Rider accessories

Gloves: leather or synthetic

Riding gloves protect your fingers from the rubbing of the reins and improve grip. Synthetic models, like the Ariat Tek Grip, provide a grippy palm, a fine touch, and are easy to wash, making them great everyday gloves. Leather gloves, like those from Tommy Hilfiger Equestrian, become more supple over time and are ideal for competition outfits.

A pair of gloves should fit snugly, without creases in the palm, where a fold of fabric can cause discomfort. In winter, lined models like the QHP Siberië or Force keep your hands warm while still allowing you to feel your horse's mouth. The gloves can be found on the gloves page.

Airtbag cartridges: strict compatibility

Each airbag vest works with the CO2 cartridge intended by its manufacturer, and only that one. Cartridges from Helite, Equiline, Hit Air, Spark, or Horse Pilot have their own thread and capacity, measured in cubic centimeters, from 30 cc for children's vests up to 85 cc and more for larger sizes. The capacity is proportional to the volume of the vest: a cartridge that is too small will not inflate properly, and an incompatible cartridge may not fit or trigger.

After deployment, the empty cartridge is replaced with an identical new one, following the instructions. It’s useful to regularly check that the cartridge is screwed in tightly and that the triggering mechanism isn't clogged, and to keep a spare cartridge in your competition bag. The vests and their cartridges can be found on the protection page, alongside back protectors.

Bags and equipment storage

Riding gear tends to get damaged during transport and storage. A boot bag, like the LeMieux Luxe, protects leather boots from scratches and dust, a bridle bag keeps the bridle and bits safe, and a rug bag prevents soiling the rest of the boot. In the tack room, a rug rack with rails, like the HorseGuard with six rails, allows rugs to dry flat after each session, which helps reduce odours and mould.

For trail riding, saddle bags, like the double Randol's bag, attach to the back of the saddle and distribute the load evenly on either side of the horse, allowing you to take water, a picnic, and a first aid kit without unbalancing the mount. These bags can be found in the baggage section.

Whips, sticks, and lunging whips

The short whip is used in jumping and outdoor work, where you keep your hands close to the neck. The longer dressing stick allows you to act behind the calf without dropping the reins; in international dressage competitions, its maximum length is set at 120 centimetres, including the lash. The lunging whip, a long whip with a lash, is used for lunging and free work, to guide the horse from a distance.

Spurs are chosen based on the rider's level and the horse's sensitivity, from models without a rowel to longer ones. All these aids are gathered on the whips and spurs page.

All accessory families

Accessories are organised by use:

• Gloves, in leather or synthetic, for summer or winter.
• Protections, airbag vests, cartridges, and back protectors.
• Bonnet and scarves, including ear cover headbands to wear under the helmet.
• Baggage, boot bags, bridle bags, and rug bags.
• Whips and spurs, dressage sticks and lunging whips.
• Other accessories, number holders, helmet covers, and small equipment.

The rider's outfit is in the rider category, that for children in the children section, boots in the shoes, and the horse, the stable and pasture, and the dog have their own pages. Everything is on the equestrian page.

New arrivals and great deals

The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, the promotions highlight discounted items, and the clearance and sales feature end-of-line products. The items shipped within 24 hours are prepared and dispatched in 24 hours, useful for replacing a cartridge before a competition.

Frequently asked questions

Which riding gloves should I choose for everyday use?

Synthetic gloves, like the Ariat Tek Grip, provide a grippy palm, a fine touch, and are easy to wash. Leather gloves, like those from Tommy Hilfiger Equestrian, soften over time and are worn for competitions.

Can I use any cartridge on an airbag vest?

No, each airbag vest only accepts cartridges provided by its manufacturer, with a specific volume of gas. An incompatible cartridge can prevent inflation: always check for compatibility, for example for a Helite model.

What is the difference between a whip and a stick?

The short whip complements the action of the leg in jumping or when riding out. The dressage stick, being longer, acts behind the calf without releasing the reins, while the lunging whip, very long, is used for groundwork and lunging.

How do I transport my competition gear?

A boot bag, a padded helmet bag, and a large storage bag keep your equipment clean and protected. Separate covers prevent mud from your boots from soiling your competition outfit.

How can I keep my hands warm while riding?

Winter gloves that are lined, waterproof, and thin at the fingers keep warmth without losing contact with the reins. After riding, a warm hat replaces the helmet for grooming at the stable.