If you or your child are currently looking to start horse riding lessons then you need to purchase all the right gear before you saddle up!
It's important that you buy the correct equipment as it provides all of the necessary protection. However, you don’t need to purchase a wardrobe full before you even get started. Horse riding equipment can be expensive and there are so many options out there.
If you start shopping without an idea of what you want then you may end up with items that aren’t essential and miss out on things you’ll need.
We've put together an extensive list of everything required to make sure you’re ready to learn safely!
Riding Hat
The most essential item on any learner's shopping list is definitely a riding hat.
A good riding hat from Go Outdoors is designed to protect you from any falls or accidents which can occur when learning to ride. They are effective in absorbing sharp blows and preventing any injury to the rider.
To find the best riding hat for you, we would recommend shopping in-store and getting shop assistance to find the best fit. The right hat should provide as much protection as possible, whilst still being comfortable.
A Pair of Boots
Another essential before you start riding is getting a good pair of riding boots from VioVet.
There are different options available:
- Tall Boots
- Low Heel Boots
- Paddock Boots
- Jodhpur Boots
- Rubber Boots
- Wellies
- Hunt Boots
- Western Boots
A good way to choose what will be best for you is by deciding what style of riding you will be focusing on. If you’re unsure, check with your instructor!
It's also important to allow time to break your boots in before you start learning so that they’re comfortable and don’t cause blisters.
Riding Gloves
Riding gloves from Sports Direct provide an extra layer of protection against easily avoidable injuries!
If your horse spooks or you slip on the reins, you can end up with friction burns or even blisters. Riding gloves are a great way to protect yourself against this.
Riding gloves even have an anti-slip grip on the palm to help keep a tight hold of the reigns.
If you’re looking to get into horse grooming too, you’ll find you can also wear your gloves for this to help with holding the brushes and keeping dirt off your hands.
Jodhpurs or Riding Tights
Jodhpurs are a great addition to your horse-riding wardrobe, however, they aren’t an essential straight away!
Whilst you’re still learning, you can always opt for normal leggings or something similar. Jodhpurs and riding tights from Ariat are designed to be comfortable for both the horse and the rider, so while they’re ideal, they’re not essential.
Make sure to avoid jeans and loose-fitting clothing, it needs to be easy to move in and not get caught on any equipment.
Once you start extending your horse-riding wardrobe, there are so many different styles and designs of jodhpurs you can purchase.
Body Protector
A body protector is a must-have for a horse-riding beginner.
Horse riding is a sport that comes with its risks, however, you’re at your most vulnerable when you’re first starting to learn.
By wearing a riding hat and a body protector from Decathlon, you’re keeping yourself safe from any accidents that may happen. If anything should happen, your torso is well protected.
Body protectors are available to buy from any good sports retailer or equestrian centre.
Also, if you’re ever looking to compete, a body protector is compulsory.
Thin Layers On Top
It's important that you’re able to move freely when riding.
You don’t want to wear any loose clothing which may catch if you should fall.
Your instructor will also want to be able to clearly see your body outline so they can instruct you properly on how to correct mistakes and handle the reigns well.
Wearing thin layers such as long-sleeved body suits from ASOS under your jodhpurs or leggings also makes your horse-riding gear perfect for all seasons. Layering up makes it much easier to keep warm, you can also remove layers should you get too hot. As you use so many muscles when riding, it’s easy to get warm quickly and thin layers can help you adjust quickly.
Riding Jacket or Coat
As with wearing thin layers on top, a good riding jacket or coat from GS Equestrian will help keep you warm in cold weather.
Again, this isn’t an essential purchase when you first start learning to ride. However, if you continue to ride, you will find a riding jacket is a must-have purchase for riding in those colder months.
Especially if you decide to go out hacking, it’s much more convenient to be able to quickly put on a jacket to keep dry.
Some riding jackets and coats even provide an extra level of protection in the case of an accident. You should still always wear a body protector but a coat can help from both dirt and injuries.
