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Shown below are the basics you will need for riding your horse.  There are five main types of bridles and bits with several variations.  They are: the snaffle, the double, the pelham, the gag snaffle and the hackamore.   The best way of controlling your horse is by using a snaffle bridle.  There are many different snaffle bits, but deciding on the correct one depends on which one suits your horse.  Snaffle bits are made of stainless steel, rubber, plastic and nylon, but a horse with a sensitive mouth is better off not using a metal one.
 

Ring Snaffle

Eggbutt Snaffle

Types of snaffle

Flat Ring
Some risk of pinching lips.
 
Eggbutt
Prevents rubbing at the corners of the lips.
 
German Loose-Ring hollow Mouth
The hollow mouthpiece makes it light in weight and the cylindrical ring reduces pinching.
 
D-Ring Race Snaffle
This is less likely to be pulled through the mouth.
 
Cheek
It can be useful for a young horse.  Good bit to keep your horse straight.
 
Some other snaffles include:
Large Ring Racing, Fulmer or Australian, Spoon, Hanging Cheek, Twisted.
Bridles can be made of nylon, which is cheaper, hardwearing and does not require the care needed by leather.  Leather bridles should be well maintained and have good quality metal buckles.
Parts of a snaffle bridle include:
Headpiece and throatlash, Browband, Cheek pieces, Noseband, Reins, Snaffle bit.
There are many types of saddle but for everyday use choose a general purpose saddle.  When buying your saddle have your horse or pony in mind and not your pocket, as buying a cheap saddle is often poor quality leather and may make its back sore. The saddle you choose must be the right size for your horse or pony, but if you are unsure about getting the right size, you should get some expert advice.
Main types of Saddle
 
Traditional Jumping
Shaped to help the rider stay in balance when riding in a forward position over a jump.
 
Close Contact
Designed to allow the rider maximum contact with the horse and versatility in any position.
 
Dressage
Helps rider to sit with a deep seat and a long leg.
 
General Purpose
This is used by most riders.  It is a combination of jumping and dressage types.
 
Showing
This saddle is always used without a numnah and because of this it is important to be accurate with the fitting.  It has a very straight cut flap to show off the horse's  front.
 
Racing
A lightweight saddle with a sloping head and very forward cut flaps.
 
Polo
Built with a short panel, extra long sweat flaps and no knee or thigh rolls. 

General Purpose Saddle

Dressage Saddle
Numnahs are worn under the saddle and are used to protect the horse's back from the hardness of the saddle and to give extra comfort to the horse.  They soak the sweat, so should be washed regularly or else the build up of dirt will be just as uncomfortable and make the back sore. 

Cotton Numhahs

Quilted Saddle Cloth

 Types of Numnah
Sheared Sheepskin
It is a natural fibre which absorbs sweat.  After it has been washed, the leather side should be treated to keep it soft. Can be expensive. 
 
Nylon Sheepskin
Not as absorbent but cheaper.  Easy to wash and quick to dry.
 
Plain Foam Rubber
Cheep and easy to cut to shape.  Should be covered with cotton or linen.  It does not wear well and makes the horse's back sweat.

Numnahs are held in place using:

  • Leather straps

  • Nylon loops

  • Elastic

  • Velcro straps

Numnahs and saddle pads come in several different styles, colours and materials.

Wither pads can be made of woollen cloth or foam rubber and go under the front arch of the saddle protecting the withers when sore.  They are not for constant use.
Stirrup Irons should be the correct size for the riders feet.  If they are too small there is a chance of the foot getting stuck in the stirrup in the event of falling off, if they are too big, the foot can slip through.  The way to tell the correct size stirrup iron is that there should be a clearance of 12mm on each side of the foot, with your foot in the iron.
Types of Stirrup Irons
Stainless Steel Stirrup Irons
This is the basic pattern stirrup iron and is suitable for all purposes.
 
Safety Irons
These have a thick rubber band on one side of the iron.  They are safer than standard irons and are recommended for young children.
 
Racing Irons
Usually made of lightweight stainless steel or aluminium and are not recommended for every day use.
 
Caged Stirrups
These are used by endurance riders and are enclosed to prevent the foot sliding through the stirrup.
 
Treads are made of rubber or plastic and fit in the base of the iron.  These are designed to keep your foot griped in the stirrup.

Safety Stirrup

Stainless Steel Stirrup Irons