| If your child is going to take horseback riding | | | | usually children do not start wearing them until |
| lessons, then they are going to need certain | | | | they are over the age of 12 or so. |
| clothing and safety equipment. Whether your child | | | | Horse Riding Helmet Needs |
| is participating in an English private horseback riding | | | | A helmet is probably the most important part of |
| lesson, or a Western group horse riding lesson, | | | | your child's equestrian wardrobe, because it |
| safety equipment is of the utmost importance. In | | | | protects the skull and brain. While a helmet should |
| this article, you will learn what your child needs to | | | | always be worn while riding, it can also be worn |
| be safe around horses and ponies. | | | | while on the ground as an extra safety precaution |
| The basic safety equipment needed includes | | | | while being around horses. A schooling helmet is |
| boots, a helmet and riding pants. These can be | | | | typically used for riding lessons. As the name |
| purchased at a local tack store or online. | | | | implies, schooling helmets are only used for |
| Horse Riding Boot Needs | | | | practice, not for horse shows. I personally like the |
| You should always wear a good protective | | | | adjustable kind. They have a little dial in the back |
| horseback riding boot whenever you are around | | | | that you can adjust to fit your head perfectly, so |
| horses. It doesn't matter if you are planning to | | | | it doesn't fall down onto your forehead while you |
| ride or simply plan on a grooming session. Boots | | | | are riding. |
| are important while you are on the ground to | | | | Horse Riding Pant Needs |
| protect you in case a horse accidently steps on | | | | Long pants should be worn when riding horses. |
| your foot. They are also important while riding, | | | | This is to protect the legs from rubbing against |
| because they have a heel that keeps your foot | | | | the saddle and horse. It can also protect the legs |
| from slipping too far into the stirrup causing you | | | | should your child fall from her horse or pony. If |
| to get stuck. It's obvious that you don't want | | | | your child is taking English riding lessons, schooling |
| your foot to be stuck, if you were to experience | | | | tights or schooling breeches are usually worn. For |
| a fall from a horse. So don't cut corners where an | | | | Western riding, regular blue jeans are typically |
| equestrian boot is concerned. | | | | worn. |
| Paddock boots are typically the type of boot | | | | Once your child has been around horses for a |
| used for English horseback riding lessons. A | | | | while, their comfort grows, and there might be a |
| paddock boot is a leather ankle boot that can | | | | tendency to cut corners. Don't allow your child to |
| either lace up or zip closed. These can also be | | | | get too comfortable. You must always remind |
| used for Western riding, or a cowboys boots can | | | | them to follow the safety rules, however much |
| be used. In English riding, tall boots that go up to | | | | at ease they become around horses. |
| your knees are not required for lessons and | | | | |