Trail Riding Equipment
- Frequently asked questions
- What equipment is required for horse trekking?
- What do I need for a horse trek?
- How can I provide my horse with enough water on a trek?
- Which stirrups are suitable for horse trekking?
- What accessories are available for horse trekking?
What equipment is required for horse trekking?
Before you go on your first horse trek, a long period of preparation is necessary. In addition to route planning and riding training, you should also think about the necessary horse trekking equipment. In addition to the all-weather and safety-relevant clothing for the trekker, the equipment for the horse should also be selected according to the individual requirements of your trek.
This includes, among other things:
- Trekking bridle
- Trekking saddle
- Trekking saddle pad
- Saddlebags
- Other useful accessories for trekking (e.g. foldable buckets, first aid kits, etc.)
In order to be prepared for all eventualities, you should especially think about the safety of rider and horse and get the necessary equipment for this. A riding hat, for example, is obligatory for riders. To increase personal safety and minimise the risk of injury in the event of a riding accident, it is recommended to wear a body protector or a back protector. At Kramer Equestrian you will find safety equipment that is comfortable to wear even on long treks. To ensure first aid in the event of an accident or minor injuries, you should also have a well-equipped first aid kit so that both horse and rider can be treated in an emergency. You can find out what you need in a well-equipped first-aid kit in our guide.
To meet the everyday needs of horse and rider on a trek, you should take the basic equipment for hygiene and food with you. In addition to insect repellent, grooming brushes, feed rations etc., you should also think about a gas cooker, provisions and hygiene products for yourself. Useful tools such as a pocket knife, storm lighter, snap hooks, etc. can also be advantageous in many situations during a trek - especially if the infrastructure on your route is relatively uninhabited and unspoilt.
What do I need for a horse trek?
The packing list for a horse trek depends very much on different factors. These include the planned distance, the provisions and weather conditions, the demands of the terrain and the organisational procedures (luggage transport by escort vehicle, accommodation, etc.).
Broadly speaking, you should think of the following things:
- Trekking clothes that are appropriate for the weather
- Food and equipment needed for cooking
- Hygiene products for the rider
- Tent equipment
- Prepared feed portions for the horse
- Bucket
- Headcollar & lead rope
- Horse Rug depending on season
- Grooming kit
- Insect repellent
- Devices for communication & navigation
- Tools & equipment
- First aid kit
- Hi-Vis items
- Important documents
A detailed packing list with valuable tips on the subject of horse trekking is available to download for free in our guide.
How can I provide my horse with enough water on a trek?
A horse drinks about 50 litres a day when working moderately. Especially on treks lasting several days, it is essential to ensure a sufficient water supply for the horse. It is not usually necessary to take water with you. Check the infrastructure on your route before the trek. Cemeteries, wells, streams and rivers are good places for drinking water. Using a foldable bucket to collect water is space-saving and easy. Please do not let your horse drink from potentially contaminated water points, e.g. puddles.
Which stirrups are suitable for horse trekking?
Safety comes first. In case of a panic reaction of the horse, you should be able to get out of the stirrups quickly and without complications. Safety stirrups are therefore suitable for horse trekking to make it easier to detach from the horse.
As the slim long leather riding boots are usually left at home on a horse trek and more robust riding boots are worn instead, you should make sure that the stirrup is wide enough. There should be 0.5 cm of space on each side of the boot.
A wide tread and stirrup inserts with cushioning properties always ensure more comfort on long treks. If you are riding with a Western saddle, you will benefit from the comfortable Western stirrups with the generous tread surface anyway.
What accessories are available for horse trekking?
In order to meet the many challenges of a horse trek with confidence, there are practical horse trekking accessories to accompany you on your next trip into nature. In addition to saddle bags with plenty of storage space, there are rain covers for bags and equipment, helpful gadgets such as the Horseman's Knife or folding buckets, as well as care accessories for the popular rain coats made of waxed or oiled cotton.
When buying trekking accessories, you should always consider the individual requirements of your planned route. The more demanding the trek, the more equipment is usually required. In particular, the length and infrastructure of the route, as well as the terrain and weather, play an important role. For example, if the weather forecast is good, you may not need a special rain cover for a trek in high summer, but you should have adequate sun and insect protection for horse and rider.