Looking for horse riding apparel? Here are the top 4 must haves to start riding today, in order of importance
Getting into the equestrian world can be exciting, fun, and even little confusing. You are going to have to choose between thousands of different types of tack, equipment, apparel, and other things you didn’t think you’d ever need. This can lead to serious sticker shock. Lets’ face it, this is not a cheep hobby. But, with a little advice and some smart googling, you can whittle down the list to 4 basic items to get the horse trotting.
This is the most important item you could ever purchase. It doesn’t matter how nice your new breeches feel or how shiny your Ariat Coniston Pro boots are. (My gosh I want a pair) If you take one fall off a horse and hit your head, you could be done for. If you get on any horse, whether they are well trained or even considered “dead broke”, it is imperative that you wear a helmet. Life can always throw a curveball at you and send you landing on your butt..literally. Your life isn’t worth keeping your blowout perfect. Be smart and wear a helmet.
There are great low and high budget helmets on the market to pick from. If you are completely new to the equine world and don’t want to plummet your bank account down a mine shaft, I would suggest looking at the lower priced helmets. Now a low budget doesn’t mean low standards or safety. If you do some research you can see that there are several options with different prints, colors and designs for under $100. And, the best thing about them is they’re have safety certifications.
A good example of these are Troxel helmets. They make a large selection for different disciplines and prices. They also have nice sizing articles to help you get the right fit for your head.
I like to look into the different brands and see what type of testing they do on the helmets and I also love to read reviews that real people have left. You’ll find reviews with people who have taken nast falls and are smiling with a thumbs up and a scuffed up helmet. YES!! That helmet did its job, saved a life, and might be a good contender.
If you have the chance, I recommend going into a local equestrian shop and have a professional fit a helmet to you. This way you can talk through the issues that you are having with a particular helmet and try on different options.
I upgraded my helmet for one I could use to get into jumping, and this is what I did. I learned a wealth of knowledge from the experience. (And my head is a funny shape) You can order online, but you may need to send your helmet back a few times to ensure you get the perfect size for your shape of head.
If you’re wanting something that is a little more comfortable and can spend some cash, I would then recommend what I bought. My helmet is a Charles Owen Luna and it fits like a DREAM. I wanted something that looked nice, could be used for different disciplines. I also wanted be able to forget I’m even wearing a helmet in the first place. If I’m not comfortable, I can’t focus, so that was very important for me. The helmets are around $300 which I know can be a little steep for beginners, but they are worth it.
A final word to the wise that is very important and should not be ignored.
Whatever brand and price point helmet you end up buying, if you fall and hit it hard( For example coming off mid jump and slamming your head into a fence or hard obstacle) you need to replace your helmet asap. Helmets are made to take one good hit and after that they can’t be held up to the safety standards that they left the shop with.
Which means you’re taking on a risk that is not worth your life. Sure, buying another helmet isn’t fun, but it will keep you safe and that’s all that matters. If you are blessed and haven’t taken a hit, then it is a good rule of thumb to replace your helmet every 5 years and or if the straps start to wear. Also do not ever buy a helmet second hand. You don’t know the history of that helmet and what its been through before you got your hands on it.
Boots, boots, the wonderful world of boots! I am a boot snob with high tastes and low funds, so I have to reel myself in on this topic. Now, I know some peoples’ opinions on this will differ but you don’t need to buy an “equestrian’’ boot to ride horses. Shhhh I know shocker. All you need is something comfortable and that has at least 1 in to 1 ½ in the heel. My first boots were some off brand, zip up, fashion boot, and it did the job just fine.
With that being said, if you can get your hands on a decent priced equestrian ankle boot and some half chaps you’ll be golden. Having a boot made more for riding is usually more comfortable and can take a little more wear and tear than fashion boots. Don’t think you need to go and buy a 400 pair of riding boots for your first set.
I have a set of Ariat Heritage IV Paddock Boots in brown, they work and look great. But I won’t lie, I have a boot fetish and occasionally pop up on the saddle wearing breeches with cowboy boots. The ultimate comfort coupling and I feel no shame.
Ahhh the leggings of the horse world and what’s not to love about them. Most of the time you see riders wearing breeches or some sort of riding tights. These pants have more give in some places and are better stitched than normal pants. They make thin legging types for those hot days in the summer and they make thicker ones for colder climates. when it comes to riding breeches, there are thousands of different cuts, colors, and patterns to choose from. You can also buy them with added knee patches or a full seat. This means there is some sort of material that is used to reinforce and add grip to the back of your bum and sides of your calves. I personally have second hand breeches by multiple brands and they still hold up great. If you want a recommendation for a brand I love Kerrits. Their breeches are very comfortable and usually have a lot of grippy silicon designs in the shape of carrots( super cute) in a full seat. I want to stick to that saddle like glue so the grippier for me, the better.
The price point on breeches also varies drastically. I’ve seen breeches go for $15 up to a crazy $400. Don’t buy $400 breeches unless you are a pro and eventing every other weekend. It’s just not worth it. If you’re planning on riding a couple times a week I’d find a brand that feels comfy to you and buy 2 or 3 in a few different colors. You can’t go wrong with getting black, tan, and grey. Then you won’t be washing your pants constantly and have matching options to boot.
If you want to have more of a reinforced, normal pants looking thing, jodhpurs might be more up your alley. Jodhpurs typically extend down to the ankle and may have elasticized cuffs that fit snugly around the rider boot. They have reinforced inner knee patches or full-seat patches for added grip and durability. They may have a higher waistband and include a button or hook closure at the front. People usually wear jodhpurs for training, hunts or show jumping. Aka disciplines where you don’t need to be tearing your pants.
I put these somewhat in the optional category. I personally usually don’t wear gloves a lot. (with my everyday job, I work with my hands a lot, so they’re tougher) But, I have gotten blisters on the inside of both my pinky and ring finger. You don’t know this is a tender spot until you get them there.
I have better luck with my hands not getting to tore up with leather reins. If your instructor uses any kind of rubber/ grippy set of reins, gloves are a must.
If you’re riding in the summer a simple crochet and thin leather set are great at keeping your hands cool in the heat. You can also get more winter appropriate gloves for those especially chilly days. (toe warmers are not a bad idea on those days too).
Wow who knew we could have this in depth of a conversation on just 4 pieces of riding gear. There are tons of other things you could buy for your first lesson ,but if you’re on a budget, these will do fine. Just remember, start with the low priced gear first. Then if you love riding, fantastic! Invest in the higher quality stuff. If it’s not for you and you dished out money on premium products well you’re stuck with it.
Thanks for reading and have a safe ride,
-Christina
