# HorseCriteria

> Equestrian buying guides: saddles, bridles and bits, riding helmets and boots, horse blankets, grooming tools and clippers, barn and stable equipment, for English and Western riders.

HorseCriteria publishes equestrian gear reviews, buying guides and reader discount codes. Every review states who the product suits, the current price from the brand's own store, and any active reader code.

## Key pages
- [Reviews](https://horsecriteria.com/reviews): every product we recommend
- [Buying guides](https://horsecriteria.com/guides): how to choose
- [Glossary](https://horsecriteria.com/glossary): equestrian gear terms defined
- [How we test](https://horsecriteria.com/testing-methodology)

## Topics
- [Tack](https://horsecriteria.com/category/tack): English and Western saddles, bridles, reins, bits, girths and stirrups.
- [Rider gear](https://horsecriteria.com/category/rider): Riding helmets, safety vests, boots, breeches, gloves and riding apparel.
- [Horse clothing & care](https://horsecriteria.com/category/horse-care): Turnout and stable blankets, fly gear, leg boots and wraps, grooming kits and clippers.
- [Barn & stable](https://horsecriteria.com/category/barn): Feeders and hay nets, waterers, stall mats, storage, arena and trailer accessories.
- [Training & trail](https://horsecriteria.com/category/training-trail): Lunging and groundwork gear, arena obstacles, trail riding accessories and trailer add-ons.
- [Beginners & kids](https://horsecriteria.com/category/beginners-kids): Equipment and fit guidance for children and adults starting out with horses.

## Buying guides
- [Beginner Riding Gear Checklist: What to Buy for Your First Lessons](https://horsecriteria.com/guides/beginner-riding-gear-checklist): For first lessons, buy a certified riding helmet and boots or shoes with a defined heel of about an inch so your foot cannot slide through the stirrup. Wear close-fitting pants without inner seams that rub, such as breeches, riding tights or well-fitted jeans for Western, and gloves for grip. Many barns lend helmets at first. Wait on saddles, show clothes and tack until you know your discipline.
- [English vs Western Saddles: Differences, Sizing and Fit](https://horsecriteria.com/guides/english-vs-western-saddle): English saddles are lighter with a close contact feel, used for jumping, dressage and general riding; seats are commonly 15 to 18 inches. Western saddles are larger and heavier, with a horn, spreading weight over a bigger area for long rides and ranch work; seats are commonly 13 to 17 inches. For either, the tree must fit the horse's back and withers, so have a qualified saddle fitter check it.
- [Horse Blanket Weights and Sizing: Sheets to Heavyweights](https://horsecriteria.com/guides/horse-blanket-weight-guide): Blanket warmth is set by fill weight: sheets have no fill, lightweights about 100 grams, mediumweights about 200 to 250 grams and heavyweights about 300 grams or more. Clipped horses and those without shelter need more warmth than horses with a full winter coat. Measure from the center of the chest, around the shoulder and side, to the tail, and choose turnout blankets with a denier suited to how hard your horse is on them.
- [Horse Clippers Guide: Clip Types, Blades and Corded vs Cordless](https://horsecriteria.com/guides/horse-clippers-guide): Use heavy-duty body clippers with large blades for clipping coats and smaller trimmers for faces, ears and legs. Corded clippers run all day; cordless models are quieter and safer around nervous horses but limited by battery. Blade numbers set cut length: a #10 is a common standard, higher numbers cut closer. Keep blades sharp, oiled and cool, and choose a clip style that matches your horse's work and blanketing.
- [Horse Feeders and Waterers: Hay Nets, Slow Feeders and Heated Waterers](https://horsecriteria.com/guides/horse-feeding-and-watering-equipment): An average 1,000-pound horse drinks roughly 5 to 10 gallons of water a day, more in heat and work, so waterers must keep up and stay ice-free in winter. Slow-feed hay nets with smaller holes stretch out eating time; choose hole sizes your horse can manage and hang nets high enough that a hoof cannot catch. Check every setup for edges, gaps and anything a horse could trap a leg in.
- [Riding Helmet Certifications and Fit: ASTM F1163, SEI and More](https://horsecriteria.com/guides/riding-helmet-certification-guide): In the US, look for a riding helmet certified to ASTM F1163 with an SEI tag inside. Other recognized standards include PAS 015, VG1 01.040, Snell E2001 and AS/NZS 3838, and competitions set which they accept. A helmet should sit level about an inch above the eyebrows, feel snug without pressure points and not rock when you move your head. Replace it after any fall with impact and per the maker's age guidance.

Contact: info@horsecriteria.com