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Let’s be real, owning a horse is one of the greatest joys in life. It’s also, without a doubt, one of the most expensive hobbies on the planet. The list of “essentials” is a bottomless pit. The moment you replace that winter turnout rug, your favourite pair of riding boots will inevitably give up. You buy a new tub of hoof oil, and suddenly your horse decides to snap their headcollar.
It’s a constant, expensive cycle. For years, I’ve juggled multiple websites, trying to find deals on big brands and affordable basics that won’t fall apart in a week. Finding one place that does both well felt impossible. This is why GS Equestrian has become my default starting point for just about everything. They’ve managed to create a one-stop shop that genuinely respects a rider’s budget.
What to Check Out First at GS Equestrian
- GS Equestrian Own-Brand Riding Tights: Incredibly comfortable and durable for the price. They feature a proper high waist and a secure phone pocket, making them perfect for yard work and schooling.1
- GS Equestrian Turnout Rugs: Their own-brand rugs, particularly the 600D and 1200D medium-weights, are workhorses. They offer reliable waterproofing and a good fit without the premium price tag.
- Big Brand Basics (Shires, Aubrion): This is the best place to find excellent prices on everyday essentials like Shires headcollars, Aubrion tops, and grooming supplies.
- Rider Footwear: They have a massive range of jodhpur boots, muck boots, and wellies, covering every price point from budget-friendly basics to more advanced riding boots.
The Constant Hunt for a Good Deal
If you’re an equestrian, you’re also a professional bargain hunter. We all know the “equestrian tax,” where adding the word “horse” to a product seems to triple its price. We spend hours scrolling through forums, comparing prices on turnout rugs, and waiting for end-of-season sales to stock up on fly spray and breeches.
The problem with most “budget” equestrian sites is that the quality can be a risky gamble. Sure, that no-name rug is cheap, but will it last the season? Will the buckles rust? Will that pair of “sticky” breeches lose all its grip after two washes? This is the exact gap GS Equestrian fills. They are not just a discount retailer; they are a curator of affordable, quality gear.
A Retailer and a Brand in One
The most important thing to understand is that GS Equestrian operates in two ways. First, they are a massive online retailer that stocks all the brands you already know and trust.2 You can find Shires, WeatherBeeta, Horseware, Charles Owen, LeMieux, and dozens of others.3
Second, and this is their key advantage, they have their surprisingly affordable own-brand line. This “GS Equestrian” branded gear is clearly designed by people who actually ride. They’ve identified the most essential products, figured out what features we really need (like phone pockets), and produced them at a fraction of the cost of the premium brands. This combination means you can buy a top-of-the-line LeMieux saddle pad in the same basket as a budget-friendly pair of yard boots, saving on postage and hassle.
A Deep Dive: Is the GS Equestrian Own-Brand Gear Any Good?
This was my biggest question. When a price looks too good to be true, it usually is. I’ve been progressively testing their own-brand items for a while now, and here’s my honest breakdown.
For the Rider: Riding Tights and Breeches
This is, in my opinion, their standout category. I live in riding tights. I need them to be comfortable enough for mucking out, durable enough to not snag on hay bales, and secure enough to feel good in the saddle. The GS Equestrian riding tights are fantastic. The fabric is a thick, supportive, four-way stretch material that isn’t see-through when you bend over.
The waistband is high and wide, so it doesn’t roll down or dig in. And most importantly, they all have a deep, secure phone pocket on the thigh. The silicone grip (available in knee-patch and full-seat) is genuinely sticky and holds up well in the wash. For the price, they easily compete with tights that cost twice as much. Their breeches follow the same principle, offering a more traditional look with great, functional materials.
For the Horse: Rugs and Boots
Buying essential horse rugs is the most expensive part of horse ownership. A good turnout rug from a premium brand can set you back hundreds. The GS Equestrian own-brand rugs are solid, reliable, and built for purpose. I’ve been particularly impressed with their 1200D turnout rugs. The 1200 Denier outer shell is tough and has held up to my horse’s attempts to destroy it, and the waterproofing is excellent.
They don’t skimp on the important features either. The rugs have generous shoulder gussets to prevent rubbing, sturdy cross-surcingles, and good quality chest buckles.4 The fit is comparable to a Shires or a WeatherBeeta. While they might not have the high-tech innovations of a Rambo rug, they do the fundamental job of keeping your horse warm and dry perfectly well, for a fraction of the price. The same goes for their fleece rugs, fly rugs, and exercise sheets.
More Than Just the Basics: A True One-Stop Shop
What I appreciate most is the sheer range. I can re-stock my entire tack room in one order.
Beyond rugs and breeches, they have a huge selection of stable supplies. This includes everything from grooming brushes, hoof oil, and shampoo to supplements, feed buckets, and haynets. It’s incredibly convenient to be able to add a new water bucket or a bottle of fly spray to my order without having to go to a separate website.
Their tack section is just as comprehensive. You can get everyday essentials like nylon headcollars and lead ropes, as well as affordable bridles, girths, and saddle pads.5 They also have a solid selection of horse boots, including brushing boots, overreach boots, and travel boots.6
Is GS Equestrian Worth Your Money?
After many orders, I can confidently say yes. GS Equestrian has built its reputation on a very simple, smart promise: making equestrianism more affordable. They understand that riders need a £10 headcollar just as often as they dream of a £150 pair of breeches.
It’s a smart choice for new owners getting kitted out for the first time, or for any rider who needs reliable, everyday gear for yard work and schooling. While you can still buy your top-tier, luxury show-day items here, the real magic of GS Equestrian is in their own-brand line. It delivers 90% of the performance for 50% of the price.
They’ve saved me a significant amount of money without making me feel like I’m compromising on the safety or comfort of my horse.
Explore the full GS Equestrian collection here.
