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Picking where you buy horse gear is like choosing a riding partner — the right match makes everything easier, safer, and more enjoyable. Whether you're shopping for a saddle that fits like a glove, breeches that don't pinch at the knee, or everyday barn supplies, the store you choose affects price, selection, and the learning resources available. In this guide I’ll walk you through trusted U.S. retailers, what to look for in key items, and practical tips to shop smart so your next purchase feels like a perfect canter rather than a stumble.
Walmart has quietly become a go-to entry point for riders hunting for affordable equestrian apparel and starter supplies. You’ll find brands and items like Devon-Aire riding tights and breeches, basic grooming kits, saddle pads, and economical bridles. If you want a budget-friendly pair of full-seat tights or entry-level paddock boots, Walmart often lists seasonal deals that make assembling a basic kit simple and affordable.
Devon-Aire is a brand that often appears on mass-market sites like Walmart, offering show-ready and everyday pieces such as full-seat tights and lightweight jackets. Their women’s Versailles full-seat tights are an example of affordable, stretchy apparel that fits riders who prefer a snug, athletic feel. These items are great for warming up in the barn or for lower-level schooling — think of them like reliable sneakers for a daily jog, versus high-end show boots for competition day.
SmartPak is a favorite with riders who want a balance of quality, expertise, and convenience. Known for equine supplements and tack, SmartPak also offers fit tools, subscription services for supplements, and extensive size guides. If you’re the kind of rider who obsessively compares girth widths and stirrup lengths, SmartPak’s product-level detail and customer reviews are a breath of fresh air. It’s like shopping with a barn mate who knows your horse’s quirks.
Dover Saddlery is a long-standing resource for show riders and schoolmasters alike. You’ll find an extensive collection of English and Western saddles, premium leather bridles, bits, and show apparel from brands like Ariat and Ovation. If you’re shopping for a saddle with a 16.5" or 17" seat, Dover’s catalog makes comparing tree options, panels, and leather types straightforward. For riders aiming to step up to competition gear, Dover is a reliable stable of high-quality choices.
Dover’s strength is in its depth: multiple brands, specialized show coats, stock ties, and high-end schooling saddles. Think of it as a department store for the serious rider — everything under one roof and curated for performance. If you need an asymmetric dressage saddle pad, a velvet hunt cap, or custom leathers, Dover’s selection narrows the time spent hunting for that perfect piece of show kit.
State Line Tack blends a broad inventory with knock-out sale events that can be a boon to budget-conscious riders. From bits and blankets to barn fans and fly masks, their inventory reads like a barn checklist. If you want to stock up on grooming tools or tack room essentials without emptying your wallet, State Line Tack often offers multiples and bundled savings that stretch your dollar when prepping for show season or winter turnout.
Riding Warehouse and Schneider’s both cater to riders who value modern conveniences like video fit guides, expansive size charts, and user reviews focused on real-world fit. They carry popular brands including TuffRider, Kerrits, and Ovation, and often stock multiple colors and seat sizes in breeches, full-seat tights, and field boots. These retailers are ideal for riders who want up-to-date gear with detailed specifications to match their personal fit and style.
Tractor Supply Company (TSC) is a practical option if you need durable, farm-tested supplies. While TSC may not carry the highest-end saddles, they excel at turnout blankets, fencing supplies, halters, and feed tools. For people managing the day-to-day of a small barn, Tractor Supply is like the hardware store of the equestrian world — solid, utilitarian gear that won’t fail you during heavy use.
Online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay offer staggering variety — synthetic saddles, spare bits, and niche replacement parts are often a click away. However, the sheer quantity can be dizzying, and fit details are sometimes thin. Think of these marketplaces as a large flea market: you can find treasures and bargains, but you’ll need to double-check measurements, read seller notes, and verify seller reputation to avoid missteps.
Buying a saddle online is a high-stakes puzzle. Focus on seat size in inches — common English seats come in 16", 16.5", and 17" — and the tree width and gullet measurement in inches. The panel shape and flocking type affect how the saddle sits on the horse’s back by distributing pressure; a narrow gullet can pinch while a too-wide tree creates instability. If a seller lists tree size as "medium," ask for the gullet width in inches or a tree measurement chart to be safe.
Measure your horse’s wither-to-saddle distance in inches and record back length in inches to match to the saddle’s tree. For example, a saddle with a 2.5" to 3" gullet may suit a narrow-backed horse, while a 4" gullet fits a broader wither. Helmets are sized by head circumference, so use a tape to get your measurement in inches — most helmet charts convert that number to XS, S, M, or L. Accuracy in these inches is what keeps both horse and rider comfortable.
Apparel matters as much as tack for both comfort and performance. Breeches and full-seat tights come in inseams measured in inches, and a good pair should sit flat without binding at the knee. Boots are sized by foot length in inches and often include calf measurements for tall boots. Helmets are safety gear first; choose one with an ASTM/SEI label and a fit in inches that allows the helmet to sit snugly without rocking.
Helmet fit is non-negotiable. Use a soft tape measure to get your head circumference in inches and consult the manufacturer’s chart. For example, a 22.5-inch circumference often corresponds to a medium in many brands. Besides fit, look for ASTM F1163 or SEI certification — those acronyms mean the helmet meets U.S. safety testing standards, so your noggin has the right protective insurance.
The difference between a comfortable ride and a fussy one can be a single inch in bit size or a different mouthpiece. Bit mouth sizes are typically listed in inches; common sizes are 5.0" to 5.5" for many horses. Bridle browband widths and cheekpiece lengths will affect how the bit sits, so look for adjustable features. Stirrups come in widths of 3.5" to 4.75" and choosing the correct width can change how secure your foot feels in the iron.
Are you shopping for a first set of tack or an upgrade for competition? Affordable gear from Walmart, Tractor Supply, and State Line Tack can be perfect for daily schooling and barn chores. If you’re aiming for longevity and show polish, investing in a premium saddle, custom leathers, or well-crafted tall boots from Dover or Riding Warehouse pays dividends. Think of it like footwear: you might wear inexpensive sneakers for chores, but invest in custom boots when you need long-term comfort and performance.
Sales cycle through the equestrian year: winter turnout season, spring show prep, and end-of-year clearance are great times to buy. Use comparison sites and retailer newsletters to track price drops and bundle offers. When two retailers list the same 17" synthetic saddle, the one with better documented fit photos and measured specs in inches is often the smarter buy — because a good fit saves money and heartache down the road.
If you’re new to equestrian shopping, start with a checklist: measure your horse in inches, measure your own leg and head in inches, and make note of the riding discipline you practice. Try on apparel and boots with the underwear you’ll actually wear while riding to ensure a true fit. When possible, borrow a saddle pad or try a saddle in-person before committing online. Little steps like these keep your shopping from feeling like driving blind.
Many retailers now post fit videos and measurement guides; use them. Local tack stores, barn friends, and certified saddle fitters can offer personalized advice — sometimes a 0.5" change in gullet makes all the difference. Think of saddle fit and apparel selection as a team effort: you, your horse, and the right expert working together make the partnership sing.
Start with basics: halter, lead, grooming kit, saddle pad, and a pair of full-seat tights or breeches. From there, add a properly-sized helmet, paddock boots, and a versatile saddle that matches your riding goals. Use big-name retailers for durable staples and specialized sellers for technical pieces. Keep measurements in inches handy, and take your time comparing gullet widths, seat sizes, and inseams to avoid returns and wasted time.
There’s no single "best" store — there’s the best store for your specific need. Walmart and Tractor Supply lean toward affordability and accessibility. Dover, SmartPak, and Riding Warehouse serve riders who want depth, detail, and premium options. State Line Tack and Schneider’s offer balance and value. Use your goals, measurements in inches, and a little patience to match gear to both you and your horse, and you’ll spend more time riding and less time fixing ill-fitting equipment.
Conclusion: Good equestrian gear starts with accurate measurements and a shopping plan. With the right mix of budget-friendly basics and quality upgrades from trusted U.S. retailers, building a functional, safe, and stylish tack room is entirely achievable. Shop smart, measure in inches, and treat your gear like a partner — when it fits well, you both perform better.
| Equestrian | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Myler 3 1 2 Eggbutt Nohook Lowport Snaffle 5 | $ 34,50 | |
| Devon-aire Women S Versailles Full Sleeve Tights Sea Blue Xs | $ 34,95 | |
| Pants Bambina Chiara Ferragni 59b400 2010 | $ 142,40 |
