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8 slightly weird bits of riding kit

Amanda Vlietstra Amanda Vlietstra

    • Riding is viewed as a very traditional sport and it’s true that a lot of the kit and riding gear hasn’t changed all that much during the past century. But some of it has. Oh yes, it has. Just when you think you’ve seen it all…

    1. Riding skirts

    weird riding kit 01

    There’s something very Game Of Thrones about these hard-wearing riding skirts. Hand-made in the Arctic by a small local business, you can choose your skirt length and whether to go for wool or waterproof. Why would you want to wear a skirt to ride? Well, erm, why not? Whether your horse will admire your unique style — and the rustling material draped over his back — remains to be seen.
    Visit: www.arctichorsegear.com

    2. Pink saddle

    weird riding kit 05

    Pink everything, actually. Bridle, stirrup leathers, the lot. If you dream of your horse looking like a giant ball of candy floss, this is the look for you.
    Visit: www.ebay.com

    3. Crystal-encrusted helmet

    weird riding kit 06

    One way of standing out in a competition is by literally dazzling the judge, in this case with a bunch of Swarovski crystals on your head. Crystal Junction offers a bespoke service if you fancy getting your bling on.
    Visit: www.crystaljunction.co.uk

    4. Skull bridle charms

    weird riding kit 07

    Are bridle charms a thing? Maybe horse jewellery is all the rage and we’re just really behind the times. These skull bridle charms are rather natty.
    Visit: www.bridlebling.com

    5. Sparkle glitter spur straps

    weird riding kit 04

    If in doubt, bling it out. Or something like that, anyway. Yet another case of seeing something and wondering how it ever existed without being covered in glitter. Let’s cover everything with glitter. Yay, glitter.
    Visit: www.bridlebling.com

    6. Custom Western saddles

    weird riding kit 08

    So many dangly bits! Whether they serve a purpose or just look pretty, every wannabe cowboy or girl will want one of these. Probably.
    Visit: www.reedtack.com

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    7. Cowboy boots with pixie toes

    weird riding kit 03

    The title says it all, really. Apparently cowboy boots with pixie toys are a thing in Mexico. We presume they don’t actually wear them to ride – but who knows!
    Visit: www.buzzfeed.com

    8. Hoof boots

    Undated handout photo issued by Mischief PR of Designer shoes made in the style of real horse feet and legs are set to go on sale at the Cheltenham Festival tomorrow. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Monday March 14, 2011. The knee and ankle-length zip-up hoof shoes, commissioned by Betfair, are being pitched as the perfect accessory for racing fans who want to stand out from the crowd. See PA story CONSUMER Hooves. Photo credit should read: Dan Glover /PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.

    There is almost nothing to be said about these hoof boots (which were designed for the 2011 Cheltenham Festival). Just… why?
    Visit: blog.wayspa.com

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