Do You Know if Your Horse Equipment is Toxic?

Are you committed to your horse’s health and safety? At Equimade we are and that’s why we’re tackling a critical issue in the equestrian world: toxic chemicals used in horse tack and equipment. 

Many grooms, riders and horse handlers are unaware of the hidden dangers lurking in their gear. In this post, we’ll explore common toxic materials, their health risks, and how to identify safe alternatives for your equine partner.

What’s Hiding in Your Horse’s Gear?

The Metal Menace

Horse equipment contains more than meets the eye. Metal components in horse tack often harbor lead and other heavy metals. Bits, stirrups, and buckles frequently contain alloys that leach toxins over time.

It’s vital to make sure that your horse equipment is made from safe non toxic materials and that any metal parts are free from toxic heavy metals. If horse equipment contains unsafe levels of lead, it this poses a particular risk for horses that chew on metal parts as ingestion of heavy metals has various health risks, as mentioned in this 2025 study “Poisoning by toxic metals can be acute or develop over time. Skin issues, respiratory issues, convulsions, dyspepsia, or significant central nervous system malfunctions are frequently present after poisoning by toxic metals“. This poses a particular risk for horses that chew on different parts.

Synthetic Fabric Risks

Synthetic fabrics in blankets, saddle pads, and leg wraps often contain harmful chemicals. Phthalates can cause infertility and premature ovarian failure in horses. Veterinarians frequently warn that prolonged skin contact with certain materials found in horse tack may cause rashes and allergic reactions.

Leather’s Hidden Hazards

Even natural materials like leather pose risks. Many leather products undergo treatments with toxic dyes and finishes. Chromium, a known carcinogen, plays a role in the tanning process. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies leather dust as a Group 1 carcinogen, which causes cancer of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. A lot of the vegetable-dyed leather is produced without rigorous testing and could definitely be harmful as well.

Safe Alternatives Exist

The good news? Safe, sustainable materials for horse equipment exist. Some manufacturers, like Equimade, prioritize using OEKO-TEX® and bluesign® certified textiles in their products. These certifications ensure that the materials are free from harmful substances and that the process within production is non-toxic for workers, etc. High-performance gear doesn’t require a compromise on your horse’s health or environmental impact.

As we explore the health risks associated with toxic horse equipment, you’ll understand why choosing safe alternatives matters more than ever. Let’s examine how these hidden dangers affect your equine partner’s well-being.

The bluesign system 

► Resource productivity – sustainable use of energy and raw materials

► Consumer safety – responsibility to people and environment

► Water emission – improved protection of the natural circulation

► Air emission – less air pollution for a better climate

► Occupational health & safety – improve working conditions

The OEKO-TEX system 

► Do not contain allergenic dye-stuffs and dye stuffs that form carcinogenic aryl-amines. 

► Have been tested for pesticides, chlorinated phenols and for the release of heavy metals. Under artificial perspiration conditions. 

► Formaldehyde has been banned; other aldehyde limits are significantly lower than the required legal limits. 

► Have a skin friendly pH. Free from chloro-organic carriers and biologically active finishes. 

How Toxic Horse Equipment Harms Your Horse

Skin Deep: More Than Just a Rash

Toxic materials in horse tack often cause skin irritations and allergic reactions. Allergic skin diseases are common in horses worldwide, with the most common causes being insect bites and environmental allergens. These reactions can range from mild rashes to severe hair loss and open sores.

Dr. Molly McCue, Professor and interim Associate Dean of Research in the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, states: “It’s important to be aware that these chemicals contribute to the problem, so we can look for ways to reduce horses’ exposure to them.” Phthalates in synthetic fabrics can disrupt hormone function, potentially leading to reproductive issues in both mares and stallions. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in a horse’s environment may play a role in the development of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS).

Breathing Troubles: The Silent Threat

Respiratory problems present another major concern. The toxic fumes released by certain materials (especially when heated by the horse’s body) can cause significant lung damage over time. Equine asthma is a popular subject of research, with many factors influencing the methods used to improve the welfare of asthmatic horses.

Long-Term Consequences: A Ticking Time Bomb

The long-term health issues associated with toxic horse equipment alarm many experts. Chronic exposure to heavy metals like lead can result in neurological problems, while certain chemicals used in leather treatments link to an increased risk of cancer.

Safe Alternatives: Protecting Your Horse

To safeguard your horse’s health, choose equipment made from safe, non-toxic materials. Look for products certified by reputable organizations like bluesign® and OEKO-TEX®, which ensure materials are free from harmful substances. Companies like Equimade prioritize these certifications in their product development.

The Path Forward: Identifying Safe Equipment

Now that we understand the risks, it’s essential to learn how to identify safe and non-toxic horse equipment. In the next section, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when selecting gear that prioritizes your horse’s health and well-being.

How to Choose Safe Horse Equipment

Look for Trusted Certifications

When you shop for horse equipment, prioritize products with recognized safety certifications. The bluesign® and OEKO-TEX® standards stand out as two of the most respected in the industry. These certifications ensure that textiles and materials do not contain harmful substances and are produced using environmentally friendly processes.Do not just trust the words of the brand – there is a lot of greenwashing going on in the equestrian marketing world.

Investigate Material Composition

Take time to research the materials used in horse equipment before you make a purchase. Avoid synthetic fabrics containing phthalates, which can disrupt hormone function in horses. Instead, opt for natural fibers or advanced synthetic materials specifically designed for equine use.

For metal components, seek out equipment made with high-quality, lead-free alloys. Choose stainless steel, titanium, or aluminum bits and hardware whenever possible, as these materials are less likely to contain harmful heavy metals.

When selecting components, ensure they are from reputable manufacturers who prioritize safety and quality in their production processes, due to that the safety of any materials depends on its specific composition and manufacturing process.

Prioritize Transparency in Manufacturing

Horses shouldn’t be tied up with heavy metal chains or elasticated tie-ups that can pull on their necks, or fire back and hit them and the person handling them! Nor should they be handled with toxic materials that are unregulated and manufactured on the other side of the planet. 

Support companies that are open about their manufacturing processes and material sourcing and make sure it is made in well developed countries with rigourous testing. Brands that provide detailed information about their production methods and supply chains are more likely to prioritize safety and sustainability.

Consider Eco-Friendly Alternatives

Choose environmentally friendly horse equipment to select safer options for your horse. Recycled materials used in the equestrian world are often not the cleanest or most sustainable choice today. When looking for a sustainable alternative, you must examine the entire chain, from manufacturing to usage and disposal. For example, a lead rope made of cotton in a country with less stringent chemical regulations, which also poses a risk of accidents and injuries to the horse when in use, then starts to fray early, and has a clip that breaks when it shouldn’t, ultimately ending up in disposal after a short time – that is a very unsustainable choice. Instead, it’s better to have something that is well-tested and that you can enjoy and trust for a long time.

Final Thoughts

Toxic chemicals used in horse tack and equipment pose serious health risks to equines. These hidden dangers can cause skin irritations, respiratory problems, and long-term health issues. Informed decisions about the products we use are essential for responsible horse ownership.

Safe, non-toxic gear enhances horse comfort and athletic ability, leading to better performance and a stronger bond between horse and rider. Companies that prioritize horse health and environmental sustainability deserve support. Your choices today shape the future of equestrian sports and horse welfare worldwide.

We at Equimade strive to provide innovative and safe horse equipment. Our products use certified materials (bluesign® and/or OEKO-TEX®) to ensure they’re free from harmful substances. Choosing carefully crafted, non-toxic gear protects your horse and contributes to a healthier, more sustainable equestrian industry.