot-ups are among the issues covered in proposed changes to FEI rules – as the double bridle debate in dressage continues.

The first draft of proposed rule changes has been published with suggestions across the disciplines.

The Swedish federation has called for a tightening of whip rules in showjumping and proposed, “as guidance only”, the rider may use the whip twice maximum, before and during the ride, by “gently tapping with the whip on the shoulder or behind the saddle”.

The federation also wants to expand the excessive use definition to state that “all other means of using the whip is considered excessive”. The current rules state that the whip should not be used more than three times in a row, and that using a whip on a horse’s head is always considered excessive.

The federation said the current rule is “clearly not in line with social licence”, and “as a minimum, the rules should be acceptable to the public and all stakeholders”, adding that Sweden had successfully introduced the proposal nationally in 2023.

The FEI jumping committee agreed to “discuss the use of equipment currently available”, but said that these changes will be discussed with all stakeholders as part of showjumping’s full rules revision planned for 2025.

The FEI has put forward changes to some sanctions, including expanding the list of offences to “catch all wrongdoings”. An increase to horse abuse sanctions was suggested, “especially taking into account social licence” and the Equine and Ethics Wellbeing

Committee’s action plan, published in April at the FEI Sports Forum (news, 9 May).

Under new proposals “top-end” cases could carry double the maximum suspension: 10 years. Less serious cases would carry a potential suspension of up to six months, and mid-range issues six months to three years. But there is a potential softening to the maximum sentence for the worst offences, with proposed bans of “up to” life – instead of life.

Hoof boots at trot-ups are also in the spotlight, with the FEI aiming to “harmonise horse inspections”. The FEI said horses should be “presented in the manner in which they are to compete”, and is proposing that barefoot horses who compete without hoof boots will not be allowed to wear them during trot-ups.

Horses who compete in hoof boots must wear these at the inspection, but they must be removed if requested by the panel to evaluate the horse’s hooves.

The double bridle is back on the agenda – the Dutch and Swedish federations are asking the FEI to “re-evaluate its decision” on this being mandatory in dressage at CDI3* level and upwards.

“We think it is in the best interest for the sport to allow riders to use a snaffle if they deem this in their best interest as a combination,” the federations agreed.

The FEI stood by its previous comments on use of the double bridle, “that the use of a double bridle is a sport matter and not a matter of wellbeing/welfare”, but said that the dressage technical committee is willing to be part of a round table to discuss “correct fitting and possible modernising of the double bridle”.

National federations have until 21 August to give feedback on the proposals. A final draft will be published in October, and this will be put to the vote at the FEI general assembly on 13 November.

You might also be interested in:

Leaders urged to be bold and ambitious at ‘crucial moment’ for horse sport

Calls for equestrians to be their horses’ guardians – not just their partners

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Subscribe today and enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus unlimited website access and digital versions of the magazine dating back to September 2012.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Knowing how to measure stirrup leathers will help you to feel secure and comfortable in the saddle. The precise length you decide to ride with is up to personal choice, influenced by your horse’s conformation and your own physical build, but starting out with the appropriate length of leathers that will give you the flexibility to make adjustments is essential. The right length should help support your position and balance as you ride rather than hinder.

Stirrup leathers are available in different lengths according to the manufacturer, and are adjustable via a number of holes. However, if you buy leathers that are too long or short, you will either have to punch extra holes and end up with a long and unwieldy excess bit of leather, or you will be forced to ride shorter than is your preference to keep you secure and balanced in the saddle.

If you use a general purpose saddle for both jumping and dressage, you’ll need to choose stirrup leathers with sufficient range to allow for both disciplines. Saddle flaps and designs will affect the length required, but there is enough adjustability via the holes to ensure the preferred riding length.

The correct length varies according to the discipline as well as personal preference. Dressage requires the longest length with the rider sitting deep in the saddle; showjumpers ride shorter to allow the horse to bascule without the rider’s weight on his back, while for cross-country the stirrups may be shorter still so that the rider can adopt a two-point seat for long gallops.

How to measure stirrup leathers

The basic method is to measure the length of your arm from the armpit to the tips of your fingers, and double this measurement. This should give you a good benchmark of the length required for general riding. This tallies with the established way of checking stirrup length once the horse is tacked up and before you get on. Put your fist on the stirrup bar (the fingertip method allows for the extra length for the stirrup), pull down the stirrup and stretch along your arm to your armpit. This is a good ballpark length, and you can adjust further once you are on or if you are jumping, galloping, doing dressage and so on.

A complicating factor to consider is that some stores allocate metric and others imperial measurements for leathers, while others simply do small, medium and large, or variations on that.

The average rider will use around 54in leathers for jumping and general riding. Short riders may go down to 52in or even 48in, the latter being the usual length for a child. Young children may require 42in or even shorter, so it’s worth shopping around for these or you’ll end up rolling the leather round the stirrup several times to make it short enough for the child to reach. The majority of retailers market their leathers at their full length, for instance 48in, but occasionally they are advertised as the length they would be with a stirrup on, for instance 24in.

Longer leathers for dressage

In dressage, the rider’s leg should hang long against the horse’s side to allow maximum contact for the aids. Dressage saddles allow for the leg to hang lower and straighter than general purpose or jumping saddles. Measure from the inseam of your leg down to the ankle bone, and again double it. It is likely to be six to eight inches longer than the arm-to-fingertips measurement.

The average length is around 60 inches – taller or shorter riders will want to opt for longer and shorter respectively to avoid being at the limits of the range.

Some retailers sell dressage leathers in single thickness to reduce bulk. Bear in mind these leathers will be sized half the length of traditional leathers accordingly.

These measuring techniques are a guideline, and you should always take into account your horse’s conformation, your discipline and your own physical build to find what’s appropriate in each individual circumstance.

You might also be interested to read…

A selection of the best stirrup leathers to complement your saddle

Looking for some new stirrup leathers? Here’s a selection of different types we think are worth a look at...

Technical stirrups — what’s on the market?

Safety stirrups – what are your options?

The best tack cleaners and conditioners that will bring shine to your tack room

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

While stirrups can be used in any discipline (assuming they comply with the rules if you’re competing), some designs are made with jumping in mind. By investing in a quality stirrup that guides you into the right position, you can begin to develop improved feel, coordination and technique. With the different leg positions and demands on the body in each discipline, some stirrup designs will be more beneficial to you than others. Using the best stirrups for jumping with not only aid your leg position, but can help alleviate pain, too, while many also have quick-release safety features.

We’ve sorted through all of the best technical stirrups and best safety stirrups – including some that we’ve been able to try out – and selected a few that we think are particularly good options for showjumpers and event riders.

Best jumping stirrups: the contenders

Flex-On Safe-On Stirrups

Colours: 11 frame, 3 footbed and 17 elastomer options

Sizes: Adult or junior (for riders under 40kg)

Weight: 500g each (adult), 275g (junior)

RRP: £244.95 (adult), £145.95 (junior)

H&H review: 9/10, H&H Approved

Based on the design for Flex-On’s Green Composite Stirrup (featured below), the Safe-On also has lots of customisable features. The outer branch is designed to open when at least 40kg is exerted on it in the event of a fall. They are also available in a junior size (for riders under 40kg).

They are designed to offer shock absorption, which should protect your joints. The off-set leather slot is angled for comfort, while the angle of the tread helps you to maintain the correct leg position.

We put these stirrups to the test and loved them so much we rated them H&H Approved. We thought they were particularly well suited to jumping and the inclined option was really effective at ensuring your leg was in a secure position. Read our full Flex-On Safe-On stirrups review.

Flex-On Green Composite Stirrups

Colours: 10 frame and 17 elastomer options

Weight: 400g each (adult), 300g each (child)

RRP: From £185.95 (adult), £79.95 (child)

H&H review: 9/10, H&H Approved

These stirrups are shock absorbing and have an off-set leather slot that helps achieve the optimum leg position. The generous footbed gives a wide area of support and the inclined angle encourage the heel to stay down. The ‘Green’ refers to the environmentally sourced polyamide frame covering. They are also available in a junior size (for riders under 40kg) – ideal for the young showjumper.

We put these stirrups to the test, and Becky commented that she found these stirrups particularly good for jumping and hacking, feeling very secure in the leg. She also noted how shock absorbing she found these stirrups when jumping. Read our full Flex On Green Composite Stirrups review.

JS Italia Jin Air Stirrups

Colours: 17 options

Weight: 480g each (adult)

RRP: £229 (adult), £169 (junior)

H&H review: 9/10, H&H Approved

These smart stirrups have a wide anatomical footbed that provides a high level of comfort, grip and stability, which also helps to prevent you losing your stirrups. The smart-release mechanism with flexible arch allows your foot to exit in all directions should you fall before automatically returning to its original position.

We found these stirrups to be well suited to jumping. They also felt very springy, which suggests they offer good shock absorption. Read our full Jin Air stirrups review.

Freejump Soft’Up Classic Stirrups

Colours: Black, silver, pearl navy or pearl red

Weight: 456g each

RRP: From £255

These stirrups combine the comfort and technology of the FreeJump single-branch stirrups with the classic design of a straight-eye stirrup. The straight eye helps to maintain a straight and stable leg position. The Soft’Up Classics have slightly reduced dimensions so are particularly suited for women or those up to size UK 8½. The Soft’Up Lite is available if you’re looking for a version suitable for children.

The soft outer branch is designed to open under pressure and enable foot release in the event of a fall. The footplates with removable and replaceable steel cleats offer great grip. The shifted centre of gravity allows a natural inclination and encourages the descent of the heels.

LeMieux Vector Balance Stirrup

Colours: Black, black/aluminium, aluminium, carbon grey, auburn, rose gold or navy

Weight: 419g each

RRP: £159.95

These stirrups have a slight incline of 5° and a studded grip surface. It also benefits from an integrated hinged arm that releases when abnormal pressure is applied during a fall, and allows the foot to come out of the stirrup.

They are shock-absorbing, which reduces fatigue at the knee and ankle, particularly as your horse lands. The eyelet for the stirrup leather is recessed and off-set at 45°, which makes it easier to regain a lost stirrup.

Ophena S Magnetic Safety Stirrups

Colours: Silver or black

Weight: 650g each

RRP: From £289

H&H Review: 8/10

The Ophena S magnetic safety stirrups have a unique open design and magnetic system to prevent you getting caught in the stirrup with no room for error. They are designed to help improve your control, leg position and confidence. These stirrups include a pair of magnetic insoles that create a magnetic connection between the stirrups and your boots, which provides you with better grip and control no matter the conditions.

The Smart Attach technology allows you to attach the stirrups without completely removing the leathers by threading the leather through the double arm, which saves you time and preserves your leathers. They can still be run up and attached at the top of the saddle when not in use.

These stirrups can be used in British Showjumping competition, but not British Eventing.

Read H&H’s independent Ophena stirrups review.

You might also like:

10 competition legal whips in a variety of styles for every discipline

Technical stirrups — what’s on the market?

Safety stirrups – what are your options?

A selection of stirrups under £50

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

While stirrups are versatile and can be used across the disciplines, certain designs are tailored specifically for dressage and flatwork. Investing in quality training stirrups designed to promote proper positioning can enhance your feel, coordination, and technique.

Given the distinct leg positions and physical demands of dressage, selecting the right stirrup design is important for optimal performance and comfort. Having the best stirrups for dressage should not only improves leg position but also helps alleviate discomfort – and they might have a joint or inclined design to help with this.

However, these features are not essential and some of it will come down to personal preference. Instead, look for a stirrup made from high-quality materials with a wide footbed that provides support and prevents your foot from slipping.

British Dressage (BD) allow any colour of stirrup, but not stirrups that are attached by mechanical or magnetic means, or by velcro straps to the girth – unless special dispensation has been sought. With that in mind, we’ve included a range of stirrups, including ones we’ve tested ourselves, to curate a selection of options we believe are well-suited for dressage riders, including a selection of the best technical stirrups and the best safety stirrups.

Best dressage stirrups: the contenders

Sprenger Flexcite Grip Stirrups

Colours: Silver

Weight: 650g each

BD Legal: Yes

RRP: £253

H&H Review: 9/10, H&H Approved

The Flexcite Grip stirrups are jointed stirrups that feature a bowed shape (S-shapes when viewed from above or the side) to help provide the perfect balance to help hold a steady leg position. Consider them an upgrade to the Sprenger Bow Balance.

The flexible arms are designed to be shock-absorbing to help take the pressure off your ligaments and joints. The extra-wide foot pad is what sets them apart from the Bow Balance stirrups – the Flexcites have a rustproof, stainless steel inlay that ensure a good amount of traction. However, they’re not so grippy that they feel like they wouldn’t release in an emergency.

Our reviewer loved these stirrups – they’re a bit heavier than other technical stirrups, but if that doesn’t bother you then these are a great option. Read our full Sprenger Flexcite Grip stirrups review.

Flex-On Aluminium Stirrups

Colours: Black or aluminium, with 17 shock absorber options

Weight: 450g each

BD Legal: Yes

RRP: £275.95

These stirrups are crafted from a special type of aluminum typically used in aerospace applications, making them both sturdy and lightweight. They’re machined from a single block, ensuring durability without adding extra weight. Like other Flex-On stirrups, they include shock-absorbing pads under the footbed to improve rider stability and reduce joint stress.

The offset leather slot helps maintain a good leg position and contact, making it easier to recover a lost stirrup. The sloping entrance to the footbed also aids in this process. The wide footbed comes in inclined and flat versions, and you can choose between a deep-ridged grip or ultra-grip tread, which has small metal spikes for added traction.

Sprenger Bow Balance Stirrups

Colours: Anthracite

Weight: 552g each

BD Legal: Yes

RRP: £195

H&H Review: 9/10, H&H Approved

These stirrups are designed to provide a solution for riders aiming to achieve optimal leg position and balance. Featuring a four-link system technology and boasting a safety standard with a 1,600kg breaking strength, these stirrups prioritise security and flexibility. The unique bow design aims to reduce the risk of foot entrapment and offers enhanced stability by allowing movement in four directions simultaneously. Additionally, the stirrups are equipped with shock-absorbing properties, promoting comfort and reducing strain on ligaments and joints.

We found that the wide footbed provided instant support and that, despite initial concerns about their flexibility compared to traditional stirrups, the unique design offered a comfortable and secure feel, facilitating mobility without sacrificing stability. Read our full Sprenger Bow Balance stirrups review.

LeMieux Vector Control Stirrup

Colours: Black, black/aluminium, aluminium, carbon grey, auburn, rose gold or navy

Weight: 419g each

BD Legal: Yes

RRP: £159.95

The LeMieux Vector Control stirrups are technically sophisticated and lightweight, but still maintain a timeless aesthetic. Crafted from aviation-grade aluminum, they boast an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, making them among the lightest stirrups available without compromising on stability.

They feature an ergonomic, flat footplate, along with a cross-track grip surface embedded with hardened steel pins, these stirrups provide good stability. The top of the frame, where it attaches to the leather, is recessed and offset to the outside, which allows you to retrieve a lost stirrup quicker.

Equipped with an integrated spring-loaded safety arm that locks into the base of the main frame, these stirrups have a two-stage release system that prevents accidental openings. The stirrup arm breakout force is equivalent to 3.62kg, which is enough resistance to stop it opening unintentionally, but will release when needed.

Freejump Air Stirrups

Colours: Black/silver with a range of sticker/elastomer colours

Weight: 468g each

BD Legal: Yes

RRP: From £190

These technical stirrups combine a classic stainless steel frame with modern features designed for enhanced comfort, improved balance, and superior grip. You have the option to select straight or angled eyes (leather holes) and either flat footbeds or a 10° incline.

In case of significant pressure, the top banner is designed to unclip, allowing for the quick release of the foot. Additionally, the frame incorporates elastomer for shock absorption, while the calliper footplates feature removable steel studs for excellent traction.

Tech Stirrups Venice Dressage Plus

Colours: Black or silver

Weight: 570g each

BD Legal: Yes

RRP: £345

These stirrups are manufactured with high-quality metal and have a very wide opening at the safety mechanism, which releases your foot in case of fall and returns to the closed position automatically. These stirrups are equipped with four shock-absorbing inserts that allow the stirrup to follow the natural movement of the foot. The grip was specifically designed for dressage riders – it has a 3° inclination that helps posture. The pad and the shock-absorbing inserts can be replaced.

JS Italia Jin Dressage Stirrups

Colours: Black or aluminium, with optional crystals

Weight: 520g each

RRP: From £209

Developed in collaboration with professional dressage riders to offer maximum stability and support, with a beautiful finish and the option of real Swarovski crystals. These stirrups also feature Jin’s patented anatomic footbed which is designed for a rider’s comfort and leg position.

After feedback from professional dressage riders, the stirrups are also weighted to lower the centre of gravity and improve feel and stability underfoot. They can also be customised with a range of Swarovski Crystals and are guaranteed with a two-year warranty.

You might also like:

Technical stirrups — what’s on the market?

Safety stirrups – what are your options?

Stirrup leathers: choosing the correct length to suit your needs

A selection of stirrups under £50

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

There are some fantastic savings to be had when you buy secondhand equestrian kit, but it’s also easy for problems to arise. Whether you’re buying items at an equestrian table top or car boot sale, or buying from an online marketplace, we have some top tips to help you buy used tack, rugs and other equipment safely.

1. One of the downsides of buying online is that you can’t physically inspect the items before paying for them and when buying secondhand tack in particular, you need to inspect it carefully for weak spots. Master saddler Malan Goddard says the most common weak points are stitching, anywhere leather is turned and sewn to take a buckle, areas around holes, and anywhere that metal rests on leather.

2. If a bridle has billet hook fastenings, make sure the holes in the billet-place covers have not enlarged so the billet is loose. Check all buckle holes for enlargement and splits.

3. Girths should be checked where leather turns through buckles. On saddles, check girth straps for wear and tear, and check the webbing attachments are in good condition. “Pull hard to check stitching, especially on stirrup leathers,” Malan advises. “They have to bear a lot of weight.”

4. A damaged saddle tree may harm a horse’s back. Damage can range from a hairline fracture or a popped rivet, which may squeak but will only show when a saddle is stripped down, to an obvious break — which is why buying a saddle that has been checked by a professional saddler is so much safer.

5. If you buy tack or bits on trust, has the seller measured it correctly? It’s annoying when a supposedly 5in bit turns out to be 5.5in, or a 6ft rug turns out to be 6ft6 — and measuring saddles between D-rings isn’t an accurate indicator of tree width.

6. Never buy secondhand riding hats — it isn’t worth the risk. We also wouldn’t recommend buying second-hand body protectors.

7. Equine vet Lucy Grieve recommends disinfecting secondhand items with an appropriate product to avoid disease transmission. It might not be life-threatening if your horse contracts ringworm from a previous sufferer’s rug, but it will be inconvenient and expensive. Commercial rug wash prices vary, but will always be cheaper than a vet bill.

8. If buying online, take extra care. Unfortunately there are people who sound very plausible who are advertising items for sale that they don’t have. A legitimate seller should be able to provide an image of the item they are selling pictured with a piece of paper that has their name and the date on it. This proves that they do have the item they are offering.

Legitimate sellers will also be happy to accept payment sent via PayPal goods and services – although they may want to add the PayPal fees on top. If you pay for an item via bank transfer or PayPal friends and family you have no protection and no way to get your money back if your item doesn’t arrive.

Also don’t accept email invoices sent to you by the seller that appear to come from PayPal, as this is another way of scamming money from you. And remember, if something feels too good to be true, it probably is, so if in doubt, walk away.

You might also be interested in:

Therapy regimes: how do the pros keep their horses at the top of their game?

What therapy regimes do top riders follow in order to keep their horses in peak condition? Stephanie Bateman investigates...

8 half pads to consider to help perfect your saddle setup

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The FEI will work with riders to ease teething problems with its new tack app, which was designed to make life simpler but has instead resulted in confusion and “chaos”.

The FEI TackApp launched in May with the aim of being a one-stop shop for riders, grooms and officials in any discipline to check what equipment is, and is not, allowed. But monthly updates have resulted in frustration.

Certain riders have found themselves having to change a bit at the last minute, owing to previously allowed equipment being outlawed. Questions have also been raised as to whether or not information on the app was actually a binding FEI rule this year – it was being treated as such, yet it has only recently been approved to replace the FEI tack guidelines from 1 January 2024.

Discussions came to a head at the International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) annual meeting (8 December).

“The reality is this app confuses the entire situation,” said former Olympic champion Ludger Beerbaum. “I’ve been twice confronted this year with a silly rule, where a leather bit was not allowed any more – nothing to find in the rules – and we had to change it 10 horses before we went in the ring in the grand prix, so that’s really strange and it should not happen.

“We have to change this for the better. With all the other rules, we have been told that we can only change them once a year at the next general assembly. But this, which really matters, you have made such chaos, so we have to change it to be very clear.”

European team bronze medallist Max Kühner also voiced concern over perception and urged the FEI to think carefully about how changes are communicated, adding that riders are made to feel like “criminals” for having ever used equipment that is subsequently not permitted.

“Things being changed from weekend to weekend, and when you come to a championship and in the warm-up they take out your bit, because [the app has] changed two days ago – I think that’s not the way a federation should act at all,” he said.

“We need to have trust in the rules, and we need to have the possibility to adjust if you change things.”

German rider Richard Vogel said bringing in new rules each month complicates matters, and that a sudden change of equipment with no time to adapt is not necessarily beneficial to horse welfare.

London 2012 team gold medallist Peter Charles said: “I’ve been around a long time, and if you want to make things work well, keep it simple. My God, you are making it complicated.

“The tack app is absolutely confusing the job. You should have a gelling-in period. You shouldn’t have this [changing] every month, once a year would be plenty. If you’re going to do it, then do it every three months. Advertise [changes on] your app a month before, so the riders have a chance to adjust – whether it’s a bit, whether it’s a bit of tack. You’re making things so complicated for people.”

An FEI spokesman told H&H the aim of the app was to have information about equipment, tack and dress “easily available in a user-friendly and consistent manner” for everyone in “one place”.

“Most of the items designated as ‘not permitted’ in the FEI TackApp were either already not permitted according to the previously mentioned guidelines and/or applicable discipline rules,” said the spokesman, adding that updates are done on the first Monday of the month.

“Prior to the FEI TackApp, there was no clarity, transparency and consistency in permitting or not permitting some of the items given the fact that they were not necessarily described in the discipline rules or guidelines.

“Some stewards would allow the use of such equipment at an FEI event and other stewards would not permit its use, thus having contradicting decisions.”

The spokesman added that the app allows the FEI equipment expert group to review tack for all disciplines simultaneously, and that once the bulk of the work is done in the coming months, the number of new items uploaded will “diminish significantly”.

“We understand that since its launch, frequent changes to the items in the app and their status, have been felt as overwhelming and abrupt by jumping athletes,” said the spokesman.

“We have decided to create an advisory group specific for jumping in addition to the already existing equipment expert group and invited the IJRC to select certain of its members to be a part of this advisory group.”

He added the app is a “work in progress”, every new item will appear in the “recently updated” section, and that the FEI is working on developing notification alerts in future.

You might also be interested in:

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Flex-on Green Composite stirrups

If you are looking for a pair of the best technical stirrups then you have probably already heard of the French company Flex-on. The Flex-on Green Composite stirrups (GC2) are the best-seller of the Flex-on range, and I was looking forward to finding out why.

Having previously spent most of my life riding in traditional bent leg iron stirrups, the GC2 stirrups certainly look very different to what I was used to – and I was quite amazed by how many features could be personalised.

First and foremost, the stirrups promote comfort, and Flex-on states the GC2s help to “provide stability to the leg and enable perfect positioning”, thanks to an offset stirrup leather slot which the company claims “encourages optimum leg position”. The stirrups are shock absorbing, and weigh 800g for the pair.

The stirrups are hot-forged and treated to prevent oxidation, and increase strength and longevity. They are also covered with environmentally-sourced polyamide material.

Personalisation

There’s definitely an element of fun about personalising your kit – and the Flex-on GC2 stirrups not only allow you to choose technical features, but also colours.

You can choose between a standard or ultra-grip tread, and whether your footbed angle is inclined or flat. You then can choose the colour of your iron, tread, shock absorbers, and magnet colours. You can go all out bright and blingy, or more traditional, and the Flex-on website allows you to choose and view your designed stirrups before committing.

I opted for the ultra-grip tread and inclined footbed, with showjumping in mind. When they arrived they were beautifully presented in their box, and there was definitely a bit more excitement opening something you’ve “designed”.

I tried the stirrups on the flat, showjumping and hacking. One thing I noticed was the stirrups felt quite light compared to what I am used to, and on the flat I’m not sure they were quite as supporting as the Sprenger Bow Balance stirrups (that I’ve also tested) – which also encourage a better leg position and balance.

However, the inclined footbed definitely helps your heel naturally stay down, and when jumping and hacking, I felt very secure in my leg. I definitely noticed the shock absorbance of these stirrups when jumping – it’s really a step up compared to basic traditional irons and as someone that can suffer with some aches and pains, I think this will be really beneficial.

The ultra-grip footbed does what is says on the tin, and even when the footbed got sand and grit on it from a few days’ use, it was still super-grippy. I would just urge a little bit of caution when doing up your stirrup leathers as I noticed they can catch on the spiky footbed grips if you’re a little too hasty!

Verdict

H&H Approved – I really like the Flex-on GC2 stirrups for hacking and jumping, where I want that bit more security in my leg and the shock-absorbing performance. For flatwork I found them a little bit light for my liking, but I am happy to switch stirrups depending on what I am doing, as I would with any other equipment. Being able to choose your tread and incline is a massive bonus – and the vast amount of colours definitely adds the fun factor. As well as treating yourself, they would also make a lovely gift. Technical stirrups do come with a substantial price tag, and the GC2s are £185.95 (at the time of testing), but I think this is fair, especially given the customisable options.

Who tested these Flex-on stirrups?

Becky Murray started freelance writing for Horse & Hound in 2016 alongside other equestrian titles, before joining the H&H news team in July 2018. She was made senior news writer in January 2022. During her time at H&H she has reported on a broad range of topics across the equestrian industry including welfare issues, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings, rider safety, and road safety campaigns. In 2019 she attended the national Strangles Symposium and the Scottish welfare conference.

Becky was part of the home remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympic Games and the European Showjumping Championships and has reported from Morris Equestrian, the Royal Highland Show and Blair Castle International Horse Trials. She also regularly contributes to the weekly H&H podcast.

Based in north Scotland, Becky learnt to ride at the age of five. She got the showjumping bug with her 13.2hh older pony Phoenix, who used to particularly enjoy a chase-me-Charlie. She went on to compete in British Showjumping and riding club activities as a teenager with her pony Sparkle. After losing two horses in 2015 to illness and injury, Becky is now producing her Irish mare Chloe, and has returned to the showjumping ring. She also has two miniature Shetland sisters, Mootie and Poppet, who keep her on her toes.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

You might also be interested in:

Technical stirrups — what’s on the market?

Sprenger Bow Balance stirrups *H&H Approved*

£195

Flex-on Safe-on safety stirrups review *H&H Approved*

Find out how professional event rider Sam Jennings rated these technical stirrups in Horse & Hound’s independent group test

£224.95

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Sprenger Bow Balance stirrups

When a product claims to “encourage perfect leg position and balance” it definitely gets my attention. Having ridden in the more traditional bent leg stirrup irons for years, I was very interested to try something that offer more, and the Bow Balance stirrups by Sprenger do just that.

The stirrups feature the Sprenger four-link system technology; and have a safety standard 1,600kg breaking strength. The “bow” aims to reduce the risk of the foot becoming trapped and offers enhanced security, by being able to pivot in four directions simultaneously. The stirrups are also shock-absorbing and claim to be “gentle on ligaments and joints”.

What struck me first is the Bow Balance stirrups’ unique style, with the “bow” shape – and then the rubber in the lower half of the stirrups, and I think they look smart enough for competitions – or everyday riding.

When I first put my feet in the stirrups I definitely felt instantly supported by the extra wide footbed. I was concerned the flexibility of the stirrups might offer almost too much mobility, having been so used to traditional stirrups, but I really liked the feeling they gave me when I was riding. I put them through their paces riding in the arena, field, and out hacking, and in all scenarios they felt very comfortable.

I struggle with some stiffness through my right hip which I’m working on with the help of a physio, and I definitely felt the Bow Balance stirrups helped me secure my right lower leg a bit better. I tend to ride quite short, but I found myself feeling comfortable enough to drop my stirrup leathers down a hole, which was a real positive – and I’m sure my flatwork coach will be happier for this too!

My main discipline is showjumping, and while I definitely like knowing the safety they offer with the 1,600kg breaking strength and the bow reducing the risk of the foot becoming trapped, I do find the stirrups ever so slightly clunkier and heavier than the ones I’m used to – but with that said, I think over time I wouldn’t notice.

Verdict

*H&H Approved* – The Sprenger Bow Balance stirrups have won me over, and I would recommend them to others. I think it’s a bold claim that a stirrup can help with leg position, and the cynic in me wondered if they were having a placebo effect, but I definitely have a more secure lower leg when using them and I am interested to see how they feel in a few months down the line. They are quite pricey compared to traditional stirrups (RRP £195) but they sit comfortably in this price bracket alongside other brands of the best technical stirrups.

Who tested these Sprenger stirrups?

Becky Murray started freelance writing for Horse & Hound in 2016 alongside other equestrian titles, before joining the H&H news team in July 2018. She was made senior news writer in January 2022. During her time at H&H she has reported on a broad range of topics across the equestrian industry including welfare issues, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings, rider safety, and road safety campaigns. In 2019 she attended the national Strangles Symposium and the Scottish welfare conference.

Becky was part of the home remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympic Games and the European Showjumping Championships and has reported from Morris Equestrian, the Royal Highland Show and Blair Castle International Horse Trials. She also regularly contributes to the weekly H&H podcast.

Based in north Scotland, Becky learnt to ride at the age of five. She got the showjumping bug with her 13.2hh older pony Phoenix, who used to particularly enjoy a chase-me-Charlie. She went on to compete in British Showjumping and riding club activities as a teenager with her pony Sparkle. After losing two horses in 2015 to illness and injury, Becky is now producing her Irish mare Chloe, and has returned to the showjumping ring. She also has two miniature Shetland sisters, Mootie and Poppet, who keep her on her toes.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

You might also be interested in:

Technical stirrups — what’s on the market?

Jin Air stirrups review *H&H Approved*

Find out how professional event rider Sam Jennings rated these technical stirrups in Horse & Hound’s independent group test

£225

Flex-on Safe-on safety stirrups review *H&H Approved*

Find out how professional event rider Sam Jennings rated these technical stirrups in Horse & Hound’s independent group test

£224.95

Equipe safety stirrups review *Score 8/10*

£299

Sprenger Flexcite Grip stirrups review *H&H Approved*

£212

Safety stirrups – what are your options?

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Everyone’s talking about tack mishaps and brilliant Irish horses from this week’s showjumping action. One entrepreneurial rider proved that losing your bridle needn’t be a hindrance when it comes to winning a CSI3* grand prix, while Irish riders, breeders and producers come away with a mighty medal haul at the world young horse championships.

Read on for a round-up of all this week’s international showjumping news and results.

Tack mishap: who needs a bridle anyway?

Two fences from home in the first round of the CSI3* Thunderbird grand prix at the weekend, New Zealand rider Uma O’Neill suffered a tack malfunction that would have left most of us flailing for the brakes. Not Uma. She remained cool as a cucumber when, heading towards the 1.50m penultimate vertical on the 16-year-old stallion Clockwise Of Greenhill Z, the bridle slipped down over the horse’s ears.

“It was very wet from the rain, and as I kept going around the first-round course, I noticed that there was more and more bonnet sticking up above his ears,” she explained. “Over [the B element] of the triple combination I got a little concerned and cantering to the Odlum Brown oxer, I thought the bonnet might be covering his eyes but he still felt amazing.”

When they landed after the next jump, the bridle ended up underneath Clockwise’s nose but, fortunately, the stallion held on to the bit in his mouth. Uma managed to steer right towards the final oxer, which the grey stallion duly cleared in style, and across the line to post a clear round and earn their place in the jump-off.

“I kept my leg on, and he felt confident, so I decided to keep going,” she said. “There was only one jump left, and he felt great.”

The pair were safely stopped at the in-gate, where Clockwise’s bridle was returned to its rightful place. The duo’s belief in each other has been built in a decade-long partnership. Uma and Clockwise have climbed the ranks from junior jumpers to the Tokyo Olympics.

“I have so much confidence in him. I know he knows the job, and it’s just about keeping him fresh, happy and loose in his body,” said Uma.

After having a lighter campaign in spring and summer this year, during which the stallion spent “most of that time swimming at Premier Equine Centre” in Oakdale, California, he’s “come back feeling really fresh”.

“It’s been super beneficial at his age, just keeping his fitness up with less concussion on his joints,” Uma explained.

The pair suffered no such mishaps against the clock, returning to post the fastest clear (41.11sec) from five combinations through to the jump-off for the first international grand prix of the 2023 Thunderbird Show Park Season in Langley, Canada.

“Tbird is a place that has really done a lot for my career and Clockwise’s career,” Uma said. “We’ve had many special memories here, and the Tidball family and staff at Tbird have always felt like family.”

Great Britain’s Charlie Jones finished eighth in the grand prix riding Capitale 6.

• Thunderbird results

The future is bright for Irish breeders

Once again, Irish breeders and producers dominated the FEI WBFSH Jumping World Breeding Championship for Young Horses in Lanaken, Belgium. Super Sunday began with a clean sweep of the podium in the five-year-old championship where an 11-strong jump-off over Bernard Mathy’s 1.30m track decided the medal honours. Six of these came from Ireland and it was Mikey Pender and the Bravo Hughes home-bred gelding HHS Ocala, a son of Urano De Cartigny out of Hera Van’t Roosakker (by Wandor Van De Mispelaere) who triumphed with an electric double clear. They proved half a second faster than silver medallists Niamh McEvoy on the smart bay stallion Boleybawn Alvaro (Dominator 2000 Z x Crown Z) bred and co-owned by Ronan Rothwell. In third was last year’s champion Ger O’Neill riding another Irish-bred Ballyshan BF Super Hero (Celtic Hero BZ x Lux Z), owned by Martin Egan and bred by Gary Doherty.

“I was very close to winning a few times in the past, but always not quite fast enough,” said Mikey on claiming his first title. “HHS Ocala is a very careful and competitive horse and he really is a horse for the future.”

Harry Allen enjoyed his moment on top of the podium after heading the seven-year-old final with the Italian-bred Kannan x Toulon mare Kumina Della Caccia. This lovely chestnut comes from the same damline as Kashmir Van Schuttershof and Harry was following in the footsteps of his older brother Bertram, who took the six-year-old title a decade ago.

“Kumina Della Caccia is a fantastic horse and I even think she’s the best seven-year-old I have ever ridden,” said Harry. “Everywhere we go she just jumps fantastic and actually a round with four penalties is a bad result for her! We had a strong season with victory in the final class in Bratislava and she also jumped two fantastic rounds in Aachen. We actually sold her at our Aloga Auction last year, but we agreed that I could continue to ride her until she’s eight. Then we will make a new plan for her.”

Best of the Brits was Leo Lamb with the all-conquering Gmail (Cornet Obolensky x Diamant De Semilly). After exceptional faultless performances in the opening rounds, the pair just picked up eight faults in Sunday’s final.

“He jumped amazing in the first two qualifiers, double clear,” said Leo, who put down the final day’s faults to Gmail going “a bit too careful” after an issue in the warm-up. “It wasn’t his fault at all. But we live and learn. it was incredible to be there and to be part of it all.”

The pair will next week be contesting three national finals at Horse of the Year Show.

“We’re really excited,” Leo said. “He’s so intelligent and takes it all in his stride. As long as I keep my cool, he’s there or thereabouts. I’m very lucky to have a horse like him. I love him more than anyone or anything!”

The six-year-old championship went to Germany’s Katrin Eckermann and Cascajall (Casallco x Comme Il Faut). Ireland’s Leah Stack took second on Laurina, owned and bred by Noel Cawley and by Stakkato Gold out of Cruising mare Rincarina, a top performer for Greg Broderick.

In the consolation classes for young horses, Great Britain’s Georgia Wells and Nicole Lockhead Anderson collected a win apiece. Georgia took the five-year-old class with AES mare Obolenskys Dollar Girl (Cristallo 7 x Billy Mexico) while Nicole took the seven-year-old equivalent with Conthargo PS (Conthargos x Centadel).

• FEI WBFSH Jumping World Breeding Championship for Young Horse results

Iberio flies the flag

FROM 50 combinations forward for the showcase Sires Of The World final, Ireland’s Denis Lynch rode Cornets Iberio to victory after an eight-way decider. Denis has had the son of Cornet Obolensky x Iberio I, who was bred by Heinrich Ramsbrock, since he was a five-year-old.

“He is very competitive,” said Denis. “He did some breeding when he was younger, but he hasn’t been used so much in recent years. So maybe this will promote him. He is a real fighter.”

• Sires of the world results

Grand prix victory in Saint Tropez

There were more Irish celebrations over at Hubside Jumping Grimaud in the south of France where Mark McAuley topped a 10-way jump-off to decide the CSI3* grand prix riding the 10-year-old mare GRS Lady Amaro. This was the combination’s second win of the week, after they also headed Friday’s 1.50m jump-off class. Great Britain’s Donald Whitaker also picked up a three-star win, heading Thursday’s two-phase on the 12-year-old mare Little Khira H.

• Hubside results

You may also like to read…

‘It was scary — we were heading for a 1.60m oxer’: Top rider forced to jump ship after horse’s bit breaks

The dramatic moment horse loses its bridle in a speed class – and still finishes fourth

Top rider loses bridle but still jumps clear [VIDEO]

In an amazing feat of horsemanship Gregory Wathelet jumped a clear round despite his bridle falling off part way around

Who needs a bridle anyway? Check out the bridleless leather bit

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Austrian rider Gerfried Puck was competing at the 2023 European Showjumping Championships at the San Siro racecourse in Milan, Italy (30 August-3 September), 14 years after his last championship appearance in Windsor, England, in 2009.

On Friday (1 September) the 50-year-old helped the Austrian team to a historic bronze medal in the team final – the country’s first team showjumping medal at the European Showjumping Championships.

But his return to the championship stage wasn’t without mishap as he had to make a last-minute bridle change on his powerful stallion Equitron Naxcel V on the opening day after being told he’d fallen foul of a new FEI rule, just seconds before entering the ring.

“My horse is really sensitive in the mouth – we want to protect him, so we use some tape on the bit that’s very soft,” explained Gerfried, who was put in a similar position to Great Britain’s Jodie Hall-McAteer at the Longines Global Champions Tour in London last month. “But the FEI changed the rules a few weeks ago and when I had the final boot check they saw the tape and said that was no longer allowed.

“So we had to quickly change the whole bridle before I went in – that’s why I was three horses late. They changed the rules so many times and now we have to change which bridle we use once again.”

European Showjumping Championships: an Olympic berth

However, after that initial mishap, Gerfried and his Austrian team-mates secured a place in Friday’s team final, bidding for one of three qualification slots at the 2024 Paris Olympics, which they duly secured with their tremendous bronze medal-winning performance.

“I think will have quite a strong team for next year’s Olympics and we might make a big surprise,” says the Austria-based rider.

“I only ever wanted to go to a championship when I had the right horse, a horse I felt could jump it easy. Otherwise it’s not nice for the horse. That’s why I waited so long [14 years] to do another championship. Now I have a horse that finds it easy, he’s shown that here.

“I haven’t had a horse to jump this really big stuff – I’ve had horses to jump four-stars and some World Cups, but not championships. But with Equitron Naxcel we are really happy – this is his first championship, but we bred him ourselves, so we’ve had him since a baby, and that’s very special.

“He’s also a really good breeding stallion – we have some nice offspring from him who are six years old. He just doesn’t want to make a mistake.

“So we had one goal this week – to qualify for the Olympics.”

High spirits at the vet-check

The Balou Du Rouet stallion’s high-spirited antics in the first vet-check at this year’s European Showjumping Championships had everyone talking – he just loves a crowd, explained Gerfried.

“Yes he’s really powerful – he was a bit crazy in the vet check because everyone was looking at him and that’s what he loves,” he said. “But for the owner and breeder’s family, this is the first time they’ve come to see him at a show. My wife is riding, my son is riding, it’s a total family production.”

Horse & Hound has a team of reporters covering all the European showjumping action. To keep reading on our website after five articles, readers will need to buy a subscription. Visit horseandhound.co.uk/join to buy a Horse & Hound website unlimited subscription or, for great value, visit magazinesdirect.com for a combined magazine and website subscription. If you are already a magazine subscriber, the cost to upgrade your subscription to include full website access is minimal – call 0330 333 1113 to find out more.

You may also be interested to read…

‘It’s incredible’: meet the top showjumper who sleeps 20 hours a day and loves bananas

From barefoot to shod and back – top showjumping stallion takes it in his stride

‘After this, I believe I can do it’: next stop for 25-year-old hero is his country’s first Olympics in 44 years

‘Iron Maiden or Five Finger Death Punch’: European Showjumping Championships leader reveals unusual pre-ring motivation

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Riders should be given the option to use a snaffle bridle instead of a double in all international dressage, according to a leading equine research support body.

The call came from the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES), which promotes equine welfare by improving horse and human interactions through research and using evidence-based practices, in an open letter to the FEI.

It follows the release of the first draft of FEI rules for 2024, which does not include a recommendation from the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission (EEWC) to give riders at grand prix the choice to use a double bridle or not.

Their reasoning comes from their support of the “precautionary principle” – this means considering the possibility of harm when conclusive evidence is not yet available.

The group “strongly endorses” the commission’s work, particularly the development of the 30 recommendations and proposed adoption of the vision of a “good life for horses” (news, 4 May).

“On matters where there are important ethical concerns, such as the mandatory use of double bridles at grand prix level in dressage, there may be a difference between the perspectives of stakeholders and animal welfare researchers,” states the letter.

“While stakeholders may consider scientific evidence of any welfare risk to be lacking, welfare scientists caution the dangers of such a perspective.

“Therefore, ISES supports the application of the ‘precautionary principle’, where any doubts that may exist in any situation surrounding horse welfare, the outcome should favour the interests of the horse until such time that research reveals there to be no welfare risk.”

The letter adds: “ISES is supportive of there being choice for riders in favour of their horses’ welfare in relation to use of the double bridle. ISES is disappointed that the FEI proposed rule changes do not reflect the early recommendation made by the EEWC regarding deregulating the mandatory use of a double bridle for any discipline.

“ISES believes that continuing to require all riders at FEI grand prix level to use a double bridle is not in the best interest of horse welfare.

“Many national federations have responded by allowing riders the choice to use a snaffle bridle at grand prix level, and Sweden for example has proposed that the use of the double bridle be optional for FEI competitions, as per the EEWC recommendation.

“ISES strongly encourages the FEI to support the EEWC early recommendation to allow riders to make better choices in favour of the welfare of their horses.”

ISES also supports the FEI’s proposed rule to use an objective device, rather than fingers, to measure noseband tightness. The FEI has not yet set out how it intends to do this, and ISES is “disappointed” that the federation “remains uncommitted” to measurement on the front of the horse’s nose “despite the significant body of evidence” supporting this outlined by the EEWC.

“ISES believes that the actual maximum tightness should be clearly articulated in line with the research that is available, and the device should measure tightness where the pressure is known to be greatest,” states the letter.

H&H has contacted the FEI for a response.

The FEI draft rules undergo revisions before they are voted on at the general assembly in November, meaning that the current draft is not yet set in stone. This first draft includes the proposal to introduce an “FEI objective measuring tool, which will provide the repeatability and consistency in measuring the tightness of nosebands” (news, 13 July). The FEI intends to outline measuring protocols in a “flexible document, not regulated in the rules, and amended if needed”.

World Horse Welfare CEO Roly Owers told H&H: “Ethics – and the ongoing maintenance of equestrianism’s social licence – will always support the precautionary approach as a guiding principle.“This is especially relevant where a growing evidence base suggests that a change would be beneficial, as it is our responsibility to base our decisions on the safeguarding of horses’ welfare.

“Producing robust scientific evidence takes time, money and commitment, and in this regard invoking the precautionary principle requires a fundamental change of thinking.

“Where evidence is growing that a practice may threaten equine welfare, we should not maintain the status quo, but changes should be made, changes that can always be reversed if the balance of evidence ultimately shows that they are unnecessary.”

You might also be interested in:

Laura Tomlinson: ‘Will the double bridle be consigned to history?’

Anna Ross: why not allow riders a choice of bridle in top FEI grand prix dressage?

‘Controversial’ proposal around double bridles and spurs sparks debate

Double bridle debate continues – as FEI dressage committee has its say

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Swedish rider Amanda Staam completed the cross-country at the European Eventing Championships yesterday despite a broken martingale on course.

The 32-year-old senior championship debutante said she had “no idea” what was happening when her chestnut gelding became upset after the open corner at fence 20b, leaping in the air.

“He jumped really big over the corner and at the landing he was so scared of something,” she said. “I didn’t know what was wrong, but then I understood. We had a short gallop track up there, so I just let him continue to gallop, to see if he was okay and it felt like he let go of it [what was bothering him].”

The pair continued round the European Eventing Championships course with their broken martingale, finishing with 20 penalties at the fence into Le coffin Fischer at fence 22a and 49.2 time-faults.

Amanda said 10-year-old Corpoubet AT is “really careful and scared of most things that move”, which may explain why he initially reacted badly to the flapping martingale strap.

The horse is home-bred, by Corporal VDL out of a mare called Bulgari, by Baloubet Du Rouet.

Reflecing on her round, Amanda said: “We really had to work today – he got really tired. He’s big horse, a little bit heavy. But he has the biggest heart and he tried to do everything for me.”

The rider added that she has several siblings of Corpoubet AT and they all have the “same heart and are big jumpers”.

Amanda is a former young rider team bronze medallist and is a member of the Swedish team here. She lies 37th individually after cross-country and Sweden is seventh in the team standings.

Horse & Hound has a team of reporters covering all the action at the Europeans in Haras du Pin. To keep reading on our website after five articles, readers will need to buy a subscription. Visit horseandhound.co.uk/join to buy a Horse & Hound website unlimited subscription or, for great value, visit magazinesdirect.com/XHH-brandsite for a combined magazine and website subscription. If you are already a magazine subscriber, the cost to upgrade your subscription to include full website access is minimal – call 0330 333 1113 to find out more.

You might also be interested in:

Britain on verge of double European gold after anchorman’s outstanding cross-country display

Kitty King in individual silver after Europeans cross-country: ‘I’m so proud of Froggy’

Shock run-out for world champions as Germany keeps pressure on Britain

Top British pair out of the running at European Championships

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Two men who stole and handled tack stolen from shows “thought they were untouchable” but had no option other than pleading guilty, police said.

Jamie Aston, 32, and Kieran Quinn, 36, appeared at Chester Crown Court on 8 August and pleaded guilty to four counts of theft and two counts of handling stolen goods. The pair, both of Arthur Street, Blaengwynfi, admitted to thefts, from tack lockers at Bolesworth in July last year, and handling stolen tack from Weston Lawns in April 2022 and the David Broome Event Centre last July.

H&H reported last year that Ibi Whatley and Wayne Garrick, whose saddles worth a total of about £30,000 were stolen at a show, were calling on the horse world to unite to defeat tack-stealing “scumbags”. One of their saddles has been recovered but there have been no arrests in relation to these thefts and the other saddles are still missing.

Ibi collated evidence to help the police investigation, and set up a Facebook group to list stolen tack, which she thanked Jane Rudd and Emily Santos for helping run.

“It’s worked out well,” she told H&H today (11 August). “I can’t take all the credit, because all I’ve done is shout, but Wayne and I shouted loudly, which I think helped get people in gear.

“I had no idea who they were but because people were made aware, [members of the public] stepped up and come forward. After the show [where our saddles were stolen] we said, ‘This needs to stop. We can’t go out competing worried that our belongings won’t be there when we get back’.”

Ibi said she thought the united approach and awareness-raising was taken a step further than previously, if saddles were stolen, when people might post on Facebook but hear nothing more.

“I hope we’ve played a small part in this,” she said. “It’s been quiet recently; I haven’t heard of any other show thefts. We do a lot of stay-away shows and we feel a bit safer now. People are more aware, and we find people talking to each other; they communicate and I hope people think twice now before they try to take things. Something had to be done because they were just getting away with it.”

A spokesman for Cheshire Constabulary said officers were called to reports of multiple thefts from Bolesworth on 3 July last year.

“Officers attended the scene and found that unknown offenders had gained access to the site before forcing entry into multiple lockers and stealing a number of equestrian items,” he said.

“Telecommunication enquiries linked Jamie Aston and Kieran Quinn to the investigation.

“While investigating the incident, police were informed of two other incidents involving theft of horse tack at Weston Lawns in Coventry on 24 April 2022 and David Broome Event Centre in Chepstow on 10 July 2022.”

On 20 July last year, officers searched an address on Arthur Street, Blaengwynfi, and Aston and Quinn were arrested on suspicion of theft. A warrant was also conducted at a premises linked to Aston and Quinn in Cardiff.

“During the warrants, officers recovered a number of stolen items and further evidence linking them to the thefts,” the spokesman said.

The pair will be sentenced on 15 September.

Detective Sergeant Stuart Needham said: “Aston and Quinn thought they were untouchable, attempting to target premises across Cheshire, motivated by their own illegal gains.

“However, as they continued, the more careless they became, and officers from Chester Proactive team were already on to them. The evidence gathered during the investigation left Aston and Quinn no option but to plead guilty.

“I hope this demonstrates that we will continue to do all we can to crack down on those who think they can come into Cheshire to commit crime.

“The effect this type of crime has on the victims and the local community should not be underestimated so we will continue to make every effort to find those responsible and put them before the courts.”

You might also be interested in:

‘We must stick together to beat these scumbags’: horse world urged to unite against tack thieves

Desperate appeal to find missing miniature pony believed stolen

Woman arrested after £10,000 haul including tack stolen

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Amateur rider Jono Fryer’s Irish Draught gelding Fuerty Emperor confirmed his status as the “ultimate gentleman” when he won two championships at the Midlands Irish Draught and Open Hunter show (16 July) in just a bradoon, after his Weymouth bit broke during the class.

Fuerty Emperor, who is known at home as Gabriel, was coming towards the end of his performance under the ride judge, when the bit snapped in two.

Jono had brought Gabriel, a Horse of the Year Show winner last year as a heavyweight hunter, to the show in the hope of qualifying him for the Irish Draught breed show due to take place in September.

“The judge had ridden most of her show and she was just about to ask Gabriel for an extension down the long side of the arena,” Jono said. “She came off the corner, and we could all see that the bit was dangling underneath his chin. I instantly thought that the leatherwork must have snapped, but when the judge brought Gabriel back down to a walk, I could see that the mouthpiece of the bit had broken from the shank. It had literally sheared off — the edge was razor-sharp.”

Knowing Gabriel’s capabilities, Jono asked the judges and stewards if he could be allowed to carry on with the class.

“They were happy for me to continue, so my groom and I dismantled the double bridle while standing in the line-up and we carried on,” he added. “We went on to win the class as well as both hunter and Irish Draught championships with Gabriel being shown in his bradoon bit. He’s such a saint, bless his heart. To be honest, I think it’s a nicer picture with less tack on!

“The bit company has also been brilliant. They were very concerned about what had happened and they asked for the bit to be sent back, also sending out a replacement straight away.

“All I kept thinking was thank goodness I was riding him in a double bridle and not in a pelham, though you could actually show Gabriel bitless as he’s such a dream to ride.”

You might also like to read…

21 star ponies H&H captured at the 2023 BSPS winter championships

Who’s excited for this year’s Royal International Horse Show? Check out 36 stunning show ring winners from 2022

‘It’s a good job I’m obsessed’: an exclusive look behind the scenes at this top horseman’s yard

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The FEI is looking to tighten its noseband rules by moving away from fingers to a standardised way of measuring.

The move would also include elimination and a yellow card for those found to be using over-tightened nosebands in competition.

The suggestions are made in the first draft of 2024 FEI rules, released on 28 June, and would bring all disciplines into line. The FEI’s rules revision process means national federations and stakeholders have until 16 August to give feedback.

The proposed change came from a recommendation by the FEI equine ethics and wellbeing commission. This was for a “general provision harmonising the approach measuring the tightness of nosebands” across disciplines, using an “FEI objective measuring tool”.

Questions remain, such as how and where tightness will be measured, but the intention is to have answers in coming weeks in order for this to be a full proposal by the autumn.

“‘Fingers’ are a subjective measuring unit, as they differ in size and as such do not provide consistency in measurements of noseband tightness at FEI events,” states the FEI explanation.

“The FEI proposes to introduce an FEI objective measuring tool, which will provide the repeatability and consistency in measuring the tightness of nosebands. This will ensure that the same horse welfare standards are applied globally across all FEI events while providing clarity for all FEI stakeholders.”

It is also notable that the FEI intends to outline protocols for measuring nosebands in a “flexible document, not regulated in the rules, and amended if needed”. This means that it could, theoretically, be changed and added to without having to go through the FEI’s lengthy rules revision process.

The proposed rule states that nosebands – upper and lower – “must be adjusted with sufficient laxity”. The consequences of an “excessively tightened” noseband would be that pre-competition, the horse and rider would not be allowed to start unless the noseband is loosened; during combination, they would be eliminated and the rider given a yellow warning card.

New equestrian charter

The FEI is also seeking to add an “equestrian charter” to its rules for 2024, which acknowledges horses’ wellbeing, sentience and that welfare is a priority (news, 4 May).

“Equine welfare involves the physical, psychological, social and environmental wellbeing of the horse, and all horses involved in sport and leisure activities should be able to live a good life,” it states.

It would require all those involved in horse sport to uphold three pledges. These are to “understand it is a privilege to involve horses in sport and this comes with responsibilities to the horse”, to commit to respecting the horse “as a sentient creature capable of feeling both positive and negative emotions, and to ensure its welfare is always my priority”. And to “continually develop” understanding of equine behaviour and welfare needs, and to proactively use this knowledge to provide a “good life for horses with which I am involved”.

Other proposed rule changes

An increase in the minimum age of event horses at the top level, a suggestion of an under-25 Europeans, plus a rejig of minimum eligibility requirements for horses returning to competition are all also being considered.

The French federation has put forward the idea of upping the minimum age of event horses eligible to compete at senior Europeans, and at five-star, from eight to nine years old.

“We propose to increase by one year the minimum age of horses in order to emphasise on the progressive pathway needed to access to that level. It contributes to horse welfare measures,” states the French submission.

The FEI agreed, adding that this “would be beneficial from a horse welfare point of view”.

The German and Irish federations both “strongly” recommended the introduction of an under-25 European Eventing Championships “most preferably at CCI4*-L”. Although the sport is unlikely to see this in 2024, it is on the table for the future.

The FEI’s eventing committee said it is a “good proposal to bridge the age gap”, suggesting it be included in the next revision of the eventing rules.

“For risk management reasons this addition could provide an intermediate level between young riders and seniors competitions,” said the FEI eventing committee.

Teething problems with the “problematic” 2023 rule on event horses returning to competition following a break will also be attempted to be ironed out for next year.

The current rule requires four- and five-star horses who have been away from FEI competition for 13 months or more to achieve a qualifying run at the level below, before stepping back up. But the way the current rule is implemented has caused a “cascading effect”, meaning certain horses are dropping down more than one level. The FEI has tweaked the wording to fix this.

The final draft of 2024 rules will be released in October, ready to be voted on at the FEI general assembly in November and come into force next year.

You might also be interested in:

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Plan to allow dressage riders to ditch their spurs completely at top level

Calls for changes to elimination rule over ‘serious concerns’

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The best saddle pads will draw away moisture from your horse’s back, keeping him dry and comfortable even when he’s working hard in hot weather. It will also fit your saddle well, offer a good amount of cushioning and spine clearance, and it shouldn’t move while you’re riding.

The straps for attachment should be of good length – and if they’re Velcro for easy fitting this is a real bonus. Some will attach to the girth straps, while others will attach at the D-rings, which may be more convenient unless you need those D-rings to attach a breastplate to. The best saddle pads will wash and wear well as you’ll need to put it through the wash frequently to keep it clean, smart and free from sweat and hair. Some feature an extra layer of protection where the girth sits to prevent the pad suffering wear in this area.

Why do you need a saddle pad?

A saddle pad provides a little extra cushioning between you and your horse, but it’s main function is to keep your saddle clean and wick sweat away from your horse’s back. Some saddle pads are anti-slip and provide extra security, while sometimes a saddle fitter will advise you use a particular shape or thickness of pad, such as a half pad, to temporarily improve the fit of your saddle.

What’s the difference between a saddle pad and a numnah?

A numnah is roughly the same shape as your saddle, whereas a saddle pad or saddlecloth is closer to a rectangular shape and you can see much more of it when the saddle is placed on top. Numnahs are commonly used in showing.

The selection below is a round up of some of the best saddle pads for GPs, but we’ve sorted through the best saddle pads for jumping, best dressage squares and best numnahs, too.

What size saddle pad do I need?

Saddle pads come in a range of sizes, dependent on the manufacturer, but the most common divisions in the UK are pony or full. Some brands also have the option of cob, but not all. When you only have the two sizes to choose between, if your saddle is 16½in or larger you’re likely to be better with a full-sized pad, while anything smaller is will probably be better with a pony size. However, wherever possible it’s best to check the manufacturer’s size guide before purchase.

Best saddle pads for GP saddles

Weatherbeeta Prime All Purpose Saddle Pad

Colours: Bubblegum pink, mulberry, lime green, maroon, royal blue, turquoise, white, black, grey, olive, navy, blueberry navy, lavender or red violet | Sizes: Pony or full | RRP: £39.50 | H&H Rating: 10/10, H&H Approved |

This Weatherbeeta saddle pad is made of a durable cotton fabric with a wicking lining that helps to keep your horse cool, dry and comfortable. It features a breathable mesh spine for extra airflow and high-wither design to allow for extra clearance. The covered girth patch offers durability and the touch-tape girth loops offer easy fit. The D-rings also attach simply with short touch-tape loops for a secure fit. Matching items available, as are reflective, ombre, marble and leopard print versions.

Read H&H’s independent WeatherBeeta Prime Saddle Pad review.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, equus.co.uk, naylors.com, gooutdoors.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Hy Sport Active GP Saddle Pad

Colours: White, black, red, navy, orange, emerald, royal blue, blue, green, purple, pink or grey | Sizes: Cob/full | RRP: £34.99 | H&H Rating: 8/10 |

This traditional and classic-shaped cotton saddle pad from Hy is designed to fit a wide range of saddles. It has a moisture-wicking lining and features the signature HyWither cut to provide clearance and prevent rubbing. It also features a durable anti-rub girth cover protection, complete with double touch-tape girth loops for a secure and precise fit. Matching items available.

Read H&H’s independent Hy Sport Active Saddle Pad review.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, equus.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

Woof Wear Colour Fusion GP Saddle Pad

Colours: 15 options | Sizes: Pony or full | RRP: £39.99 |

This high-wither pad has been shaped to fit the contours of the horse and modern saddles. It is made from a no-rub polycotton, has girth strap protection sections with girth straps and D-ring straps ensure the pad is secure and comfortable. The pony size also has a faux fur wither protector.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, equus.co.uk, naylors.com or ebay.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

LeMieux Suede GP Square

Colours: Marine, sienna, fig, ink blue, navy, Benetton blue, ice blue, peacock, sage, hunter green, musk, plum, chilli or mink | Sizes: S/M or L | RRP: £44.95 |

Designed to fit a wide range of GP saddles with its high wither, long straps and faux leather girth protection area. The luxurious suede top side and suede binding is combined with a soft bamboo lining to absorb and control sweat under the saddle, while minimising friction.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Mark Todd Ergo GP Competition Pad

Colours: Mosaic, black, grey, white or navy | Sizes: Full | RRP: £34.98 |

This ergonomically designed saddle pad has a mesh spine for improved airflow, a reinforced girth area and front strap fastenings that attach to the D-rings for quick, easy fitting. It has a cut-away shaping to help reduce the risk of overheating, while still allowing space for team embroidery.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

Shires Arma Fusion Saddlecloth

Colours: Black, grey, green, deep red or ocean blue | Sizes: 17–18in | RRP: £74.99 |

Combining silicone grips with a shock absorbing lining, this technical saddlecloth is designed for high performance. It’s made with a breathable anti-pill cotton outer with hard-wearing girth guards, while the grip helps to keep the pad in place and the saddle secure. The 3D mesh zones along the spine provide ventilation and increased airflow, the wicking lining reduces the risk of rubbing and increases comfort, and the fleece wither trim offers a luxurious touch. Machine washable.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Rhinegold Wave Saddle Pad

Colours: Black, denim, plum, raspberry, red, tangerine or turquoise | Sizes: Pony, cob or full | RRP: £19.95 |

This saddle pad features a cotton outer, a wave stitching pattern and a wicking waffle lining. It has a ventilated spine and touch-tape attachment straps. It’s finished with twin satin finish rope bindings and embroidered branding.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Coldstream Marygold GP Saddle Pad

Colours: Black, white, slate blue, mulberry purple, blush pink or fern green | Sizes: Pony/cob or full | RRP: £67.99 |

This luxury pad is made from a deluxe silk material with hexagonal logo quilting for a classy and sophisticated style. They have been designed with a high wither that is supported by memory foam stop cushions to provide clearance, comfort, a secure fit and freedom of movement. The pads also have a moisture-tec lining to ensure breathability and airflow, while the golden pin detailing provide a really smart finish.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or equus.co.uk

Shires Performance Air Motion Pro Saddlecloth

Colours: Black | Sizes: 15–16.5in or 17–18in | RRP: £65.99 | H&H Rating: 8/10 |

Highly breathable, this compression-resistant saddlecloth from Shires uses 3D air motion technology to move moist air away from the body and keep your horse cool and dry. It also has shock-absorbing anti-slip panels to increase comfort and stability, as well as a hard-wearing girth guard.

Read H&H’s independent Shires Performance Air Motion Saddlecloth.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Supreme Products Exercise Pad

Colours: Black | Sizes: Pony or cob/full | RRP: £29.99 |

This smart and practical exercise pad is ideal for everyday use. It’s designed to mould to your horse’s shape under the saddle, with the cushioning panels providing comfort.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

Protechmasta LUX GP Saddlecloth

Colours: Blue or dark purple | Sizes: Pony or full | RRP: £84.95 |

This smart saddle pad has a shiny outer material that is not only beautiful but dirt repellent, too. It has a 3D spacer mesh along the spine of the pad to maximise airflow and breathability, as well as a ceramic-infused lining that emits a natural and safe form of Far Infrared radiation. This is proven to gently and safely assist blood circulation, which can help to assist warm up.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

You might also like:

The matchy-matchy sets that all young riders want

10 matchy-matchy sets to keep you right on trend

11 long girths to cast your eye over

A selection of the best stirrup leathers to complement your saddle

Looking for some new stirrup leathers? Here’s a selection of different types we think are worth a look at...

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

At Bolesworth International in Cheshire last week (14-18 June) spectators were intrigued by the unusual orange bit worn by Emma Stoker’s ride Daisy, who was runner-up in both Thursday’s grand prix qualifier and Saturday’s 1.45m winning round in the CSI3* section.

The soft-touch bit is made of nylon rope surrounded by thick layer of soft, semi-porous foam that moulds around the nylon core and was originally designed for horses with sensitive mouths. It is also said to prevent pinching, making it useful for horses that have suffered a mouth injury.

The loose rings attach directly to the nylon strap.

“It’s basically a giant sponge and Daisy loves it. She’s been in it for a long time now,” says Emma of the 12-year-old mare by Connor.

“I had to experiment with her as I couldn’t get the feeling I wanted. She’s very polite and has a very light mouth.

“I’d tried it previously on another horse and it was sitting in my bit bucket and she was instantly really good in it.

“I’ve never had a horse it suited before, but it works for her.”

Emma Stoker enjoyed a successful show at Bolesworth, also heading the opening CSI3* class, the two-phase 1.35m, with 10-year-old Q Seven, who like Daisy is owned by Robert Lemieux. Both horses were ridden by his daughter Chloe until eight months ago, when she backed off competing them to switch focus to her exams.

“Q Seven is an out-and-out little winner and such a fun horse,” Emma says. “I had him from when he was four and then Chloe bought him, but I was more than happy to have him back!”

You can read the full report from Bolesworth International in this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, in the shops Thursday 22 June.

You might also be interested in:

Why is this horse wearing an unusual headpiece in the ring at Royal Windsor?

Who needs a bridle anyway? Check out the bridleless leather bit

The dramatic moment horse loses its bridle in a speed class – and still finishes fourth

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Like the best anatomical bridles, anatomical girths are designed with the horse’s body in mind and they can be well worth the investment. Horses with big shoulder movements usually benefit as the saddle is secured firmly away from the scapula, while horses with deep girths or broader bellies will also benefit with the pressure being kept away from their elbow.

Traditional, straight girths can slide forward and out of position, while anatomical girths are designed to sit slightly further back on the horse’s belly. They have a curve in the centre that offers extra support and distributes pressure, while helping to hold the girth and saddle in place. By doing so, the horse’s scapula has a greater freedom of movement and the elbow can move without being blocked or rubbed.

The best long girths, best short girths and best stud girths can all be made with an anatomical shape and we’ve rounded up some of the best to help you choose below.

Best anatomical girths

Horseware Rambo Micklem Comfort Girth

Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: Short 22–28in or long 43–55in | RRP: £99.99 (short) or £109.99 (long) |

The Micklem ergonomic girth has been designed from the inside out, to match the precise shape of the horse. The unique design provides the optimum pressure distribution around the rib cage and equal pressure on the girth straps. It is shaped to allow unrestricted use of the elbows and has an innovative groove to allow total comfort when using a martingale strap around the girth.

In the UK? View the long girth now at gsequestrian.co.uk

In the UK? View the short girth now at gsequestrian.co.uk

In the US? View the long girth now at statelinetack.com

In the US? View the short girth now at statelinetack.com

Shires Arma Anti-Chafe Anatomical Girth

Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: 30–60in | RRP: £37.99 |

This girth is made of a durable waffle material that resists moisture build up, which protects against rubbing and girth galls. The textured surface reduces friction and drag allowing the girth to glide smoothly and allows airflow to help control excessive sweat build up.

It’s flexible, stretch-resistant, wipe-clean and reinforced with a non-stretch nylon webbing. And is shaped to provide a stable fit, giving greater freedom of movement behind the elbows and sitting further forward between the legs. It has stainless steel roller buckles and fittings.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com

In the UK? View now at amazon.com

Prolite Performance Girth

Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: 44–58in standard or 44–52in narrow | RRP: £99 |

Made under licence from Fairfax Saddles, this girth has the same design as their Performance girth, which was the first girth to be designed under scientific testing. It distributes pressure, absorbs impact and prevents rubbing. Also available in narrow gauge.

In the UK? View now at naylors.com or ebay.co.uk

LeMieux Gel-Tek Anatomic Jumping Girth

Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: 115–140cm | RRP: £149.95 |

This long jumping girth is designed to maximise comfort, improve saddle stability and prevent rubbing. It has gel-impregnated pockets that allow muscle to move freely without restriction or the sensation of blocking. The combination of dynamic gel and soft leather absorbs and spreads pressure evenly across the surface area of the girth, while the contoured shape offers maximum freedom and space behind the elbow.

The girth has double elastic straps at each end that minimise stretch and allow a degree of flexibility. It features an integrated clip in the centre so that you can easily attach draw reins, breastplate or martingale, as well as small D rings for other optional attachments.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk 

Shires Velociti Lusso Anatomical Girth

Colours: Black or Havana | Sizes: 42–54in | RRP: £64.99 |

This girth has a cut-away shape for an ergonomic, natural fit. Made of soft calf leather, it has pressure-dispersing padding and smooth edges – both to aid comfort and freedom of movement. The straps are made of triple-layered elastic, and the girth features D-rings, a central clip for attaching training aids and breastplates, and twin girth buckles with rollers. It’s finished with stitch detailing for a smart look.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk 

Collegiate Anatomic Girth

Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: Short 20–34in or long 40–56in | RRP: £59.99 (short) or £63.99 (long) |

This synthetic girth is durable, lightweight and easy to look after. It has an internal elastic that offers a comfortable fit, and stainless steel roller buckles for easy adjustment. The curved shape allows complete freedom of movement while keeping the saddle securely in place.

The long girth is available in both colours, but the short is only in black.

In the UK? View the long girth now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

In the UK? View the short girth now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

In the US? View the long girth now at amazon.com or statelinetack.com

In the US? View the short girth now at statelinetack.com

Shires Arma Memory Foam Anatomical Girth

Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: 38–60in | RRP: £55.99 |

This girth is designed to provide enhanced comfort for the horse by sitting further forward between the legs to ensure a more stable saddle fit. It offers body mapping, responsive and soft shock-absorbing support, plus a greater freedom of movement behind the elbow. The heat-responsive memory foam moulds to the body, while the elastic inserts alleviate pressure. The stainless steel roller buckles and fittings ensure long-lasting performance.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com

HKM Dressage Anatomic Elastic Leather Girth

Colours: Black | Sizes: 20–32in | RRP: £64.99 |

This dressage girth is designed for your horses comfort, allowing freedom of movement and preventing rubbing. It is made from long-life extra-soft quality leather. The elastic inserts aid pressure distribution and prevent restriction of the ribcage.

In the UK? View now at gsequestrian.co.uk 

You might also like:

11 long girths to cast your eye over

The best short dressage girths for horses at every level

11 stud girths to protect your horse while jumping

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The best running martingales for horses prevent your horse from raising his head beyond the point that the bit works correctly in his mouth. It works by stabilising the reins and applying downward pressure on the mouth via the bit and reins when the horse raises its head too high. Many riders like to use a martingale when jumping, especially on a young or strong horse. Running martingales are popular because they don’t influence your horse when he is going correctly, plus they can also double as a neck strap for sticky moments.

A running martingale is made up of two straps. The first attaches to the girth, passes through the front legs and then branches into two straps, each with a ring at the end of each through which the reins pass. The reins should have rein stops (usually rubber or leather) added to prevent the rings from getting snagged on the buckle or billet where the rein attaches to the bit. This split strap is held in place by a second strap that sits around your horse’s neck.

How to fit a running martingale

Place the neck strap around the bottom of your horse’s neck so that it is loose enough to place a hand’s width between the neck and the strap vertically above the mane. Pass the lower strap between the front legs and attach it to the girth.

Check this strap by lifting the split straps towards the wither on the same side – they should reach the wither, so adjust at the girth accordingly. You can also check by bringing the rings towards the horse’s jaw when it’s in a normal head carriage – the rings should be able to touch the jaw.

Best running martingales for horses

LeMieux Running Martingale

Colours: Black, brown/silver, brown/brass, Havana/silver or Havana/brass | Sizes: Pony, cob or full | RRP: £69.95 |

This running martingale has features that you didn’t know you needed and comes in a selection of leather and fitting colour combinations. Not only can it be adjusted at the girth, neck and rein, it feature rings that can clip on and off to the reins so that you don’t need to undo them. It is also padded at the wither.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or equus.co.uk

Shires Avignon Running Martingale

Colours: Black, Havana or oak | Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra-fall | RRP: £29.99 |

This martingale features distinctive but timeless stitching detail. It has a padded girth strap, and is not only adjustable at the neck and girth, but at the reins, too. It has stainless steel fittings.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Collegiate Syntovia+ Plain Flat Running Martingale

Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: Pony, cob, full or warmblood | RRP: £26.99 |

This synthetic leather running martingale has stainless steel fittings.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk or naylors.com

In the US? View now at amazon.com or statelinetack.com

Hy Equestrian Running Martingale

Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: Pony, cob or full | RRP: £20.99 |

With stainless steel buckles and fittings, this martingale can be adjusted at the neck and girth.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Shires Velociti Gara Running Martingale

Colours: Black or Havana | Sizes: Small pony, pony, cob, full or extra-fall | RRP: £18.50 |

This plain martingale matches the Velociti Gara bridles, but as it’s plain it will easily work with many others, too. It’s adjustable at the neck and at the girth, and has stainless steel fittings.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com

Whitaker Lynton Running Martingale

Colours: Black or Havana | Sizes: Pony, cob or full | RRP: £30 |

This martingale has tonal stitching and stainless steel hardware. It’s adjustable at the neck and girth.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

You might also like:

14 pairs of reins to suit riders across the levels and disciplines

8 bridles with flash nosebands that you might like in your tack room

11 stud girths to protect your horse while jumping

12 great GP saddle pads for everyday riding

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The best bridle for your horse won’t be the same as the best option for his field mate – it all depends on the size and shape of his head, what discipline you do, how he goes and what works for him. Whether you’re looking for an anatomical bridle or something a bit more traditional, one of the best flash bridles in this selection might catch your eye.

A flash noseband is similar to a cavesson but with a bottom strap that fastens below the bit to prevent the horse from opening his mouth wide to evade it. You can also use a flash converter to add a flash strap to an existing cavesson noseband for a quick and economical fix, although this isn’t as smart. Some newer, more anatomical designs are stitched together rather than attached via the loop on the cavesson.

How to choose a bridle

There’s a lot to consider when choosing a bridle. Most importantly it should be a good fit so that your horse is comfortable – most horses fit comfortably in a standard size as there’s usually plenty of room for adjustment. But if your horse has an unusual head shape you might find that you need to mix and match pieces – for example, a cob-sized headpiece and cheekpieces with a full-sized browband – or opt for a made-to-measure bridle. If you compete, consult your governing body’s rulebook before you make your purchase – particularly when it comes to selecting a noseband.

Ideally you would choose a bridle in the same colour as your saddle and a style that suits his head – for example, wide flat leather would more likely suit a cob or hunter, while narrower leather would complement a horse or pony with a finer head. It’s worth remembering that bridles do not come with a bit and only some include reins, so it’s best to double check exactly what you need to budget for.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up a selection of the bridles with flash nosebands. Different types of nosebands have different actions, so if you’re not sure which noseband might suit your horse it’s a good idea to do a bit of research or consult your trainer.

Best flash bridles for horses

LeMieux Kudos Work Bridle

Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra-full | RRP: £99.95 |

This bridle has a raised and padded browband and noseband with a removable flash. It has clips on the cheekpieces, which means you can change the bit quickly and easily, and clips on the throatlash, which make it removable. It’s made from soft oiled leather and features an anatomically shaped headpiece with soft padded cut away around the ears and poll to help distribute pressure and maximise comfort.

The black bridle is complete with silver fittings, while the brown has brass. Reins sold separately.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or equus.co.uk

Shires Velociti Rapida Ergonomical Flash Bridle

Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra-full | RRP: £75.99 |

This bridle has been shaped to ensure it avoids all the sensitive facial nerves. The positioning of the flash position allows air to more easily flow to the nose, and the wide, cushioned headpiece with poll gap is designed to relieve pressure over the most sensitive parts of the head. It is finished with stainless steel fittings and reins are included.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com

In the US? View now at statelinetack.com

Collegiate ComFiTec Vogue Anatomical Bridle

Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: Cob, full or extra-full | RRP: £116.99 |

Made from high quality European leather, this bridle has an anatomical and padded headpiece that is shaped around the ears to distribute pressure evenly and comfortably. The curved noseband is designed to bypass the sensitive facial nerves.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or equus.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com or statelinetack.com

Whitaker Ready To Ride Flash Bridle

Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra-full | RRP: £70 |

Made from pre-oiled leather, which is water- and crack-resistant and easy to look after, this bridle has a raised browband and noseband with tonal stitching. The flash strap is removable and the noseband sits over the headpiece to avoid irritation on the sensitive poll area. It has stainless steel hardware and reins are not included.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, equus.co.uk or naylors.com

Rhinegold Softee Padded Leather Pro-Anatomical Bridle

Colours: Black or Havana | Sizes: Cob, full or extra-full | RRP: £98.50 |

This super-soft leather bridle has a fully padded leather crown that is shaped around the ears for comfort. The noseband and browband are also padded, and it’s shaped around the cheekbones to eliminate pressure points. Reins included.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Mackey Legend Athena Bridle

Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: Cob or full | RRP: £125 |

This bridle has a wide padded headpiece that has been cut away around the ears. The padded noseband has been designed to reduce pressure with a removable, wide-set flash strap. Reins are included and the headpiece is also available separately.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk

Mark Todd Padded Flash Bridle

Colours: Black or Havana | Sizes: Cob or full | RRP: £134.98 |

The Mark Todd Padded Flash Bridle is made from premium Italian soft and supple leather, this bridle is designed for comfort, with a padded headpiece and a wide, padded flash noseband. Features include stainless steel buckles and removable flash attachment. Reins not included.

In the UK? View now at gsequestrian.co.uk

LeMieux Kudos Competition Flash Bridle

Colours: Black or Havana | Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra-full | RRP: £179.95 |

Made from soft leather with a lightly padded noseband and browband, this super-smart bridle is designed to maximise comfort and evenly distribute pressure. The removable flash incorporates roller buckles for ease of use and has a protective piece of leather under the buckle to prevent rubbing.

Both the black and Havana bridles are complete with silver fittings. Reins not included.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or equus.co.uk

You might also like:

13 anatomical bridles to ensure maximum comfort

14 pairs of reins to suit riders across the levels and disciplines

8 grackle bridles for a range of budgets

The best tack cleaners and conditioners that will bring shine to your tack room

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

CONFUSION has arisen about the FEI’s tack approval processes, as the organisation states there is “no certification system” in place – but that new items can be submitted via an app for “review” by an expert equipment group.

Ongoing discussions have been taking place around tack approval after it was announced that the Quantum cavesson bridle, now known as the welfare bridle, is no longer permitted in dressage under FEI rules from this year (news, 5 January).

Quantum co-founder Gill Batt told H&H that when the bridle was launched in November 2018, the company approached the FEI for approval and submitted an FEI dressage equipment form. In response, they were told by the FEI that the bridle was “very similar to a bridle that has already been approved and so you do not need to submit an application, it would already be allowed for use in FEI dressage competitions”.

Ms Batt said in November 2022 that when they found out the bridle would be banned, they spoke to the FEI and were asked to have the bridle pressure-tested – but were not given any protocols on how this should be conducted. Quantum had the bridle independently tested by the University of Copenhagen, during which it was compared against four FEI-approved bridles, and the results concluded the welfare bridle “exerts significantly less pressure on the nose” than the other bridles, under different pressure-testing measures.

“We were thrilled with the results, the bridle was what we said it was. But when we submitted the results to the FEI, we immediately got the rebuff, saying they were not interested,” she said.

Ms Batt said despite more communication, the FEI will not permit the bridle.

“Absolutely you should be challenged about your product, you should have to put your money where your mouth is – which we have done. But they are still blocking it and we don’t understand why,” she said.

Last month, when H&H approached the FEI for comment, at first a spokesman said the organisation “can only repeat their statement” given to H&H in January about concerns over the bridle’s noseband pressure – and reiterated that horse welfare is “paramount” and that the FEI “continuously reviews new tack and equipment to ensure the healthy and safety of equine athletes”.

The spokesman added that the FEI “does not have certification processes for individual pieces of tack and equipment”.

“In other words, there is no mechanism where the manufacturer or other parties are able to submit a piece of tack and/or equipment for review by a panel, and get a ‘stamp of approval’ by the FEI,” he said. “Therefore, the officials are expected to apply the rules as written.”

Since this statement, the FEI announced the launch of a new tack and equipment app at the FEI Sports Forum (news, 4 May). The app provides riders and officials clarity on what is and is not permitted in each discipline, with updates planned including a function to allow FEI officials to submit photos and videos of new equipment to be reviewed by the FEI equipment expert group.

Following this announcement, H&H approached the FEI again to clarify the organisation’s position around tack approval and the spokesman told H&H that Quantum submitted a picture of the bridle to the FEI dressage department in 2018 – and at the time, the bridle was “approved”.

“At the time, the dressage department had an informal approval process in place for equipment, whereby manufacturers were advised if their equipment was compatible with the rules or not,” he said.

“According to the picture sent by the company, the bridle appeared to have a standard cavesson noseband and was therefore approved. However, it was later discovered that the cheekpiece passed through the noseband, altering its function and rendering it non-compliant with FEI rules.”

The spokesman added that in 2019, the expert equipment group was formed by the FEI board to devise a “scientific-based and unified approach” to tack and equipment across all disciplines where possible, while “taking into account their uniqueness”. He said this group consists of people with sport, vet and legal backgrounds and the group works closely with external experts and equine researchers including Hilary Clayton and Rachel Murray.

“The expert group has been mandated to review the existing rules and processes, to propose amended rules in the future with the aim of achieving consistency of on-site decisions, at FEI Events, across all disciplines.”

The spokesman then reiterated that “there is currently no tack and equipment certification system in place where manufacturers, riders or other parties can submit a piece of tack for a stamp of approval”.

“However, due to the ever-evolving market of tack and equipment and with the high number of new products being launched every day, there will be instances where the applicable sport and/or veterinary rules will not provide a definite answer on the compliance of individual tack and/or equipment,” he said.

“In such cases, and in particular where there are potential horse welfare concerns, the group will make a decision whether the relevant tack or equipment is permitted to be used at FEI events in order to provide clarity to stakeholders.”

Another manufacturer, Salute Equestrian, has raised concerns about FEI tack approval processes after 16-year-old Lucy Standish was asked by a steward to remove her Salute Click & Connect neck strap before entering the cross-country start box in the CCI2*-S at Thoresby Park last month. The neck strap was designed with three connection options – to the saddle, girth or breastplate.

Lucy, who had the neck strap connected to her girth, said: “The cross-country steward said I wasn’t allowed to use my neck strap as it didn’t connect to the saddle.

Salute Equestrian founder Anna Bruce told H&H that after investigation, it was understood that the stewards received an email from the FEI last autumn stating, “This particular neck strap has been reviewed by the eventing committee and their feedback is that it is not allowed for eventing.” Under FEI rules, if neck straps are used for cross-country, they must be attached either to the breastplate or to the saddle.

“I believed, when connected to the girth, it met the rules – after all, it’s approved when connected to a breastplate that in turn is connected to the girth,” said Ms Bruce.

She added that she “hoped for a discussion” with the FEI to enable the rules to allow for neck straps to be attached to the girth, or for the neck strap to be “considered a hybrid breastplate in this format”. But she said the FEI told her there was no mechanism where the manufacturer or other parties are able to submit a piece of tack for review

“While we can work with the ruling as it stands [because the Click & Connect neck strap can also connect to the breastplate or saddle], I’m hoping the FEI or stewards will ask to view the neck strap in practice and not just from a photograph, and give it a fair assessment in this format for the benefit of horses, riders and the perception of our sport,” she said.

An FEI spokesman told H&H the decision at Thoresby Park was a “field of play decision and appeared to have been taken correctly by the relevant official”.

You might also be interested in:

Bafflement as bridle designed for horses’ comfort is banned in competition

Thoroughbreds to be recognised at Olympics, but still can’t contest World Breeding Championships

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

While the best tack lockers won’t hold off the most determined tack thieves, they’ll certainly act as a deterrent, while also keeping your kit clean, organised and protected from damage. Tack lockers and trolleys are a practical solution, whether you’re looking to store your tack when you’re at home, competing away or on the move. They can be used at the yard to keep your things separate in a shared space, or wheeled to your stable at a show for easy access.

When choosing the best tack locker for you, ensure it has enough storage for the number of horses you require. Some are portable, with wheels and handles, while others are designed for permanent residence in your tack room, so where you hope to use it is probably your most important consideration.

Best tack lockers for storage

Equestrian Fabrication Tack Locker

RRP: £568

Dimensions: 150cm(h) x 110cm(w) x 65cm(d)

Weight: 97kg

This galvanised steel tack locker is ideal for a two-horse owner or an owner with both a jump and a dressage saddle. It has two saddle racks, two bridle hooks and three additional shelves.

In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk

Classic Showjumps Tack Pack

RRP:£493.82

Dimensions: 114cm(h) x 61cm(w) x 76cm(d)

This compact trolley holds two saddles, two bridles, plus bandages and boots, riding hat and grooming kit. It’s handy for camps, stay-away events and riding holidays.

In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk

VidaXL Small Tack Locker

RRP: £134.99

Dimensions: 105cm(h) x 53cm(w) x 53cm(d)

This steel saddle cabinet is a smart option for keeping your tack organised. It features a height-adjustable saddle rack in addition to four moveable hooks.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

VidaXL Large Tack Locker

RRP: £166.99

Dimensions: 140cm(h) x 53cm(w) x 53cm(d)

This tack locker is similar in design with a height-adjustable saddle rack in addition to four moveable hooks, but it gives you a little more space with an additional top compartment.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

Wiesenfield WIE-SC-2000 Saddle Cabinet

RRP: £629

Dimensions: 200cm(h) x 60cm(w) x 60cm(d)

This locker makes optimal use of the available floor space and is a great option if you have a tall slim space available. It has two saddle racks, four bridle hooks and two shelves.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

Equine Lockers Double Tack Locker

RRP: From £1,715

Dimensions: 183cm(h) x 126cm(w) x 68cm(d), height without wheels = 159cm

These tack cases are fully customisable and built to order. This size offers the option of storage for six saddles or three saddles and three compartments, plus six bridle hooks and two slide-out drawers. It is secured with three heavy duty catches and a digital combination lock. It also features six heavy-duty recessed flip handles, a winch point for pulling the locker into vehicles, and recessed vents for airflow.

You might also like:

13 anatomical bridles to ensure maximum comfort

Owners of tack worth £30,000 stolen from locked horsebox locker hope to help prevent other thefts

‘We must stick together to beat these scumbags’: horse world urged to unite against tack thieves

Tack-theft prevention measures considered as saddles stolen at major show

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The best breastplates for horses fit well and allow your horse to move freely without restriction, while preventing your saddle from slipping backwards. Some styles feature padded areas and elasticated sections, while others have sheepskin in some areas that at higher risk of rubbing. Most come with a detachable running martingale as standard.

When choosing a new breastplate, it’s a good idea to find one that matches the colour of your bridle – leather and fittings if you can. Some brands make coordinating leatherwork ranges for a perfect match, but this isn’t essential – and you may prefer features on another breastplate. There are then a number of breastplate types to choose from, of which five-point and three-point are the most popular.

Types of breastplate

• Five-point breastplates are secured to your tack at five points – the D-rings, girth straps and girth under the belly. These breastplates can be adjusted quite precisely and are designed to distribute pressure over a greater area. They often feature elasticated sections for extra give, and sheepskin padding at potential pressure points to prevent rubbing.
• Three-point breastplates are also known as hunter breastplates and attach at three points – the D-rings and at the girth under the belly.
• Breast collars have a single leather or elasticated strap that runs horizontally across the horse’s chest, attaching to the girth straps on each side. It also has a thinner strap over the neck. Breast girths (sometimes known as showjumping breastplates) are similar and are usually elasticated, but do not have a strap over the neck. Some brands use the terms interchangeably.

We’ve rounded up a selection of five-point breastplates, three-point breastplates and breast collars you can get your hands on today below.

Five-point breastplates

Shires Salisbury 5-Point Breastplate

Colours: Black, Havana or Australian nut | Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra-full | RRP: £89.99 |

This breastplate has padded leatherwork with stitch detailing, plus sheepskin pressure pads that can be removed for cleaning and replaced if necessary. It also features a detachable running martingale attachment and has elastic inserts. Replacement sheepskin pads available separately.

Black and Havana options have stainless steel fittings, while the Australian Nut has brass.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com

Mark Todd 5-Point Breastplate

Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: Cob, full or extra-full | RRP: £134.98 |

Made from soft leather with stainless steel buckles, this breastplate has an adjustable running martingale attachment and sheepskin shoulder pads with elastic inserts that ensure comfort and pressure distribution. The top strap fastens with a trigger clip, while the lower strap has a loop for the girth strap.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Shires Velociti Rapida Ergonomic Breastplate

Colours: Black or Havana | Sizes: Cob or full | RRP: £89.99 |

This breastplate has cushioned leather sections at the wither and shoulders, and is adjustable on both sides of the neck strap, at the shoulder and all attachment points. It has a removable running martingale attachment, and attaches to the D-rings with clips and has a stretch insert to buffer against shocks.

Finished with self-coloured thread and stainless steel harness buckles.

In the UK? View now at gsequestrian.co.uk

Whitaker Valencia 5-Point Breastplate

Colours: Black, light Havana or tan | Sizes: Full | RRP: £137.50 |

This breastplate has sheepskin pressure pads and elasticated webbing sections at the shoulders. It’s finished with brass fittings and has a fixed running martingale.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

Three-point breastplates

Horseware Rambo Micklem Breastplate

Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: Pony, small, standard or large | RRP: £125.95 |

This three-point breastplate can be adjusted at each side of the neck and at the girth, and has a detachable martingale attachment. It also features an additional removable safety strap that clips on across the withers for the rider to hold if necessary.

It has top clips that attach to D-rings or attachments for the stirrup bars, which give a safer and more secure attachment point without damaging the saddle.

In the UK? View now at gsequestrian.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com or statelinetack.com

Collegiate Hunter Breastplate IV

Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: Cob, full or warmblood | RRP: £99.99 |

This hunter-style breastplate comes with a removable running martingale attachment. It is finished with stainless steel fittings.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or equus.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com or statelinetack.com

LeMieux Breastplate With D-Ring Attachment

Colours: Black/silver or Havana/brass | Sizes: Cob or full | RRP: £99.95 |

This breastplate has a simple design but lots of room for adjustment. The adjustable top piece is padded with gel at the wither, the neck straps are elasticated, and there is further padding behind the connector on the chest. It attaches to the D-rings with clips.

It has a removable and adjustable running martingale attachment, which has handy clips so it can be attached to the reins without undoing them. The black leatherwork has silver fittings, while the Havana has brass.

In the UK? View now at equus.co.uk

Shires Salisbury 3-Point Breastplate

Colours: Black or Australian nut | Sizes: Pony, cob or full | RRP: £46.99 |

This breastplate has stitching detail that coordinates with the rest of the Salisbury range, but can be paired with all tack. It’s adjustable on both sides and is complete with a removable running martingale attachment. It is padded at the wither and the shoulder straps have elastic inserts to allow some give.

Black and Havana options have stainless steel fittings, while the Australian Nut has brass.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Mark Todd 3-Point Elasticated Breastplate

Colours: Black or Havana | Sizes: Full | RRP: £99.98 |

Manufactured in soft leather with brass fittings, this breastplate has elastic inserts to allow freedom of movement, while clip fastenings allow for quick and easy attachment or removal. It is complete with a removable running martingale attachment, girth clip and elasticated extension loops that can be fixed to the D-rings if required.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Rhinegold V-Check Elasticated Breastplate

Colours: Black or Havana | Sizes: Cob or full | RRP: £59.95 |

This breastplate has an elasticated section and padded chest for additional comfort, and a detachable running martingale with fully adjustable straps. It is finished with stainless steel fittings.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Breast collars

Mark Todd Elasticated Breast Girth

Colours: Black or Havana | Sizes: Full | RRP: £89.98 |

Made from soft leather, this breast girth is fully adjustable and features contrast stitching and stainless steel fittings.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Shires Velociti Gara Elastic Breast Girth

Colours: Black or Havana | Sizes: One size | RRP: £26.99 |

Previously the Blenheim breast girth, this breastplate is made of strong elastic webbing and has stainless steel fittings.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Hy Equestrian Elastic Breast Girth

Colours: Black or Havana | Sizes: One size | RRP: £27.99 |

Made of strong elastic webbing, this breast girth has stainless steel fittings.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or equus.co.uk

You might also like:

14 pairs of reins to suit riders across the levels and disciplines

Stirrup leathers: choosing the correct length to suit your needs

10 competition legal whips in a variety of styles for every discipline

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now