Why I Never Ride Without A Neck Strap

I feel slightly odd riding without a neck strap now. It has been part of my go-to gear for so long that getting on without one feels like leaving the house without my phone. Technically fine, but I'll spend the whole ride patting my pockets.

Sometimes It Doesn't Do Anything At All

Here's the funny thing. On plenty of rides I never touch it. It just sits round the base of the neck, minding its own business. And yet it makes me feel that little bit braver. Knowing there's something to hold that isn't my horse's mouth changes how I sit, how I breathe, and how much I'm willing to relax and actually enjoy it. Horses feel that. A rider who isn't clutching at the reins is a much nicer passenger.

And Sometimes It's The Only Thing Keeping Me On

Other times, it has done all the work. Fizz was my ex-racehorse: big-hearted, over-exuberant, and full of very firm opinions about when a canter should become a launch. More than once, that neck strap was pretty much the only reason I didn't leave the saddle via the scenic route. He did his very best to yeet me into orbit, and I hung on with everything I had. I only had him for a short time before we lost him to colic, and I'd give a lot for one more launch. I like to think he's somewhere above the clouds now, still throwing his greatest shapes.

Holding on isn't a sign you can't ride. It's a sign you'd quite like to keep riding.

Who A Neck Strap Is For

Honestly? Everyone, at some point. But especially if you're:

• coming back after a break, when your body remembers more than your nerves do
• on a first hack, a new horse, a young horse, or a spooky day
• jumping, when a grab on landing beats a yank in the mouth
• having a nervous day (everyone has them, whatever social media says)

If you've ever searched "neck strap for nervous riders" at midnight, this is your sign. It gives your hands somewhere to go that isn't the reins, so your horse gets left in peace when you wobble.

Not A Neck Rope (And Not A Shortcut)

Quick one, because they get muddled. A neck strap is for you. A neck rope (or cordeo) is for talking to your horse: a loop riders gradually teach their horse to answer, usually alongside a bridle, as one step on a long road toward bridleless riding. If that's your road, here's where to start with a neck rope or cordeo. A neck strap doesn't steer anything. It's your safety net while your seat, your confidence and your partnership do the real work, whether you're bitted, trying bitless or somewhere in between. Plenty of riders never go bridleless at all, and that's absolutely fine.

Bright Ones For Dark Evenings

With the clocks going back and our rides creeping into the gloom, I'm all for a neck strap you can spot from the other side of the field. Our Adjustable BioThane Neck Strap comes in Neon Pink, Neon Green and Neon Orange, alongside the rest of the Endless Colour range, all made to order in East Sussex. BioThane shrugs off rain, mud and sweat, never cracks or stiffens like leather, and wipes clean with a damp sponge. Two adjustable sizes cover 87cm to 153cm, there's a bespoke size for minis and heavy draughts, and UK delivery is always free.

So no, I won't be riding without mine any time soon. Braver on the good days, still on board on the wild ones.