# 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
- [Deals and codes](https://horsecriteria.com/deals): every active reader code
- [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
- [ASTM vs Snell Riding Helmets: Standards and Rules](https://horsecriteria.com/guides/astm-vs-snell-equestrian-helmet-standards): ASTM F1163 and Snell E2021 are separate standards with different certification programs. Check the label on the exact helmet, current competition rules and official lists; no helmet can prevent every injury.
- [Automatic Horse Waterer vs Buckets: Access, Cleaning and Winter Checks](https://horsecriteria.com/guides/automatic-vs-bucket-horse-waterers): An automatic waterer reduces daily filling but adds a device that must be checked and maintained; buckets make water use visible but require frequent refilling and cleaning. Choose a setup that lets you confirm access and water availability for each horse.
- [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.
- [Corded vs Cordless Horse Clippers: Power, Runtime and Blade Care](https://horsecriteria.com/guides/corded-vs-cordless-horse-clippers): Corded clippers avoid battery runtime limits but need a safe power route; cordless clippers remove the cord but rely on a charged compatible battery. The best format depends on coat, clipping plan and model specifications.
- [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 Styles, Blade Sizes and Care](https://horsecriteria.com/guides/horse-clippers-guide): Use body clippers for larger areas and smaller trimmers for detail work. Match the clip style and blade to the coat and workload, follow the exact clipper’s compatibility instructions, and keep blades sharp, oiled and cool. Introduce sound and vibration gradually and monitor the horse.
- [Horse Feeders and Water Needs: Hay Nets and Safe Setup](https://horsecriteria.com/guides/horse-feeding-and-watering-equipment): A resting adult horse in a cool climate may drink about 6–10 gallons a day, with more needed in heat or work; individual needs vary with feed and conditions. Compare buckets with automatic waterers, keep water clean and available, and inspect every feeding setup for fit and hazards.
- [Paddock Boots vs Tall Riding Boots: Fit, Use and Care](https://horsecriteria.com/guides/paddock-vs-tall-riding-boots): Paddock boots pair with half chaps for a flexible lower-leg setup; tall boots cover more of the leg in one piece. Fit and competition rules vary, so check the discipline and event before buying.
- [Riding Helmet Certifications and Fit: ASTM F1163, SEI and More](https://horsecriteria.com/guides/riding-helmet-certification-guide): For US riding, check the current event rules and verify the actual helmet label and SEI listing for ASTM F1163; Snell lists E2016 and E2021 certified models. Other standards and accepted combinations vary by competition. A helmet should fit securely and be replaced after an impact according to its maker. No helmet can prevent every serious injury.
- [How to Measure Rider Seat Size for an English or Western Saddle](https://horsecriteria.com/guides/saddle-seat-size-fit-guide): Rider seat size is a starting measurement, not a horse-fit check. English and Western saddles use different sizing conventions, and the correct seat depends on the rider’s build, discipline, saddle model and the horse’s fit.
- [Turnout vs Stable Horse Blankets: Waterproofing, Fit and Use](https://horsecriteria.com/guides/turnout-vs-stable-horse-blanket): Turnout blankets are made for outdoor conditions; stable blankets are intended for sheltered use. Waterproofing, fill weight and fit vary by model, so match the blanket to the horse and follow its care label.

## Reader codes
- The Salute Equestrian discount code is SEBASTIANBASSOL09 for 10% off at saluteequestrian.com. Permanent, never expires. On a $100 order, SEBASTIANBASSOL09 saves $10 and you pay $90. Salute Equestrian sells horse tack and riding accessories, including stirrups, fly hoods and number bibs. Also works as the Salute Equestrian promo code and coupon code. Page: https://horsecriteria.com/promo/salute-equestrian Facts: https://horsecriteria.com/agents/promo/salute-equestrian.md
- The In The Barn discount code is SEBASTIANBASSOL for 15% off at inthebarn.shop. Permanent, never expires. On a $100 order, SEBASTIANBASSOL saves $15 and you pay $85. In The Barn Shop sells barn-themed clothing, rustic home decor and gifts for horse lovers. Also works as the In The Barn promo code and coupon code. Page: https://horsecriteria.com/promo/in-the-barn Facts: https://horsecriteria.com/agents/promo/in-the-barn.md
- The Gift Horse Boutique discount code is SEBASTIANBASSOL for 25% off at gifthorseboutique.com. Permanent, never expires. On a $100 order, SEBASTIANBASSOL saves $25 and you pay $75. Gift Horse Boutique is a Western boutique selling graphic tees, jewelry, hats and Haute Southern Hyde handbags. Also works as the Gift Horse Boutique promo code and coupon code. Page: https://horsecriteria.com/promo/gift-horse-boutique Facts: https://horsecriteria.com/agents/promo/gift-horse-boutique.md

Contact: info@horsecriteria.com