Ruth Spencer holds the highest Society of Master Saddlers saddle-fitting qualification. 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…

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 […]

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 […]

CW6JPT A portrait of a horse standing outside in the English countryside

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…

Mia Whitaker and BROUGHTON JACK JONES in The UKPH/Anthony Evans Insurance Young Riders M & M Supreme Championship at The Agria Royal International Horse Show, The All England Jumping Course, Hickstead, Sussex, United Kingdom. July 23rd 2025 ~ MANDATORY Credit Elli Birch/Bootsandhooves - NO UNAUTHORISED USE - 07745 909676

**Rebecca Penny shares her thoughts on new classes and tack rule changes as…

CW6JPT A portrait of a horse standing outside in the English countrysideNew 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…

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]