It’s no secret that horse riding clothing is expensive.

Just ask any new rider — or new rider’s parents — when they’re suddenly confronted with a long list of “necessary” apparel and equipment. With all those funny names, mysterious purposes, and frightening prices, it’s enough to make a person want to ditch the barn and take up turtle racing instead.

But don’t give up on the ponies just yet!  I’m going to let you in on a little secret the tack shops don’t want you to know:

You don’t need all that stuff.

In fact, if you’re a beginning rider, buying all the equipment they want to sell you is exactly what you don’t want to do (unless you like wasting your money). The problem: As a beginner, how do you know what gear you actually need?

That, dear newbie, is why I’m about to reveal to you the even bigger secret. The most secret of the secrets. Are you ready for it? Here it is:

You only need three pieces of horse riding clothing.

1. Horse Riding Boots
Whether you’re brand new to the sport or a professional equestrian, horse riding boots are an absolute necessity.  Unlike sneakers or other non-riding shoes, riding boots are specially designed to help keep the rider’s foot from slipping through the stirrup and becoming caught; a potentially deadly situation.   

The bad news is that boots tend to be among the most expensive pieces of horse riding apparel, and choosing the wrong ones can be a very costly mistake. The good news? If you’re a beginner, there are only two types you need to know about: Tall boots and short boots.

Tall boots end just below the knee, help protect the rider’s legs from severe chafing, and are the type generally worn in shows.  They’re stiffer than short boots, less comfortable, and much more expensive. If you’re a beginner who’s not yet competing, or you’re a child who’s feet are still growing, stay away from tall boots. You don’t need them, and buying them would be a complete waste of your money.

Short boots — also known as paddock boots or jodhpur boots — end just above the ankle, are much more comfortable than tall boots, and much less expensive.  They’re too informal to be worn for shows (unless you’re under 12, in which case the rules are different), but if you’re not showing yet, they’re perfect for schooling or pleasure riding. For a beginner, short boots are definitely the way to go.

2. Horse Riding Breeches
Breeches are special, tight-fitting pants that allow easy movement without the chafing a rider might otherwise experience with regular, everyday jeans or slacks. While jeans are acceptable for lesson riding, their seams — which typically run right along all the contact points between a rider’s legs and the horse — can cause extra abrasive friction, sometimes resulting in scarring of the legs.  Breeches, on the other hand, have specially constructed seams which are usually padded at the main contact points, reducing the friction, protecting the rider’s legs, and, often, providing extra grip.    

Although many fashionable barn rats like to buy lots and lots of breeches in various cuts and colors, you don’t have to.  To get the most bang for your buck, get yourself a pair of breeches in beige; that’s the traditional color for wearing in shows, and will allow your pants to do double-duty: schooling AND showing. You’re welcome.  

3. Horse Riding Helmets
Without a doubt, the most important and necessary piece of horse riding equipment is the helmet. Horse riding is a very physical sport, and, like any physical sport, it carries with it the risk of injury.  Some injuries — particularly head injuries resulting from a fall or a kick — are potentially very serious, and could result in permanent disability. Or even worse.  The horse riding helmet, however, is designed to help protect the rider’s head in case of unfortunate accident.

There are two main types of helmet in the horse riding world that you need to know about: the schooling helmet and the show helmet. 

The schooling helmet — which looks a lot like a bicycle helmet — is a more informal piece of equipment appropriate for use during riding lessons and non-event riding activities. They’re light, comfortable, and, if you’re not going to be riding in shows, the only helmet you’ll need for a while. 

A show helmet — which is the traditional black, sometimes velvet-covered, horse riding hat — is a more formal piece of equestrian gear. If you’re going to be riding in any kind of show or riding event, you’ll need one of these. If you’re not at this level yet, save your money.

Whichever horse riding helmet you need, don’t skimp; buy a good one.  Find a helmet that’s labeled “ASTM/SEI certified” (which means that it’s been properly tested for safety), make sure to wear it snugly, and keep the strap fastened. When you can still feed yourself and breathe without assistance, you’ll thank me.

And basically, that’s it.  As a beginning rider, you really don’t need any more than those three pieces of horse riding clothing. Sure, if you’re looking for a little more protection for your hands or torso, you might consider adding some horse riding gloves or body armor to your ensemble, but, until your skills advance enough for you to start showing, everything else is money better saved.

Happy riding!

(| :>)

j

dmtsf635xc

Horse Riding Clothing for Beginners – What Do You REALLY Need? is a post from: The Horse Riding Clothing and Saddle Blog, where you can find great information about Horse Riding clothing, saddles, accessories, and more!

Technorati Tags: horse riding clothing