Beginners Guide To Horses

If you are considering horseback riding lessons for your child, then they are going to need certain riding clothing and safety equipment. It doesn’t matter whether your child is participating in Western or English lessons, safety equipment is very important.  In this article, you will learn about what you will need to be safe around ponies and horses.

The basic equipment needed includes a helmet, boots,  and riding pants.   These can be purchased at a tack store, online and some items like boots and pants can be purchased used.

Riding Boots

The next thing  you will need is childrens riding boots.  You should always wear a good horse riding boot whenever you are around horses.   Boots are important for two reasons.  They protect your feet, if a horse steps on your foot and they help prevent your foot from getting stuck in the stirrups while riding.

Most children wear paddock boots for English horseback riding lessons.  This is simply a leather ankle boot with a heel.  They can lace up or zip up.  The ones with zippers are easier, but sometimes the zipper will break.  If you have access to a tack consignment store, you can often pick these up used, since kids grow out of them quickly.  Ebay is another good source for used boots.  Half chaps are optional.  These cover the leg from ankle to the  knee and protect the leg.  When they are on, they give the look and feel of a tall boot, but they don’t cost as much.  Children do not typically use tall boots until they are in their teens, as they are very expensive and are not practical if you are still growing. As for western riding boots, either a paddock boot or cowboy boot can be used.  In any case. horseback riding boots are a must for safety.

Schooling Helmet

A horse riding helmet is probably the most important piece of safety equipment you use around horses.  A helmet should always be used while riding and for added safety, it can also be used while on the ground.  There are many types of helmets available, but a schooling helmet is the best choice for riding lessons.  Schooling simply means it is used for practicing and is not acceptable for horse shows.  I like the adjustable kind.  They have a dial near the back that allows you to tighten it to prevent the helmet from slipping down on your forehead while you are riding.  This provides for a much better fit.

Schooling Breeches

Your child will need appropriate horse riding pants to protect their legs from rubbing while riding.  It also provides protection during falls.  In English riding lessons, schooling tight or schooling breeches are typical.  In Western riding, jeans are usually worn.

After your child has been around horses and ponies for a while, they will start to feel more comfortable around them.  Although this is a good sign, they shouldn’t get so comfortable that they stop being careful.  If your child starts to become too relaxed, they may need to be reminded to continue to follow the rules and use proper safety equipment.