By Westleighs Saddlery Winter horse riding can bring its own set of challenges. Shorter days, colder conditions and wet, muddy yards mean both horse and rider need to be properly prepared. Having the right winter horse riding essentials can help you stay comfortable, organised and ready to ride throughout the colder months. From practical riding layers to gloves and horse accessories, we've put together some of the key items worth having in your equestrian wardrobe this winte

A riding hat can look perfectly fine on the outside and still be past its best on the inside. That is the awkward truth. The shell may be clean, the straps may still fasten, and the lining may feel familiar, but the protective materials can weaken with age, use, heat, sweat, knocks, and changes in safety standards. For most riders, the safest rule is this: replace your riding hat immediately after any significant impact, and replace it routinely every three to five years, dep