Horse Riding Equipment Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends And Forecast (2025 - 2030)

Global Horse Riding Equipment Market Trends and Insights

Rising Participation in Recreational Riding and Equestrian Sports

As urbanization pushes people towards city living, a surprising trend emerges: a growing global appetite for countryside experiences and alternative fitness activities, notably recreational riding. In 2025, US Equestrian reported a vibrant community of over 500,000 fans and 83,000 competing members^{[1]Source: US Equestrian, “US Equestrian Unveils New Strategic Plan Highlights During 2025 Annual Meeting,” usef.org}. This surge in membership not only underscores the sport's popularity but also fuels a rising demand for equestrian equipment. Meanwhile, China's equestrian sector mirrors this global trend. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has unveiled a five-year development plan, aiming to bolster professional clubs and enhance training facilities by 2025. As more individuals take up riding, the demand for complete gear sets surges. Seasoned riders, on the other hand, are increasingly turning to specialized equipment tailored to their specific disciplines. This trend is especially lucrative for manufacturers of helmets and protective gear. New riders, prioritizing safety over aesthetics, are making these purchases with a keen focus on protection.

Growing Safety Regulations Mandating Certified Helmets and Vests

As major equestrian markets tighten regulations, safety equipment transitions from a luxury to a necessity. This shift not only guarantees consistent demand but also shields manufacturers from economic fluctuations. A case in point is the British Horse Racing Authority's 2025 standards. They mandate body protectors to meet BS EN 13158:2018 Level 2+ specifications and helmets to adhere to dual international testing standards^{[2]Source: British Horse Racing Authority, “BHA 2025 Safety Wear,” britishhorseracing.com}. Similarly, US Equestrian underscores the importance of helmet safety, advocating for standards like Kitemark PAS015, VG1, and ASTM certifications. They also recommend professional fittings and the adoption of Mips technology for better concussion protection. These evolving regulations mean that equipment replacements are now driven by compliance rather than wear and tear. Established manufacturers, equipped with certification capabilities, stand to gain the most, while counterfeit products face significant hurdles due to stringent testing requirements. Medical studies back these regulatory moves, highlighting that equestrian sports have a higher concussion rate than both football and rugby, with a staggering one in five riders facing serious injuries.

Advanced Product Innovation and Smart Technology Integration

Modern technology is reshaping traditional riding equipment, turning it into smart devices that monitor performance, boost safety, and offer training insights once reserved for professional trainers. For instance, Lemberg Solutions showcases horse analytics devices that utilize sensors and machine learning to decode movement patterns. They also highlight a text-to-speech feature that aids dressage navigation via rider earpieces. The integration of smart helmets stands out as a prime opportunity, merging conventional protection with cutting-edge features like impact sensors, GPS tracking, and communication tools. These advancements not only cater to safety-focused riders but also attract training facilities. Such innovations pave the way for premium pricing for manufacturers and open avenues for recurring revenue through software and data services. Companies with a strong foothold in electronics stand to gain the most, potentially overshadowing traditional leather manufacturers lacking in tech expertise.

Premiumization Trend—Demand for Custom Saddles and Smart Tack

The premium segment's growth underscores riders' readiness to invest in tailored equipment that boosts both performance and comfort. This trend presents lucrative opportunities for manufacturers adept at customization. A testament to this trend's financial allure is Hermès. Their leather goods and saddlery division raked in a whopping EUR 7.5 billion in the first half of 2024, marking a 19% growth, thanks to heightened production and unwavering demand. Custom fitting services not only set manufacturers apart but also justify premium pricing, given the tangible benefits to rider performance and horse welfare. The premiumization wave isn't limited to traditional leather goods. It's also sweeping through smart tack, now equipped with sensors, GPS, and performance monitoring features, commanding higher prices due to their added functionality. This trend particularly favors manufacturers blending time-honored craftsmanship with modern technical innovations.

High Ownership and Maintenance Cost of Horses and Gear

Horse ownership, often seen as a luxury, comes with significant financial commitments, posing challenges for market expansion. Research from New Mexico State University highlights that annual care for a horse can cost between USD 1,350 and USD 3,000. Initial startup expenses can surpass USD 6,500, and over a horse's lifetime, costs may balloon to around USD 60,000. Notably, these figures don't account for rider equipment, which can add thousands more for essentials like helmets, boots, and specialized apparel. Oklahoma State University points out that first-time horse owners need to factor in expenses like feed, veterinary services, and housing equipment. Such financial demands often restrict horse ownership to more affluent individuals. This cost structure poses challenges in emerging markets, where many can't afford premium equipment. Consequently, manufacturers find it tough to break into new markets, leading to a divide between premium and value-oriented products. To navigate this, manufacturers are adopting dual strategies, catering to varied income levels while ensuring safety standards remain uncompromised.

Injury Concerns Deterring Novice Riders

Concerns over safety are acting as a deterrent for many considering equestrian sports, limiting the market's reach. Medical studies reveal that equestrian sports have higher concussion rates than both football and rugby. Furthermore, statistics indicate that one in five riders faces a serious injury, a fact highlighted by Sports Medicine News. Such data weighs heavily on parents, making them hesitant to let their children engage in equestrian activities. This reluctance is especially pronounced given the youth segment's potential for growth. The apprehension surrounding equestrian sports isn't solely based on injury statistics. Media portrayals of severe accidents and insurance challenges amplify the perception of risk. Yet, these challenges present a silver lining for manufacturers. By spotlighting the effectiveness of safety equipment and innovating products that enhance protection and visibility, they can address these concerns head-on.

Segment Analysis

By Product Type: Apparel Dominance Drives Market Stability

In 2024, apparel takes the lead with a 34.68% market share, underscoring riders' demand for specialized clothing that marries performance with style across various equestrian disciplines. This segment's prominence is bolstered by frequent replacements, driven by regular wear and evolving fashion trends, ensuring steady revenue for manufacturers. Meanwhile, protective gear and accessories are the fastest-growing segment, boasting a 7.54% CAGR through 2030. This growth is fueled by regulatory mandates and a heightened safety consciousness, emphasizing protection over cost.

Helmet demand is buoyed by mandatory replacement cycles and tech advancements. In contrast, boot sales remain consistent, thanks to their durability and the need for a specialized fit. The British Horse Racing Authority's 2025 safety standards highlight the regulatory push in protective gear adoption. Their mandate for BS EN 13158:2018 Level 2+ body protectors underscores a non-discretionary replacement demand. Furthermore, the integration of smart technology is setting premium products apart. Helmet manufacturers, for instance, are embedding impact sensors and communication features, not only justifying higher price tags but also significantly boosting safety outcomes.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By End User: Adult Segment Stability Contrasts Youth Growth

In 2024, adults command a dominant 86.44% market share, buoyed by rising disposable incomes and consistent buying patterns favoring premium equipment. This demographic's predictability offers manufacturers a clear demand trajectory and avenues for product upgrades as riders hone their skills. Meanwhile, the kids segment is on a rapid ascent, boasting a 6.13% CAGR, hinting at a generational shift that could redefine market dynamics as today's young riders transition to adult status.

While the youth market grapples with safety apprehensions and steep ownership costs—deterring parents from fully investing—there's a silver lining. Safety-conscious parents are channeling their investments towards protective gear for young riders. This trend opens doors for manufacturers to craft youth-centric products, emphasizing enhanced safety features. Furthermore, US Equestrian's strategic focus on bolstering youth development and participation underscores institutional backing for initiatives that could further energize the kids' segment. As the market sees a tilt towards younger participants, there's a burgeoning demand for equipment that's both adjustable and upgradeable, catering to their evolving growth and skill levels.

By Distribution Channel: Retail Preference Reflects Personal Selection

In 2024, personal and retail channels command a dominant 67.44% share, underscoring riders' preference for hands-on equipment evaluations and fitting services that prioritize safety and performance. This trend highlights the significance of specialized retail expertise and customer service, setting successful retailers apart from general sporting goods outlets. Meanwhile, commercial and institutional channels are expanding at a brisk 5.92% CAGR, signaling a surge in adoption by riding schools, training facilities, and equestrian centers, all of which lean towards bulk purchasing arrangements.

Dover Saddlery's integrated approach, melding catalogs, e-commerce, and brick-and-mortar stores, underscores its commitment to premium English-style products. With a fragmented landscape boasting around 10,000 retailers, there's a clear avenue for consolidation and efficiency boosts, especially through tech adoption and supply chain refinement^{[3]Source: Dover Saddlery Inc., “Form 10-K 2014,” sec.gov}. While e-commerce is on a rapid ascent, physical retail continues to play a pivotal role, especially for fitting services and the immediate procurement of safety-critical equipment.

Geography Analysis

In 2024, North America commands a dominant 43.56% share of the market, underscoring the region's well-established equestrian infrastructure and a robust participant base. The U.S. leads the charge, boasting a vast network of riding schools, competitive circuits, and recreational facilities, all of which drive a steady cycle of equipment replacements. Meanwhile, Canada's equestrian sector grapples with challenges posed by U.S. tariff policies, potentially disrupting cross-border trade and influencing equipment pricing, as highlighted by the Equine Register. Looking ahead, US Equestrian's 2025-2028 strategic plan underscores growth, focusing on bolstering social licenses, boosting participation, and elevating horse welfare standards, all of which are poised to invigorate equipment demand^{[4]Source: Christine Bjerkan, “European Horse Industry Outlook,” equerryco.com}. Furthermore, the region's regulatory landscape, influenced by institutional mandates and insurance stipulations, champions the adoption of certified protective gear.

Asia-Pacific is on the fast track, boasting a 7.16% CAGR through 2030, fueled by economic strides, urbanization, and government-backed equestrian tourism initiatives. China takes the lead, with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs spearheading efforts in professional club development and training facility upgrades. This push is buoyed by a sector valued at USD 1.5 billion, witnessing a robust 30% annual growth. Yet, challenges loom for China's equestrian landscape: a decline in horse populations, attributed to agricultural mechanization and urban sprawl. Still, as noted by MDPI Sustainability, there's a silver lining in the burgeoning equestrian sports and tourism sectors. 

Meanwhile, Japan and Australia bolster regional growth with their established equestrian communities and rising recreational participation. Southeast Asia's emerging markets, buoyed by increasing disposable incomes, hint at a promising expansion horizon. Europe, while grappling with market maturity, showcases moderate growth, buoyed by its significant economic footprint. With 6.4 million leisure riders, the region boasts a stable demand foundation. Regulatory shifts, such as Germany's Ministry of Agriculture's welfare guidelines and the British Horse Racing Authority's safety standards, are catalyzing equipment upgrades, as noted by Eurodressage