Entering the equestrian market can feel like stepping into a giant arena. With so many options, how do you know which products will actually make a profit? Whether you are launching a startup or expanding an existing brand, understanding where the money flows is crucial. As a dedicated manufacturing partner, Zest Equestrian has analyzed the latest data to help you navigate this landscape.
Below, we break down the top-selling categories, backed by real market research. This guide will help you identify the "must-have" items that riders are searching for right now.
1. The Quick Answer (Top Selling Categories Overview)
If you are looking for a quick summary of what is moving off the shelves in 2025, we have compiled the essential data for you. These categories represent the highest volume and growth potential in the industry today.
| Rank | Catégorie | Why It Sells | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rider Safety Gear | Strict regulations & safety awareness | All Riders (Mandatory) |
| 2 | Technical Apparel | High fashion turnover & "Athleisure" trend | Amateur & Pro Riders |
| 3 | Protection des chevaux | "Matchy-matchy" fashion culture | Horse Owners |
| 4 | Sustainable Gear | Consumer demand for eco-friendly items | Younger & Eco-conscious Riders |
| 5 | Grooming Accessories | Frequent replacement needed | Stable Managers & Grooms |
This table highlights a clear trend: products that combine safety with style are winning the market. However, simply knowing the categories isn't enough. You need to understand the details behind the demand.
2. Why the Equestrian Market is Booming
The equestrian world is no longer just a niche hobby. It has transformed into a massive global industry. In 2024, the market was valued at roughly $6.84 billion. Experts predict it will continue to grow steadily over the next decade.
From Sport to Lifestyle
One of the biggest drivers of this growth is the shift in mindset. Riding isn't just a sport; it is a lifestyle. Riders view their horses as family members. Consequently, they are willing to spend significant money on high-quality gear for themselves and their animals. This emotional connection drives sales in premium categories.
Furthermore, disposable income in emerging markets is rising. As more people take up riding for leisure and health benefits, the demand for equipment increases naturally.
Insight: For 2024–2025, the fastest‑growing and most resilient categories in equestrian B2B are rider equipment (technical apparel and safety gear) and high‑value horse equipment (saddle pads, protective boots, rugs), driven by safety regulation, lifestyle positioning, and willingness to pay for performance and comfort.
If you are planning to start an equestrian clothing business, understanding this "lifestyle" aspect is key. Your products need to solve problems while looking great.
3. Top Seller #1: Rider Safety Gear (The "Must-Haves")
Safety is the number one priority in equestrian sports. It is not optional. Because of this, safety gear consistently ranks as a top-selling category. Riders cannot compete or even take lessons without approved protective equipment.
Helmets Lead the Pack
Helmets hold a massive share of the market—about 26% of all protective gear sales. But these aren't the bulky, uncomfortable helmets of the past. Modern riders want low-profile, ventilated, and stylish helmets. They must meet strict safety certifications (like ASTM or PAS), but they also need to look good in the show ring.
Expert Quote: "Rider equipment, with a 52% market share, dominates the segment, reflecting its critical importance for safety." (Global horse riding equipment market analysis).
Body Protectors on the Rise
Another rapidly growing segment is body protection. Events like cross-country jumping require safety vests. Recently, safety rules have become stricter, forcing many riders to upgrade their gear.
"The new minimum standard specifications for body protectors and helmets will help ensure that riders are using newer models that afford the wearer greater protection and flexibility than some older standards." – British Horseracing Authority, on the 2024 safety rule update.
If you are sourcing products, looking into riding safety products manufacturing is a smart move. Parents will always spend money to keep their children safe, and professionals need to comply with the rules.
4. Top Seller #2: Rider Apparel (Fashion Meets Function)
Rider apparel is where fashion meets function. This category sees the highest volume of repeat purchases. Why? Because seasons change, trends evolve, and clothes wear out. Currently, this sector is dominated by the "Athleisure" trend.
The Rise of Riding Leggings and Breeches
Gone are the days of stiff, heavy fabrics. Today, riders want culotte d'équitation that feel like yoga pants but perform like sports gear. Features like silicone knee grips, phone pockets, and high waists are standard requirements. Riders want to wear these items from the stable to the grocery store without needing to change.
Insight: Equestrian apparel is evolving into a high‑growth, fashion‑forward technical category, with strong demand for breathable, weather‑adaptive, and sustainable fabrics in jackets, breeches, and base layers.
Competition Wear
For the competitive rider, show shirts and jackets are essential. This segment accounts for over 40% of the apparel market. The demand here is for fabrics that are breathable, moisture-wicking, and stretchable. Customization is also huge; riders want unique buttons, trims, and collars.
"Equestrianism is… presented as a lifestyle that blends sport, fashion, and identity," driving demand for stylish, high‑performance apparel and equipment, according to a 2025 LinkedIn analysis.
To succeed here, you must offer variety. Exploring custom horse riding apparel options allows you to create seasonal collections that keep customers coming back.
5. The "Green" Shift: Sustainability is Selling
Sustainability is no longer a buzzword; it is a requirement. In 2025, a massive portion of the market prefers eco-friendly products. In fact, sustainable apparel is capturing a significant market share.
Why Eco-Materials Matter
Riders spend their time outdoors in nature. Naturally, they care about the environment. They are actively searching for gear made from:
- Bamboo Fiber: Naturally antibacterial and soft.
- Recycled Polyester (rPET): Turns plastic bottles into durable riding jackets.
- Organic Cotton: Grown without harmful pesticides.
Brands that adopt these materials early are seeing better customer loyalty. If you can market your product as "Earth-Friendly," you gain a competitive edge. You can learn more about sourcing these materials in our guide on eco-fabrics for equestrian gear.
6. Top Seller #3: Horse Protection & Soft Tack
While riders love buying clothes for themselves, they love buying gear for their horses even more. This category includes saddle pads, boots, bandages, and rugs. The driving force here is the "Matchy-Matchy" trend.
The Power of the Matching Set
Riders love to coordinate. They want their saddle pad to match their horse's ear bonnet, which should match the horse's leg wraps, and finally, match the rider's own shirt. This behavior increases the "basket size" for retailers. Instead of selling just one item, you sell a whole set.
Insight: On the B2B side, buyers prioritize categories that combine safety compliance, technical performance, and “matchy” aesthetics, because these convert strongly at retail and encourage multi‑item basket building (helmet, jacket, breeches, matching saddle pad and boots).
Essential Horse Wardrobe
Beyond fashion, protection is vital. Bell boots and tendon boots are used daily to prevent injuries. Similarly, horse rugs are seasonal necessities. Owners need lightweight sheets for summer and heavy rugs for winter.
Developing a signature look is crucial. Check out our guide on how to design a signature saddle pad collection to see how customization can build your brand identity.
7. Top Seller #4: Grooming & Stable Accessories
Often overlooked, grooming tools and stable accessories are steady sellers. These are the items that get used every single day. Because they are used so frequently, they need to be replaced often.
Small Items, Big Volume
Items like grooming brushes, hoof picks, and mane accessories are perfect "add-on" purchases. When a customer is buying a saddle pad, they are likely to throw a new brush or a grooming bag into their cart.
Furthermore, organization is a big trend in stables. Riders love matching grooming bags, boot bags, and helmet bags to keep their expensive gear safe and clean. These textile-based accessories are easy to manufacture and ship, making them a profitable category for businesses.
8. Regional Hotspots: Where is the Demand?
Not all markets are the same. Knowing where to focus your sales efforts can save you a lot of time and money.
Europe: The Traditional Powerhouse
Europe holds the largest market share, specifically nations like Germany, the UK, and France. The equestrian culture there is deeply rooted. Brands here focus heavily on technical performance and high fashion. You can see who is leading the pack in our article on top European equestrian brands.
North America: The Growth Engine
The USA and Canada are seeing massive growth, particularly in the Western and Hunter/Jumper disciplines. The market here is diverse, ranging from backyard horse owners to elite competitors. There is a specific surge in boutique equestrian brands that offer unique, small-batch products.
If you are looking to bring products into these markets, it is essential to understand the logistics. Our guide on importing equestrian products from China covers everything you need to know about taxes, shipping, and regulations.
9. How to Launch Your Collection with Zest Equestrian
Knowing what sells is the first step. The next step is making it happen. This is where Zest Equestrian steps in as your strategic partner. We don't just manufacture; we help you build a brand.
Whether you need high-performance vêtements d'équitation, safety gear, or a full line of horse textiles, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life. Our Services OEM et ODM are designed to support brands of all sizes.
Why Partner With Us?
- Experience: Over 16 years in textile and performance-wear manufacturing.
- Flexibility: We offer agile lead times and flexible MOQs to help you scale.
- Quality: From CAD pattern making to final quality control, we ensure precision.
- Sustainability: Access to the latest eco-friendly materials.
Don't let manufacturing headaches slow you down. Let us handle the production while you focus on growing your brand.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the most profitable equestrian item to sell?
While large items like saddles have high price tags, rider apparel (breeches and tops) and tapis de selle often have the best profit margins due to lower manufacturing costs and high repeat purchase rates. Customers buy these items multiple times a year.
Q2: How do I start an equestrian clothing brand?
Start by identifying a niche (e.g., petite riders, eco-friendly gear). Then, find a reliable manufacturer like Zest Equestrian who can help with design and sampling. Focus on one or two core products first, like a perfect pair of leggings, before expanding.
Q3: What are the equestrian trends for 2025?
The biggest trends are sustainability (eco-fabrics), safety integration (airbag-compatible jackets), and color coordination (matching sets for horse and rider). Technology is also playing a role, with fabrics that regulate temperature becoming standard.
Conclusion
The equestrian market is thriving, driven by a passionate community that values safety, style, and their horses' well-being. From the essential protection of helmets to the fashion-forward world of technical breeches and matching saddle pads, the opportunities for growth are immense.
However, success in this competitive arena requires high-quality products that stand the test of time. You need a manufacturing partner who understands the unique demands of the sport.
Ready to turn your ideas into a best-selling collection?
Au Zest Equestrian, we are ready to help you launch or scale your brand with precision and care. Contact Us Today for a Quote
External Resources for Further Reading
- The British Horse Society - Safety Standards
- US Equestrian - Competition Rules & Regulations
- Grand View Research - Market Analysis