Gear & Buying Guides

Choosing the right gear shouldn't be overwhelming. Our buying guides break down exactly what to look for — by discipline, by horse, by budget and by brand — so you can shop with confidence. From first bridle to competition helmet, we cover it all for Australian riders.

Honest, unbiased reviewsWe review gear we actually stock and stand behind — no paid placements, no filler recommendations.
Australian contextAll guides consider local availability, climate suitability and AUD pricing.
Updated for 2026Our guides are regularly reviewed to reflect new products, updated safety standards and rider feedback.
Shop the recommendationsEvery guide links directly to the products at iRide EQ — in stock, fast delivery, Australia-wide.
22 articles Written by the iRide EQ teamBrowse All Gear
Gear & Buying Guides — iRide EQ

Latest Articles

Child rider wearing kids equestrian clothing and riding helmet in Australia Australian equestrian
Aug 24, 2026· James Alcott

Kids Equestrian Clothing - What Your Child Actually Needs

Quick answer: Most children starting horse riding need a correctly fitted riding helmet, secure boots with a small...

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Jumping horse wearing a fitted jumping saddle pad in Australia carousel-heading:Jumping-Saddle-Pads-Australia
Aug 22, 2026· James Alcott

Jumping Saddle Pads Australia - Which Ones Actually Work?

Quick answer: The jumping saddle pad that works best is the one that fits your saddle and horse,...

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Australian rider wearing a correctly fitted riding helmet beside a horse Australia
Aug 17, 2026· Sarah Mitchell

Best Riding Helmets Under $300 Australia 2026

Quick answer: You can buy a decent riding helmet in Australia for under $300, but the price tag...

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Bay horse wearing a navy ear bonnet at an Australian equestrian event Australian equestrian
Aug 11, 2026· Sarah Mitchell

Ear Bonnets Australia: Style, Fit & Function Guide

Quick answer: The best ear bonnet for an Australian horse should fit smoothly around the ears, stay secure...

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Riding gloves Australia - choosing the right pair for horse riding Australia
Aug 09, 2026· Sarah Mitchell

Riding Gloves Australia - Which Pair Is Right for You?

Quick answer: The right riding gloves should give you secure rein contact without bunching, pinching or making your...

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Horse girth fitting guide for Australian riders Australian horse care
Aug 06, 2026· James Alcott

Horse Girths Australia — Fit, Material & What to Look For

Quick answer: The right horse girth should suit your saddle, your horse's shape and the work you do....

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Australian female show jumper wearing white competition breeches beside a chestnut horse Australia
Aug 03, 2026· Sarah Mitchell

Best Competition Breeches for Women Australia 2026

Quick answer: For a formal Australian competition, white, off-white or light-fawn competition breeches are the safest starting point,...

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Freejump X'Air Safe airbag body protector vest airbag vest
Jul 31, 2026· James Alcott

Freejump X'Air Safe — Is the 2-in-1 Airbag Vest Worth $1,700?

Quick answer: The Freejump X'Air Safe is a 2-in-1 body protector and airbag vest — the airbag is...

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Horse Ear Bonnets Australia — Do You Need One and How to Choose (2026) Australia
Jul 26, 2026· James Alcott

Horse Ear Bonnets Australia — Do You Need One and How to Choose (2026)

Quick answer: An ear bonnet (also called a fly veil) protects your horse's ears from flies, dust, and...

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Full seat vs knee patch breeches comparison — horse riding breeches Australia guide Australia
Jul 26, 2026· Sarah Mitchell

Full-Seat vs Knee-Patch Breeches — Which Are Right for You?

Quick answer: For dressage, choose full-seat breeches — the grip panel covering the entire seat gives maximum contact...

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Dressage saddle pads Australia 2026 — best shaped numnahs and contour pads for dressage horses Australia
Jul 26, 2026· Sarah Mitchell

Best Saddle Pads for Dressage in Australia 2026 — Buyer's Guide

Quick answer: The best dressage saddle pads in Australia combine anatomical shaping for high wither clearance, moisture-wicking technical...

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Best dressage saddle pads Australia 2026 — white competition pad on bay horse Buying Guide
Jul 23, 2026· Sarah Mitchell

Best Dressage Saddle Pads Australia 2026

Quick answer: The best dressage saddle pads for Australian riders balance correct fit (straight-cut, longer than jumping pads),...

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Competition show shirt for equestrian riders Australia carousel-heading:Show-Shirts-for-Competition
Jul 20, 2026· Sarah Mitchell

Show Shirts for Competition — What the Rules Actually Say

Quick answer: EA Jumping requires short sleeves with a white shirt and collar, plus a tie. EA Dressage...

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Freejump Soft'Up Pro+ safety stirrups Australia — premium single-branch equestrian stirrups carousel-heading:Shop-Horse-Stirrups-Freejump
Jul 17, 2026· James Alcott

Best Horse Stirrups Australia — Freejump & Beyond

Quick answer: The best horse stirrups for Australian riders depend on your discipline and safety priorities. Freejump is...

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Best riding breeches for show jumping Australia 2026 Australian equestrian
Jul 15, 2026· Sarah Mitchell

Best Riding Breeches for Show Jumping Australia 2026

Quick answer: The best show jumping breeches for Australian riders combine comfort, durability, and performance. Look for reinforced...

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Cleaning and conditioning leather horse tack Australia — saddle and bridle care complete guide Australia
Jul 10, 2026· James Alcott

How to Clean and Care for Leather Horse Tack — The Complete Guide (2026)

Quick answer: Clean leather tack after every ride using a damp sponge and pH-neutral saddle soap, then condition...

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Horse riding boots Australia complete buyers guide — competition and everyday equestrian footwear Australia
Jul 09, 2026· James Alcott

Horse Riding Boots Australia — The Complete Buyer's Guide (2026)

Quick answer: The best horse riding boots in Australia depend on your discipline and budget — tall leather...

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Show jackets Australia equestrian competition buying guide Australia
Jul 09, 2026· Sarah Mitchell

Show Jackets Australia — How to Choose the Right Competition Jacket (2026)

Quick answer: The best show jackets for Australian equestrian competition depend on your discipline and budget — navy...

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Horse riding helmet safety guide Australia — choosing the right equestrian helmet Australia
Jul 09, 2026· Sarah Mitchell

Horse Riding Helmets Australia — How to Choose the Right Helmet (2026)

Quick answer: All horse riding helmets sold in Australia must meet AS/NZS 3838 standards — this is the...

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Horse riding gloves Australia Australia
Jul 08, 2026· Sarah Mitchell

Horse Riding Gloves Australia — How to Choose the Right Pair (2026)

Quick answer: The best riding gloves in Australia balance grip, feel, and durability for your discipline. Leather show...

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Horse bridle fitting guide Australia 2026 — leather bridles for dressage and show jumping Australia
Jul 08, 2026· James Alcott

Horse Bridles Australia — The Complete Buyer's Guide (2026)

Quick answer: The best horse bridles in Australia depend on your discipline — dressage riders need a cavesson...

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