Kitting out you and your horse soon adds up, so it makes sense to save money where you can without compromising comfort or control. This guide pulls together some of the cheapest riding horsewear options for 2026 available from Go Outdoors, focusing on sensible budget buys rather than false economies.
All of these pieces sit firmly at the value end of the range, but still come from recognised equestrian brands. They are simple, practical items that help you get more from the rugs and tack you already own, or give you the basics you need for schooling and handling.
Rather than just picking the lowest ticket price, we have highlighted what each item does well for the money, along with the compromises that naturally come with a budget tag, so you can choose what fits your horse, your routine and your wallet.
Our recommendations are based on a close look at the specification, materials and design of each item, together with brand reputation and how the kit is likely to perform in day-to-day yard life. We focus on pieces that do the job reliably at a low price, rather than chasing the rock-bottom option at any cost.
We look for horsewear that balances affordability with secure fastenings, sensible construction and enough comfort for regular use. If something feels like it will frustrate you or wear out too quickly, it does not make the cut, even if it is cheap.
The aim is to highlight budget-friendly horsewear that still feels like a sound, practical purchase when you are schooling, leading or turning out your horse, not something you regret after a few weeks.
We started by looking at the lowest-priced riding horsewear from established equestrian brands at Go Outdoors, then filtered to simple, hard-working pieces that most riders can get use from. Accessories like chest expanders, overchecks and lunge lines are ideal for stretching a budget because they support or enhance kit you already own.
From there, we prioritised straightforward, durable construction, looking for strong webbing, elastic or cushioned materials and solid clips and buckles. Products that felt fiddly to fit or likely to wear quickly were moved aside in favour of those that should stand up to normal yard use.
We also tried to offer a spread of functions: a couple of ways to improve rug fit, plus options for schooling and control. That means you can decide whether your limited budget is best spent making existing rugs go further, or equipping yourself for groundwork and lunging without overspending.
Every item here is cheap by equestrian standards, but each one has a clear job to do. Where there are compromises compared with more expensive gear, we point them out so you can decide whether they matter for your riding and horse-care routine.
Below you will find some of the best-value riding horsewear pieces we think are still worth buying in 2026. All are priced at the lower end of the scale but come from trusted brands like Shires and Horseware, so you are not gambling on completely unknown kit.
Some options here aim to give you maximum function for the very lowest layout, while others cost the same but offer a slightly different solution. Pick the ones that solve real problems in your yard routine and you will feel the benefit of that small spend every time you tack up.
A simple, budget-friendly chest expander from Shires that gives extra room in your horse’s rugs without the cost of replacing them. Ideal for broader horses or those filling out.
For a very low outlay, the Shires Buckle Chest Expander lets you keep using rugs that are just a touch tight across the chest, which can save you a lot versus replacing a whole rug wardrobe. The buckle fastening is familiar and easy to adjust, so you can fine-tune the fit quickly. Coming from Shires, you can expect sensible, hard-wearing webbing and straightforward hardware that is built with everyday yard life in mind. It is also a neat way to cope with a horse that is still developing or changing shape through the seasons.
As a budget chest expander, it will not transform the fit of a badly sized rug; it is only suited to minor adjustments. Over time, the webbing and buckles may show wear faster than on more premium options, especially if left dirty or wet. If your horse is very broad or the rug is significantly too small, a new rug will still be the better long-term answer.
Ideal for owners of broader horses, natives or those that are still filling out, who want to eke more use out of existing rugs without splashing out on new ones. It also suits riders managing several horses on a budget, where small fit tweaks add up to big savings over a season. If you want a cheap, tidy way to relieve chest pressure without revamping your entire rug collection, this is a sensible pick.
A low-cost rubber-covered overcheck from Shires designed to offer additional control and head carriage support without a big spend. A straightforward choice for schooling on a budget.
The Shires rubber covered overcheck offers an inexpensive way to introduce or refine head carriage control without investing in a more complex training system. The rubber covering helps soften the feel and protects against chafing, which is useful when you are working within a tight budget but still care about your horse’s comfort. Shires’ reputation for practical hardware means the fittings should be simple to attach and adjust around your existing bridle or harness. For a small price, it can add another tool to your schooling kit.
Being a cheap overcheck, it is a fairly basic design without the fine-tuning and premium materials you might get on more expensive training aids. Overchecks in general need considerate use and a good understanding of their effect on head carriage, so it is not a shortcut for training issues. If you are unsure, getting coaching support and potentially investing in a higher-end setup may be wiser.
Best for budget-conscious riders who would like to experiment with an overcheck for schooling or driving without committing to an expensive system. It suits those who already understand how to use an overcheck correctly and simply want a straightforward, low-cost option. If you are adding to a modest training toolkit and want more control over head position, it is a practical choice.
This Shires chest expander with surcingle fastening offers an easy, inexpensive way to adjust rug fit across the chest. Great for in-between sizes and broader builds.
This Shires chest expander with surcingle fastening is a very cost-effective solution for horses that sit between rug sizes or have a broader front. The surcingle-style attachment makes it easy to fit and remove, and can feel more secure for some rug designs. As with other Shires basics, the materials are geared towards regular use, with straightforward webbing and hardware that should cope with day-to-day wear. At this price, it is a practical way to get a bit more life out of rugs you already own.
Like any chest expander, this is only a short-term or minor-fit solution and cannot fix rugs that are fundamentally the wrong size or cut for your horse. The surcingle fastening adds another piece of hardware at the chest, which may not suit horses that are sensitive in that area. It may also need regular checking to ensure it stays flat and does not twist under rugs.
A great option for owners whose horses sit awkwardly between standard rug sizes and just need a little extra room across the chest. It is particularly helpful for horses that broaden seasonally, where buying multiple rug sizes would get expensive. Choose this if you like the idea of a quick-fit, surcingle-style adjustment that can move between rugs as needed.
A cushioned web lunge line from Shires that delivers reliable handling and comfort in the hand at a very accessible price. A strong everyday option for groundwork and schooling.
The Shires Cushion Web Lunge Line offers impressive value if you do regular groundwork or lunging sessions. The cushioned webbing is kinder in the hand than very cheap, harsh lines, making it more comfortable for longer sessions and better control when a horse pulls. Shires lines are known for having solid clips and sensible lengths, so you get a reliable connection without tangles or excessive bulk. For a budget-friendly training essential, it strikes a good balance between price and feel.
As a lower-priced lunge line, it is unlikely to have the ultra-soft, luxury feel of premium lines and may feel a bit more utilitarian. The webbing can still cause friction burns if used without gloves, particularly with sharp pullers. If you do very frequent or professional-level schooling, you might eventually appreciate the comfort upgrade of a higher-end line.
Perfect for riders who lunge regularly as part of their schooling but do not want to overspend on a premium line. It is well suited to everyday groundwork, exercising fresh horses or introducing youngsters to the concept of working on a circle. If you want a reliable, comfortable lunge line at a bargain price, this is a strong candidate.
An elasticated bungee cord from Horseware that provides a simple, affordable way to add gentle tension and stability to your existing setup. Handy for riders looking to fine-tune without overspending.
Horseware’s elasticated bungee cord is a simple, low-cost way to add gentle, consistent tension where you need it, whether that is for schooling or securing parts of your setup. The elastic design gives a bit of give, which can be kinder than totally fixed straps and helps maintain a steady contact. Horseware is a well-respected brand for rugs and accessories, so even this inexpensive piece benefits from their experience with durable elastic and fittings. It is an easy item to throw into your kit for those moments when you need a quick, adjustable solution.
This is a very simple piece of kit, so if you are looking for a more sophisticated training system, it will feel limited. Elastic can stretch and tire over time, especially if constantly under heavy load, so you may need to replace it sooner than more robust, non-elastic alternatives. Used incorrectly or overtightened, any bungee-style attachment can compromise comfort, so it needs thoughtful adjustment.
Best for riders who want a versatile, low-cost elastic cord to fine-tune their setup, whether for gentle schooling aids or securing elements with a bit of give. It suits those who already have the main pieces of tack and simply need an inexpensive, adjustable add-on. If you like having a few clever, budget-friendly accessories in your kit to solve small problems, this fits the bill.
