Zilco Australia Race & Endurance Tack Guide for Qatar | Nice Equestrian

What Zilco Tack Should You Buy for Riding in Qatar?

Why Choose Synthetic Tack Over Leather in Qatar's Climate?

Zilco's coated webbing is a woven webbing covered in a co-polymer (Marathon, SS Race and the race and exercise reins) or in matt PVC (the Ultra range), made for strength and ease of maintenance. In a hot, dusty, high-sweat environment like Doha, that has practical advantages: it does not need oiling or conditioning, it wipes clean, and it is not affected by sweat or rinsing the way leather can be.

• Waterproof coating — sweat and wash-bay rinsing do not soak into it
• Flexible over a large temperature range, according to Zilco
• Minimal maintenance — wipes clean, no oiling or conditioning required
• Lightweight — the Ultra Arab range in particular is designed as a lighter-weight option, which matters over endurance distances
• Quick-release clips or snaps on the Ultra Arab and Marathon Arab bridles — useful for converting between bridle and halter

Leather is still a good alternative if you prefer the traditional look and are happy to clean and condition it regularly — synthetic tack suits riders who want low maintenance and high mileage.

What's the Difference Between Zilco's Arab-Fit and Standard Bridles?

Zilco makes two distinct bridle families relevant to Qatar's riders. The Ultra Arab and Marathon Arab ranges are cut to the narrower head, finer jaw and shorter poll-to-nose measurement typical of Arabian horses — the dominant breed in Qatar's endurance and native show circuits. The SS Race Bridle and Complete Bridle with Cavesson are Zilco's standard-fit racing and exercise bridles, built on the same coated webbing but sized for the broader head shapes of Thoroughbreds and other racing breeds.

✅ PRO TIP: If your Arabian has previously worn a leather bridle that always seemed to sit slightly wide at the brow band, try the Ultra Arab fit before assuming the horse needs a custom bridle — the narrower cut solves this for most Arabian-type heads without any custom order.

Which Zilco Bridle Should You Choose?

What Other Zilco Tack Do Qatar Riders Commonly Need?

Zilco also makes a small range of stainless steel bits — the Joint Dexter, Dexter Snaffle with Tongue Control and White Mouth Dexter snaffles (QAR 101–144) — mainly used in flat racing. For general bit selection guidance, including how to fit and size a snaffle for an Arabian horse, see our companion bit guide linked below.

Are Zilco Helmets Worth Considering Too?

Zilco also sells certified helmets at Nice Equestrian: the Oscar (QAR 285, listed as CE EN1384:2023 and SEI ASTM F1163-23) for everyday riding, the Oscar Shield (QAR 342–379 by colour, listed as VG1 01.040 and ASTM F1163-15 with the SEI mark) with a silver shield and removable mesh lining, and the Lami-Cell Aramis (QAR 555, listed as approved to VG1), a nubuck-leather-finish helmet with dial adjustment and an extra changeable liner. These sit well below the premium KEP Italia range (adult models QAR 1,160–1,600) for riders who want certified protection on a tighter budget — see our KEP Italia helmet guide linked below if you want to compare against a premium option, and always check the certification label inside the helmet.

How Much Does a Complete Zilco Tack Set Cost in Qatar? (October 2026 Prices)

✅ PRO TIP: These totals are prices as on niceequestrian.com in October 2026 and cover one bridle, one breastplate and one pair of reins per horse — they do not include a bit, saddle, girth, or delivery. Items can be mixed across tiers (for example the Mid bridle with the Budget reins), but check that the rein width (16mm or 19mm) suits your bridle and bit.

⚠ QATAR CLIMATE NOTE: Coated webbing does not need oiling, but stainless steel buckles and fittings can still develop salt residue after sweaty summer rides or a rinse in bore water. Wipe fittings dry after washing and check them monthly for stiffness — a buckle that sticks under saddle-up time pressure is a genuine safety issue.

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