How To Dress For Beginning Horseback Riding Lessons
Is your child getting ready for a horseback riding camp? Are you contemplating taking beginner lessons yourself and don't know how you should prepare for your first day? Purchasing the necessary items is easy if you know some basic information.
You will need to visit a store called a Saddlery Shop where you will be able to obtain all of your necessary equipment. Check your yellow pages for one that is located nearest to you. These stores usually carry riding clothing, stable stuff, saddles, and supplies. Some may have consignment areas where they sell gently used items at a reduced rate. It is always a good idea to check out these areas since it can save you a lot of money over brand new merchandise.
Usually during registration your trainer or facility will give you a list of necessary items for your lessons. The most important item and always at the top of the list is a protective helmet. Some barns will have extras for lesson use but unless your ride is a one time experience, to insure a good fit I recommend purchasing one of your own.
If you are planning to attend shows you will need a show helmet. For a beginning rider a schooling helmet is the best choice. There are many models and manufacturers of riding helmets. Choose one that is ASTM/SEI approved for safety. Most come in S/M/L/XL sizes and a few even have a dial in the rear of the helmet that allows one to easily tighten or loosen the fit. Although riding helmets may resemble bicycle helmets there are vast differences in how one would fall off of a bicycle as opposed to a horse. These helmets are designed and tested specifically for horseback riding. The most popular colors for helmets are black or white although higher end helmets come in a myriad of colors. A helmet is one of the most important things you can buy. Try the helmet on and have the store associate check for proper fit.
The second item on your list will probably be a pair of paddock boots. These short, ankle high boots are usually black or brown in color and can be in lace up or zipper styles. Some barns do not require a paddock boot and their only requirement is a shoe with a heel that will fit easily into a stirrup. Sometimes you can substitute a cheaper short boot that can be purchased from a discount store. A paddock boot, however, gives the proper support and is especially made to use for barn work and riding.
The next item on your list may be breeches or jodhpurs. These are not necessarily an absolute need but are nice to have. These pants are made from a stretchy fabric that gives when you move. They also have knee patches so that you will not get sore from rubbing on the saddle. Jodhpurs and breeches are supposed to be body hugging but comfortable. Check with your trainer. Some will allow you to wear jeans or comfortable pants. Riding pants come in many, many colors and prints. Any color is acceptable for lessons but in a show ring there are certain specific colors that must be worn.
Nice to have items that may be required are riding gloves. There are many varieties available but the inexpensive cotton variety with grips on the palms are the best choice. Leather gloves are optional.
You will need to visit a store called a Saddlery Shop where you will be able to obtain all of your necessary equipment. Check your yellow pages for one that is located nearest to you. These stores usually carry riding clothing, stable stuff, saddles, and supplies. Some may have consignment areas where they sell gently used items at a reduced rate. It is always a good idea to check out these areas since it can save you a lot of money over brand new merchandise.
Usually during registration your trainer or facility will give you a list of necessary items for your lessons. The most important item and always at the top of the list is a protective helmet. Some barns will have extras for lesson use but unless your ride is a one time experience, to insure a good fit I recommend purchasing one of your own.
If you are planning to attend shows you will need a show helmet. For a beginning rider a schooling helmet is the best choice. There are many models and manufacturers of riding helmets. Choose one that is ASTM/SEI approved for safety. Most come in S/M/L/XL sizes and a few even have a dial in the rear of the helmet that allows one to easily tighten or loosen the fit. Although riding helmets may resemble bicycle helmets there are vast differences in how one would fall off of a bicycle as opposed to a horse. These helmets are designed and tested specifically for horseback riding. The most popular colors for helmets are black or white although higher end helmets come in a myriad of colors. A helmet is one of the most important things you can buy. Try the helmet on and have the store associate check for proper fit.
The second item on your list will probably be a pair of paddock boots. These short, ankle high boots are usually black or brown in color and can be in lace up or zipper styles. Some barns do not require a paddock boot and their only requirement is a shoe with a heel that will fit easily into a stirrup. Sometimes you can substitute a cheaper short boot that can be purchased from a discount store. A paddock boot, however, gives the proper support and is especially made to use for barn work and riding.
The next item on your list may be breeches or jodhpurs. These are not necessarily an absolute need but are nice to have. These pants are made from a stretchy fabric that gives when you move. They also have knee patches so that you will not get sore from rubbing on the saddle. Jodhpurs and breeches are supposed to be body hugging but comfortable. Check with your trainer. Some will allow you to wear jeans or comfortable pants. Riding pants come in many, many colors and prints. Any color is acceptable for lessons but in a show ring there are certain specific colors that must be worn.
Nice to have items that may be required are riding gloves. There are many varieties available but the inexpensive cotton variety with grips on the palms are the best choice. Leather gloves are optional.