I'm thinking of taking up horse riding. Should I buy the clothing before I start and what are the best items ?

Answer 1

I would buy a helmet. I would recommend one of the lighter helmets with the ventalation in them. Troxel is a good company, and you can find them fairly inexpensive. They are much more comfy than the traditional velvet helmets. Make sure that it fits snugly, you don't want it to be loose.

You also need to have boots with a 1" heel for safety.

Make sure you have a comfy pair of jeans, you may want to have a softer, stretch pair so that the seams don't rub on your legs between the saddle.

If it is winter, you will want a good pair of gloves that will allow to to securely hold the reins, but will keep your fingers warm. A good jacket is important.

When you go, don't be wearing dangly earrings and have your hair pulled back (make sure that it will still fit under the helmet).

A good place to look at helmets is your local tack shop. If you shop online, Dover Saddlery is a great place with great prices. But if you can, go to your local tack store, they are the best places, and people will be able to help you pick the right size and give you advice!

Good luck! Horseback riding is the best! :-)

Answer 2

A helmet is A MUST. Many english shows and others will not even allow you to ride without one. I have had my helmet save my life many times, they are a nessecity. Buy one.
You'll also want a pair of gloves. Your hands can blister on the reins, plus it gives you a better grip. The rest depends on what kind of riding you want to do.
If you want to do english, like me, I would suggest a pair of paddock boots and chaps for regular riding. If you want to show, buy some full boots. Also, buy a pair of breeches or jodpurs. They are stretchy and work well in the english saddle. Then a long sleeved shirt, and NO JEWLERY.
For the western rider, a loose long sleeved flannel shirt is great. Buy a nice pair of quality boots too. Then a good pair of jeans. I suggest wranglers. Wear a helmet still. NO JEWLERY, for several reasons. It can get caught on things, is the main one.
Hope I helped you, and have fun riding!
Edit: by the way, Stephanie, wearing a helmet will not endanger you. I've had many cases with myself where I have been jumping say, and the horse has slammed on the brakes right before jumping. If you come off and your head rams into the standard, a helmet will be the difference between permanent brain damage and a sore body. And no, no one will think you are insecure, because practically everyone with at least three years horse experience knows to where one. I have been riding and showing in the A circut for seven years, I know what I'm talking about. And if you talk to a licenced coach, they will tell you the same thing.

Answer 3

forget the fancy stuff. you need comfortable, loose pants, preferably jeans as they tend to grip the saddle better than most [most breeches are slick in the saddle and you're better off waiting until you're balanced and comfortable on the horse. The shirt doesn't really matter, just make sure you have good range of motion and it's not too baggy as to get in your way. Shoes do matter -- you need something with a small heel and little tread on the sole. The tread can get hung up on the stirrups and the heel keeps your foot from slidding through the stirrup. A helmet is also a good idea, but quite honestly, I usually have my students who do not have a riding helmet just bring a bicycle helmet -- until they are experienced enough to require specialized equipment.

Answer 4

The only think you need to start out is a certified riding helmet and a pair of boots with a heel. I hope you mean taking up horse lessons than just going a head and buying a horse.......
Good licks, its loads of FUN!

Answer 5

Your taking up horseback riding but want to know about buying clothing first? You have a pair of jeans and a tee shirt?
I do not go buy new clothing to get onto our horses. Depends what kind of horseback riding you are taking up I guess? If you are not doing it for relaxation but to enter shows etc. I guess you need too buy everything first, a horse would be good to buy as well.

Answer 6

Don't go all out. Honestly if you're just starting out, you really only need a pair of boots with at least a 1/2" heel. Most barns should have helmets that you can use, but you can always buy one later on!

Answer 7

if you are just starting out dont buy everything right away just wear boots with a small heal and jeans, some barns have helmets to borrow, beause you dont want to buy a helmet and then find you dont like the sport and then you have the helmet.
if you call the place where you are going to ride they can tell you what you will need to ride there
good luck

Answer 8

Of course - you dont want to be on a horse naked! My guess is that could be painful. Now if you are male and handsome I would suggest a crisp white longed sleve shirt that is unbuttoned enough to show you massive muscles and tight jeans, cowboy boots and a cowboy hat. If you are female and beautiful - my guess is the guys would forgive you for being naked. Or perhaps a flowing white dress that is off the shoulder and shows some cleavage.


As you can see I am bored.

Answer 9

Go take a few lessons first then if you like it buy the colthing.
The clothes requirements are different for dressage then cross country or hunting and for jumping.
They are also different for roping and western events.
So decide what type ofevent you are going to d othen get the proper attire for it. If english event some of those clothes are really expensive.
A helmet would be a good investment.

Answer 10

just get the helmet, get the rest if the clothing after you've had a few lessons and you decide you like it. no use getting the clothes and then finding out you can't manage to stay on top of the horse.