Best cheap horse riding kit for 2026 Review

Kitting out a horse and yard on a budget can feel daunting, especially when every small item seems to add up. The good news is that not everything has to be top-end to work well day to day.

Here we have picked out some of the cheapest horse riding and stable essentials for 2026 that still do a solid job. They focus on practical, everyday tasks like safe tying, feeding and keeping your horse comfortable.

Each pick keeps upfront cost low, but we have avoided anything that looks like a false economy. You will see where the compromises lie so you can decide what makes sense for your horse, your set-up and your wallet.

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Why you can trust our budget picks

These recommendations are based on real product information, prices and the kind of practical features that matter on the yard, not just on finding the absolute rock-bottom price. We look at how each piece of kit is likely to cope with everyday use and what you actually get for your money.

We focus on items that balance low cost with sensible design, reliable brands and proven, no-nonsense functionality. If something feels like it will frustrate you or let you down quickly, it does not make the cut, even if it is cheap.

Our aim is to highlight budget-friendly horse riding gear that still feels like a sound purchase, so you can save where it makes sense and spend more only where it genuinely counts.

How we chose these cheaper horse riding options

We started by looking at some of the lowest-priced horse riding and stable essentials available at Go Outdoors, focusing on everyday items that most owners and riders will actually use. From there, we filtered out anything that looked flimsy, overly gimmicky or likely to be more hassle than it is worth.

Well-known equestrian brands were a plus, especially where they have a track record for straightforward, functional kit. We then considered how each item supports practical yard routines, from tying up safely to managing forage and keeping your horse more comfortable when flies are about.

Where review data is limited, we lean on brand reputation, design simplicity and how an item compares with similar products at higher price points. The result is a small set of cheap but credible options that should serve well for riders and owners watching their spend in 2026.

The cheapest horse riding kit we recommend

These picks cover some of the smallest but most useful bits of kit around the yard and in the saddle area. Each sits at the lower end of the price range, yet offers enough quality to stand up to regular use if you look after it.

Some are basic, no-frills workhorses that simply keep your horse tied or fed without fuss. Others add extra comfort or visibility for a few pounds more, which can be well worth it if you are out on the roads or dealing with flies all summer.

Our top pick:

Horseware Elasticated Bungee Cord

Best overall budget pick
Typically around £10 at the time of writing, making it one of the cheapest and most practical tie-up options available.

A simple, elasticated bungee cord from Horseware that makes tying up safer and more forgiving for both horse and handler without stretching your budget.

Pros

This Horseware bungee cord offers a touch of stretch, which can help reduce sudden jolts if your horse pulls back, making tying up a little kinder and less stressful. For around a tenner, it is an affordable way to upgrade from a basic length of rope, yet it still keeps things straightforward and easy to use. The elasticated design makes it a handy piece of kit on the yard, in the lorry or at competitions where you want quick, consistent tie-up points. At this price, it is excellent value for anyone looking to smarten up their set-up without spending much.

Cons

Like any elasticated tie, this bungee cord still relies on being used correctly and attached to secure fittings, so it is not a magic fix for poor tying points. The elastic may fatigue over time with heavy use, so it will not be as long-lived as a plain rope, especially if left outdoors permanently. Some owners may prefer a solid, non-stretch tie for horses that like to test boundaries.

Ideal for...

Ideal for riders and owners who want a kinder, slightly forgiving tie-up solution at home, in the lorry or at shows without spending much. It suits yards where horses are generally sensible but you still like the reassurance of some give if they pull back. If you are upgrading from makeshift ropes and baler twine, this is a neat, affordable step up.

Other great options:

Shires Haylage Net Large

Best cheap stable essential
Usually about £10, offering a very low-cost way to manage haylage and hay more efficiently.

A large haylage net from Shires that helps manage forage and slow feeding at a very wallet-friendly price.

Pros

The Shires Haylage Net Large offers generous capacity at a genuinely low price, making it a sensible buy for everyday feeding. A net like this can help slow down greedy eaters and reduce wastage compared with loose hay on the floor, which saves money in the long run. Being from a recognised equestrian brand adds reassurance that the design is practical and tried-and-tested rather than a flimsy, novelty option. For a budget-conscious yard or owner, it is an easy, low-cost way to improve feeding routines.

Cons

As a budget haylage net, the materials are unlikely to be as heavy-duty as top-end slow-feeder nets, so very determined or destructive horses may get through it faster. It will also need correct hanging to avoid sagging or tangling, which can be a minor faff if you are in a rush. If you want ultra-tough, yard-proof kit for multiple horses, you may need to spend more.

Ideal for...

Best for owners who need a cheap, practical way to feed haylage or hay while slowing down intake a little. It suits individual stables, small yards and riders with one or two horses who want to manage forage more efficiently without splashing out on heavy-duty slow-feeder systems. If you are watching the pennies but still want tidy, controlled feeding, it is a strong option.

Equi-Flector Fly Veil

Best low-cost fly protection
Priced at around £10, this is an inexpensive way to add both fly protection and extra visibility.

A bright Equi-Flector fly veil offering cheap and cheerful protection from flies with added road visibility for hacking.

Pros

The Equi-Flector Fly Veil combines two useful jobs in one cheap accessory: basic fly protection and improved visibility. The veil helps keep midges and flies away from the ears, which can make hacking and schooling more relaxed for sensitive horses. The hi-vis styling adds an extra pop of visibility on the roads, giving you more presence in dull or low-light conditions for almost no extra cost. For the price, it is a simple, effective upgrade to your horse’s comfort and safety kit.

Cons

Being a cheaper fly veil, the materials and finish may not feel as premium as high-end, competition-style veils, and it may not stand up to constant, heavy use for years on end. The fit will not suit every head shape perfectly, so you may need to tweak your bridle adjustments. If you ride in very midgey areas all day long, you might prefer a more substantial fly mask instead.

Ideal for...

A great choice for riders who hack on the roads and want a low-cost bit of extra visibility along with basic fly protection. It suits leisure riders, pony owners and anyone who rides in light to moderate fly conditions through spring and summer. If your budget will only stretch to one or two comfort extras, this is a smart, multipurpose pick.

Horseware Elasticated Bungee Cord

Best value spare bungee
Around £10, so adding a spare or extra tie point does not put much extra strain on your budget.

A second listing of the Horseware Elasticated Bungee Cord, ideal as a spare or for kitting out multiple tie-up points economically.

Pros

This Horseware Elasticated Bungee Cord is the same practical, budget-friendly design as our top pick, making it ideal if you want multiple tie points around the yard that all work in the same way. Having a matching spare is useful for travel or shows, where a familiar setup can make loading and tying less of a faff. At this low price, buying more than one does not feel extravagant and helps you set up safe, consistent arrangements wherever you go.

Cons

As this is essentially the same product as the main Horseware bungee, it does not bring anything new in terms of features, just another buying option. The same caveats apply about elastic wearing over time and the need for good tying practice. If you only need a single tie-up point, this second listing may feel redundant.

Ideal for...

Ideal if you liked the look of the Horseware bungee and simply want a second one for another tie point, the lorry or the wash area. It also suits riders sharing kit across a couple of horses, where having matching bungees keeps things simple and consistent. Budget-conscious owners kitting out a new yard set-up will find it an easy way to add more flexible tie options.

Shires SHRS RBBR CVRD OVRCHCK

Cheapest bit option
Typically £10, making it one of the most affordable overcheck-style bits you are likely to find.

A Shires rubber-covered overcheck bit that gives you a budget-friendly way to add an overcheck without paying premium tack prices.

Pros

The Shires rubber-covered overcheck offers a way into using an overcheck design without investing in pricier specialist bits. The rubber covering is there to soften the feel compared with bare metal, which can be more forgiving for some horses. For riders experimenting with different setups or needing an occasional-use bit, the low price makes it a less risky purchase. Being from Shires also means you are buying from a longstanding equestrian brand rather than an unknown name.

Cons

Bits are very individual to each horse, and a budget overcheck will not automatically suit every mouth or way of going. The relatively low price also suggests basic construction rather than a carefully engineered, premium mouthpiece. If your horse is sensitive or you compete regularly, it may be worth discussing higher-grade options with your instructor or saddle fitter.

Ideal for...

Suited to riders who need an overcheck-style bit for specific purposes and want to try one without committing to a high-end model. It is more appropriate for experienced handlers who understand how and when to use an overcheck rather than complete beginners. If your budget is tight but you need this style of tack occasionally, it offers a low-cost route in.

FAQs

Is cheap horse riding kit safe enough to use?

For non-safety items like bungee cords, haylage nets and fly veils, cheaper options can still be perfectly safe if used correctly and checked regularly for wear. For safety-critical kit such as riding hats and body protectors, it is worth prioritising certified models over the very cheapest options.
Focus on items that protect your horse’s comfort and routine first: secure tying, sensible feeding and fly protection. Spend where durability and welfare matter most, then look at extras once the basics are covered.
With sensible use and regular checks, cheaper items like nets, bungees and basic tack can last multiple seasons. However, materials may not be as heavy-duty as premium kit, so expect to replace them sooner if they see daily hard use.
Yes, an affordable fly veil or hi-vis accessory can make a real difference to your horse’s comfort and visibility. You may not get the most technical fabrics, but a well-designed budget veil or cover still improves everyday hacking and schooling.
A budget bit can be fine if the design is appropriate for your horse and it is fitted correctly. If you are unsure, ask your instructor or an experienced friend for advice, and always introduce any new bit gradually, watching for signs of discomfort.
Not necessarily. A well-made budget haylage net can be excellent value if you check the stitching and hang it correctly. For heavy yard use or greedy feeders, you might want a tougher, possibly pricier net to stand up to daily wear and tear.
Rinse off mud and sweat, store gear dry and out of direct sunlight, and check clips, ropes and stitching regularly. Replacing worn parts promptly and avoiding sharp edges or overloading will help even budget gear last far longer.
It is worth spending more when the item directly affects rider or horse safety, such as helmets, body protectors and some saddlery. For accessories and stable essentials, cheaper options can be fine so long as you are realistic about lifespan and look after them well.

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