So, you’re looking to get into horse riding. Something you might be asking yourself is what you need. What gear should you look into purchasing to make things go smoothly? Here are some horse-riding essentials for beginners that you should put on your wish-list or even in your cart.
Boots
No matter the discipline you ride, a good pair of boots is essential. Many beginners overlook this and think they can ride in tennis shoes or slippers. Of course, this is possible, but it is not safe for any rider. Especially a beginner. Riding with improper shoes can lead to a dangerous situation.
Boots have a heel that keeps your foot from sliding too far into the stirrup or sliding out. Flat soled shoes, like tennis shoes, do not have a heel and your foot could end up too far in the stirrup. This has a few implications. With your foot too far in the stirrup, you will not be balanced in the saddle. This is not only uncomfortable for you, but for your horse. Without proper balance, you will bounce around more which will make it hard to give proper cues and cause your horse more strain on its back. A more dangerous situation that can arise is that you fall off, but your foot stays in the stirrup. Even with the most trained horse, you might end up severely injured. If your foot is stuck in the saddle, you could be dragged along your horse until your foot comes out, or the horse stops. It goes without saying that some serious injuries can come from a wreck like that.
An often overlooked benefit of riding boots is foot protection. Horses are heavy. Even small horses can cause some damage and pain if they step on your foot. A boot wont completely protect you from being stepped on, but it will lessen any pain. If you wear tennis shoes or slippers, you could get stepped on or cut from a horse’s hoof.
Helmet
Helmets can seem taboo when it comes to riding horses. Often times they aren’t used by professionals or even casual riders, but I wouldn’t look past them. Beginners are especially prone to accidents and falling off a horse can easily cause a head injury. You don’t need a high-end helmet when you’re first starting out, but make sure it is rated for horse riding. A bike helmet isn’t always enough when it comes to being on a horse’s back. Horses can be unpredictable and it’s always good to be prepared.
Hater and Lead
This might seem obvious, but this is one of the most used things in a barn. Every time you go to ride your horse, walk your horse, trailer, do farrier or vet work, you will need a halter. You will come across many options for halters and leads and might wonder what is best for you. Really, any halter will do. Rope or nylon halters are usually the cheapest and most versatile. You can even get one in your favorite color.
Lead ropes are easy to find, too. These come in many types of materials, but almost any will do. A simple poly material with a clasp will work well and last a long time. Same as with halters, you can find all sorts of colors and pick your favorite.
I like to keep around many halters and leads around. It’s fun to collect different colors to mix and match them. It’s also useful when you have multiple horses or in case one breaks.
Saddle
Most beginners will start riding in a saddle. You can borrow, rent, or buy a saddle. If you have the funds, I would recommend finding a saddle that fits you and your horse well and purchasing it. It is a great investment that can last you a lifetime. Steer clear of cheap, poorly made saddles. These pose a risk of hurting you or your horse. They often break during use and cause pain to your horse because of poor fit. Used saddles are great for beginners and even long-time riders. There are many types of saddles, so when you are looking for one, keep in mind the discipline you plan to ride. Most saddle shops or barns will let you test saddles to help you decide what you want.
Bridle
If you plan on riding horse, you will most likely need a bridle. If you have your own horse, you can play around with different styles. If you are riding someone else’s horse, they might have a certain one they would like you to use. Each bridle should have a headstall, reins, and a bit or hackamore. Feel free to shop around to find a color and design you like. Each discipline has different set ups, so make sure to find one that works for you. Leather is the most common material for bridles, but nylon is a good place to start if you are on a budget.
Riding Pants
A good pair of pants will make a world of a difference when you ride horse. Western disciplines typically ride in jeans. When you’re looking for jeans to wear, look for jeans that are comfortable to sit in. You don’t want them to ride down in the back and give everyone a show of your backside. You might also want jeans that are a little roomier to keep you from ripping them when you get on. Another thing to keep in mind is the length. When you sit on a horse, the legs will need to be a little longer to reach all of the way down to cover your boots.
Other disciplines ride in breeches. These come in many colors and styles. Find one that is comfortable for you. Some even have grip on the bottom to help keep you in the saddle.
Whether you ride in jeans or breeches, don’t forget to try them on with your boots and belt to make sure things work well together. You don’t want to end up with your skin sticking out. If your legs are uncovered, they could rub on the saddle and cause sores.
Being a beginner and shopping for gear for your horse is always exciting. Even after you have been riding for a long time, you will find your cart full of things for the barn. Have fun shopping around and experimenting with new things.
