Where should I buy horse riding gear?
If you are starting out in horse riding, one of the first things you will need to do is purchase riding gear. There are many different options for buying horse riding gear in Australia, from online shops to physical ones to second-hand sellers. Let’s have a quick look through some different and provide some tips on where to buy quality riding gear at a reasonable price.
Before you buy any gear, ask yourself if you are truly committed to horse riding and whether you can reasonably expect to continue doing it for a few years at least. The answer to this question will determine things like the amount of gear you should buy, and what kind of gear you should look at. (For example, are you thinking about buying a full saddle kit? Or are you thinking of buying clothes only? What about boots?) You should also balance the expense of buying better-quality gear to start with versus saving money and buying something better later on.
Physical shops
There are plenty of upsides to visiting a physical shop. You’ll be able to try on gear and get a better sense of the fit and quality of the items you are interested in. You can also get advice and recommendations from the staff, who are usually experienced riders themselves. The main disadvantage of shopping in a physical shop is that there may be a more limited selection compared to online shops.
Shopping online
There are also some disadvantages to shopping online. You cannot try on the gear before you buy it, so it is important to check the sizing chart carefully and read reviews to see if other customers have found the sizing to be accurate. You may also need to pay for shipping, which can add to the overall cost of your purchase. (Need custom lengths for riding pants? We can help with that!)
Buying second-hand
If you’re on a budget, consider looking for second-hand horse riding gear. There are many online marketplaces and local classifieds that allow you to buy and sell used gear. You can often find quality gear at a fraction of the cost of new items.
You can also ask around. If you’re just getting into horse riding, you probably know somebody who has been providing lessons or guidance. Ask if they have any quality second-hand gear for sale, or if they know anybody who might. Experienced riders will also be able to tell you what to look for when buying second-hand items. The basic advice here is to inspect the items carefully for any damage or wear and tear. You should also make sure that the gear fits you properly and is appropriate for your level of riding.
Buy gear that will last
If you’ve decided to commit to horse riding, why not get some quality jodhpurs or a jacket from TukTuk Clothing? Our clothes are designed from scratch, by riders, for riders. We stand behind the quality of our products. Got a question? We’ll be happy to help! Get in touch now.