Rider Accessories
The details that make the ride.
Gloves, crops, bags and the bits in between - rider essentials that earn their place.
Rider Accessories
Rider accessories are all the small pieces of kit that make riding more comfortable — riding socks, gloves, belts, hairnets, half chaps, whips, hat covers and the bags that carry it all. With over 900 products in this department, the quickest way in is to decide whether you are shopping for everyday riding, competition day or hacking on the roads, then use the table below to jump to the right section. Just Horse Riders stocks rider accessories from brands including Shires, Dublin and Premier Equine, from around £1.50.
Free UK delivery over £50 · Fast next-day delivery available · 90-day returns · Family-run UK retailer since 2010.
Rider accessories advice from the Just Horse Riders team — last reviewed July 2026.
Choosing rider accessories
| Choice | What it means |
|---|---|
| Riding gloves | Grip and warmth in the saddle — thin gloves for feel in summer, fleece-lined or waterproof pairs for winter yards. |
| Whips & crops | Short crops for jumping, longer schooling whips for flatwork and show canes for the ring. |
| Half chaps & gaiters | Worn over short boots so the stirrup leathers do not pinch your calf — a comfortable alternative to long boots. |
| Hat silks & covers | Change the look of your riding hat — cross-country colours, or a fleecy pom-pom cover for winter. |
| Rider hi-vis | Fluorescent and reflective wear designed to help drivers spot you earlier when you ride on or near roads. |
Competition day extras
The small things are the easiest to forget: hairnets, plaiting bands, number elastics, a show tie or stock and spare gloves. Most cost between £1 and £10 — hairnets and plaiting bands both start under £2 here — so it is worth keeping spares in the lorry rather than hunting for them on the morning of a show.
Buying for a child?
Much of this department is adult-sized, so check the size options before ordering. Child sizes do appear across the range — the Shires bamboo socks below come in child sizes, for example — and there is a small dedicated children's accessories section too.
Rider accessories favourites
- Everyday socks: Shires Bamboo Horse Riding Socks - 2 Pack (from £5.39) — soft bamboo two-pack in adult and child sizes, long enough for tall boots or half chaps.
- Competition socks: Woof Wear Competition Horse Riding Socks (from £14.99) — thin and close-fitting, so long boots slide on without bunching.
- Boot bag: Rhinegold Long Boot Bag (from £13.79) — keeps long boots together and yard mud out of the car, in four colours.
- Winter hat cover: Premier Equine Jersey Hat Silk with Faux Fur Pom Pom (from £14.40) — a quick way to give your hat a winter look, with several colours in stock.
- Smart belt: Shires Aubrion Drover Skinny Polo Belt (from £26.10) — striped polo belt that smartens up any pair of breeches, with 60–110 cm sizes in stock.
Frequently asked questions
What accessories do I actually need to start riding?
Less than you might think. Once you have a hat and boots, a pair of long riding socks and some gloves will cover your first lessons. If you ride in short boots, half chaps stop the stirrup leathers rubbing, and if you have long hair a hairnet keeps it tidy under your hat. Everything else can wait until you know you need it.
What is the difference between a crop, a schooling whip and a show cane?
Mostly length and purpose. A crop is short with a wide flapper on the end and is the usual choice for jumping. A schooling whip is longer and more flexible, so it can be used behind your leg without taking a hand off the reins. A show cane is a short, stiff cane carried in showing classes. Our whips and crops section covers all three.
Do I have to wear hi-vis when riding on roads?
It is not a legal requirement in the UK, but fluorescent and reflective gear is designed to help drivers see you from further away, and road-safety guidance for riders recommends it in daylight as well as at dusk. If you hack out on or near roads, it is one of the cheapest and most sensible additions to your kit.
What should I pack for a first show?
Hairnets (plus spares), plaiting bands, a show tie or stock, number elastics and gloves are the usual last-minute items, and most cost just a few pounds. A hat silk in your colours and a boot bag to keep everything clean in transit are worth adding if you plan to compete regularly.
Not sure which section you need? Tap the WhatsApp button at the bottom of the screen and the team will point you in the right direction.