With an estimated £4 billion a year* being spent by horse owners and riders on this growing leisure activity, Tesco is launching a quality range of essential horse riding products to help make a popular pastime an even more affordable one.

A full range of approved licensed riding hats, jodhpurs, jodhpur boots, waistcoats, gloves and half chaps will go on sale in over 150 stores from 11th May until 18th June, or while stocks last.

Riders will also be able to afford to spoil their horses too, with a choice of cosy summer rugs, brushes, head collars, bandages and brushing boots – starting from £1.47.

Latest figures show that horse riding is becoming more popular than ever before. The number of horses in Britain has reached 1.35 million, with 4.3 million people participating in horse riding over the past 12 months – up from 2.4 million people in 1999*. Mike Arnott, Tesco senior buying manager for sports, said: "Enjoying the great British outdoors is the perfect escape from pressures and stresses of modern day living - what better way to experience it than on the back of a horse!

"The new Tesco equestrian range is the latest addition to our increasingly popular selection of outdoor leisure and sport equipment that includes everything from mountain bikes and camping gear to basketballs and skateboards.

"We have worked very closely with the very best suppliers to bring the highest quality products to our customers at prices they expect from Tesco – prices that end the notion that horse riding is an unaffordable sport for the elite."

Julia Penfold, 42 from Essex, has been a keen horse rider since childhood and welcomed the move. "It’s great to see support for the growth of horse riding in the UK. Kitting yourself up for the first time can be very expensive and no doubt puts a lot of people off giving horse riding a go.

"With better access to equipment and at affordable prices I have no doubt more and more people will take up horse riding as a sport and hobby."