New to Showjumping? How to Select the Perfect Tack for Your Horse

The thrill of showjumping is unique. It's a partnership between horse and rider, built on trust and athleticism, culminating in those exhilarating moments over fences. But this exciting sport, and riding in general, demands the right tack. The quality and fit of your equipment are crucial for your safety, your horse's comfort, and your combined performance. For newcomers, however, choosing showjumping tack can feel overwhelming.

That's why we created CanterCart. We aim to be a reliable resource, offering a curated selection of high-quality, durable, and comfortable leather tack. Our goal is to provide excellent items that serve both horse and rider well, without an overwhelming amount of choice. In this guide, you'll learn about the essential components of showjumping tack and what to look for in each piece.

 

The Showjumping Tack Essentials: Getting the Basics Right

Halter

A halter is used to lead, tie, and handle a horse safely when not riding. When buying one, prioritize a good fit that doesn't rub or pinch, especially around the nose and behind the ears. If your barn requires your horse to wear a halter in turnout, consider a breakaway one for safety. For daily use in the barn and at shows, a soft-padded leather halter is a great choice. We offer options in brown and black leather.

Bridle

Bridle fit is paramount for clear communication. You'll find both traditional and anatomical bridles. No matter which you choose, ensure there are no pressure points, particularly at the ears, poll, and cheekbones. Talk to your trainer about different nosebands. Our bridle with a combined noseband is a versatile option, and you can even detach the flash.

Girth

A girth secures the saddle in place and helps maintain stability during movement, which is especially critical when jumping. When buying one, ensure it fits snugly without pinching or restricting your horse’s movement or breathing. Choose based on your needs:

• Neoprene girths are budget-friendly and easy to clean.
• Anatomical leather girths are shaped to relieve pressure around the elbows and sternum for better comfort and freedom.
• Bellyguard girths (or stud girths) protect your horse’s underside from injury caused by hooves or studs during jumping.

 

Breastplate

A breastplate with a martingale helps keep the saddle from slipping back and provides added control by limiting excessive head movement. When choosing one, ensure it fits securely without restricting your horse's shoulder movement or pinching the withers. Make sure it's not too long and loose, as your horse could get entangled.

• Some breastplates attach at the D-rings and girth between the legs. This can put a lot of pressure on your D-rings and the horse’s wither.
• Other breastplates add two straps to the billets (vs. the D-rings) and one to the girth, distributing pressure more evenly across the chest and shoulders. The martingale in our three-point breastplate can be detached.

 

Why Quality Leather is Your Best Partner in the Ring

You need to be able to rely on your equipment, and you want it to stand the test of time. Well-made leather tack not only performs well, it lasts, especially when regularly cleaned and conditioned. Durable showjumping tack crafted from premium leather resists stretching, cracking, and tearing, ensuring it holds up reliably during high-impact movements. Supple leather conforms naturally to a horse’s body, minimizing rubs and pressure points.

 

Making Smart Choices: Tips for Your First Showjumping Tack Purchases

When building your tack collection, always prioritize fit over brand. A properly fitting saddle, bridle, or girth will support your horse’s comfort and performance far more than just a high-end label. And unfortunately, in today’s market, a high price doesn't always guarantee high quality. For those starting out, don’t hesitate to seek expert advice from trainers or qualified tack fitters as they can help you make smart, long-lasting choices tailored to your horse’s needs. Finally, regular maintenance like cleaning, conditioning, and storing your tack properly will greatly extend its lifespan.

Embarking on your showjumping journey is exciting, and having the right tack makes all the difference. At CanterCart, we understand the demands of the show ring and offer a selected range of premium tack designed for performance, durability, and most importantly, the comfort and safety of your horse.

Explore CanterCart's First Horse Essential Tack Collection Today!