Western Riding Gear, Horse Leg Protection, Fly Sheets & Barn Essentials
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Leg & Hoof Protection: Ballistic nylon overreach boots, flexion tendon boots, hind sport boots, and fleece bandages built for arena work, trail use, and daily turnout.
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Fly Sheets: Breathable mesh fly sheets with UV protection and insect-shield properties — designed to keep horses cool and comfortable during hot-weather turnout without the weight of a blanket.
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Tack Accessories & Latigos: Heavy-duty nylon latigos, patterned poly tie straps, and saddle & bridle leather repair kits to keep your tack functional and field-ready.
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Riding Apparel & Footwear Accessories: Western cowboy hats in woven palm leaf, kids' knee-patch breeches, riding spurs with decorative rowels, and heavy-plastic boot jacks for easy boot removal.
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Barn & Stable Tools: Stall and trailer door organizers with removable zippered pockets, composite manure forks built to resist breakage, and behavior training ankle bands for horses that paw.
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Leather Care: Beeswax for crack-filling, gel leather cleaners with scrub applicators, and saddle repair kits — everything needed to extend the life of leather tack and gear.
How to Choose the Right Horse Supply & Gear for Your Needs
Leg Protection: Matching Boot Type to Discipline
Overreach and bell boots suit horses prone to clipping or forging — ballistic nylon covers resist wear in high-impact use. Flexion tendon boots with individual abrasion-resistant cells are better suited to arena work and performance disciplines where lateral support matters. Fleece bandages work well for stable wrap and light exercise support.
Fly Sheets vs. Turnout Blankets — Know the Difference
A fly sheet is a lightweight mesh layer designed for warm-weather use — its job is to block insects and UV rays, not to provide warmth. A turnout blanket adds fill weight for cold-weather insulation. These are two completely different products solving different problems; selecting the wrong one for the season is the most common buyer mistake in horse outerwear.
Tack Accessories: Nylon vs. Leather Latigos
Heavy-duty nylon latigos with pre-punched holes offer consistent stretch resistance and are easier to keep clean — a practical choice for everyday ranch and trail use. Leather latigos develop a natural patina and conform to use over time but require regular conditioning. For riders using tack across wet or muddy conditions, nylon holds up with less maintenance.
Keeping Leather Tack in Working Condition
Regular leather care is one of the most overlooked parts of tack ownership. Beeswax fills surface cracks and feeds the leather fibers to prevent deeper splitting — particularly useful on latigos, fenders, and headstalls exposed to moisture and sweat. A gel leather cleaner with a built-in scrub applicator removes salt, dirt, and grime without soaking the leather. For structural repairs — replacing rosettes, tie carriers, or screws — a dedicated saddle and bridle repair kit prevents small failures from becoming costly ones. Used consistently, these products can double the working life of quality leather tack.
Horse Supply & Gear Questions Answered
How do I measure my horse for a fly sheet?
Measure your horse from the center of the chest, along the side of the body, to the point of the buttock. That measurement in inches is your fly sheet size. For example, a horse measuring 78 inches from chest to buttock wears a size 78. When between sizes, size up for better coverage across the shoulders and hindquarters.
What is the difference between a fly sheet and a turnout blanket?
A fly sheet is a lightweight, breathable mesh layer designed for warm-weather use — it blocks insects and UV rays without adding heat. A turnout blanket contains fill material (measured in grams) for cold-weather warmth and waterproofing. They are entirely different products. Using a fly sheet in winter provides no warmth; using a heavy blanket in summer causes dangerous overheating.
What type of horse leg boot should I use for trail riding?
For trail riding, overreach or bell boots are a practical first layer — they protect the heel bulbs and coronary band from forging on uneven ground. If your horse travels on rocky terrain or has interference issues, adding tendon boots for front leg support is worth considering. Look for ballistic nylon or durable outer covers that handle brush, mud, and repeated contact.
How often should I condition and clean leather tack?
Clean leather tack after every few rides to remove sweat, salt, and dirt before they break down the leather fibers. Condition with beeswax or a leather conditioner every two to four weeks depending on use and climate — more frequently in dry or humid conditions. A gel cleaner with a scrub applicator handles surface grime quickly without saturating the leather.
What does a latigo do and when should I replace it?
A latigo connects your saddle rigging to the cinch ring, allowing you to tighten and secure the saddle on your horse. Replace it when you notice cracking, fraying, stiff spots that won't flex, or any thinning near the holes. Heavy-duty nylon latigos with pre-punched holes are a durable, low-maintenance alternative to leather for everyday riding use.
Browse related categories: Horse Supply | Horse Fly Sheets | Turnout Blankets | Cinches & Girths | Western Tack
