Horse Riding Clothing

As you have likely learned, and quickly at that, horseback riding has its own unique set of equipment requirements. One of the top questions at the onset for parents involves equipment purchases and requirements. Unfortunately, the answer will vary based on a multitude of extenuating circumstances. Below we outline some recommended purchases, when they should be made and why along with some helpful hints.

Standard Preliminary Purchases:

First up will be a pair of boots. Please, find a local tack shop for all purchases. Street appropriate shoes are not designed to withstand the rigors of riding. Instead, you want to find sturdy paddock or jodhpur boots which will have the requisite heel needed to keep your child safe on the ground and in the saddle. Given how fast small feet can grow, if you can find a used pair, feel free to purchase used or borrow boots. There are no known safety concerns and your wallet will thank you. A good boot will help protect your child in the unfortunate incident of a fall, by keeping their foot from slipping through the stirrup.

Next up will likely be a safety helmet. Some stables may offer a to lend you one for the first few lessons. However, safety helmet fit should be taken extremely seriously and the sooner you can invest in a properly certified helmet for your child, the better. Unlike boots, helmets should always be purchased brand new. Also, do not buy a helmet with room to grow. A riding helmet needs to fit snugly in order to properly do its job. As with the boots, you need to purchase a riding helmet; bicycle or other sports helmets are not designed to withstand the perils of riding. In the unlikely event of a fall, involving a head injury, please replace your child's helmet. This is never an area to try and save some money.

Additional Equipment Requirements:

With the initial two purchases made, everything else will be based on your child's desires coupled with their instructor's preference and requirements. Items that will likely appear on a list sooner rather than later include gloves and either riding pants or some form of chaps (full or half). If breeches are required, you will also be in need of tall boots.

As your child learns to ride, there will be a learning curve for both parent and student. Likely, your child will be working hard to absorb everything possible about their new hobby. In turn, you will be working to figure out what is needed to participate and how much things will cost. At first, equipment purchases will likely be limited to safety equipment. Eventually, tack purchases may be necessary however, many years could pass before that is necessary.

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