| As you have likely learned, and quickly at that, | | | | helmets should always be purchased brand new. Also, |
| horseback riding has its own unique set of equipment | | | | do not buy a helmet with room to grow. A riding |
| requirements. One of the top questions at the onset | | | | helmet needs to fit snugly in order to properly do its |
| for parents involves equipment purchases and | | | | job. As with the boots, you need to purchase a riding |
| requirements. Unfortunately, the answer will vary | | | | helmet; bicycle or other sports helmets are not |
| based on a multitude of extenuating circumstances. | | | | designed to withstand the perils of riding. In the unlikely |
| Below we outline some recommended purchases, | | | | event of a fall, involving a head injury, please replace |
| when they should be made and why along with some | | | | your child's helmet. This is never an area to try and |
| helpful hints. | | | | save some money. |
| Standard Preliminary Purchases: | | | | Additional Equipment Requirements: |
| First up will be a pair of boots. Please, find a local tack | | | | With the initial two purchases made, everything else will |
| shop for all purchases. Street appropriate shoes are | | | | be based on your child's desires coupled with their |
| not designed to withstand the rigors of riding. Instead, | | | | instructor's preference and requirements. Items that will |
| you want to find sturdy paddock or jodhpur boots | | | | likely appear on a list sooner rather than later include |
| which will have the requisite heel needed to keep your | | | | gloves and either riding pants or some form of chaps |
| child safe on the ground and in the saddle. Given how | | | | (full or half). If breeches are required, you will also be in |
| fast small feet can grow, if you can find a used pair, | | | | need of tall boots. |
| feel free to purchase used or borrow boots. There | | | | As your child learns to ride, there will be a learning |
| are no known safety concerns and your wallet will | | | | curve for both parent and student. Likely, your child will |
| thank you. A good boot will help protect your child in | | | | be working hard to absorb everything possible about |
| the unfortunate incident of a fall, by keeping their foot | | | | their new hobby. In turn, you will be working to figure |
| from slipping through the stirrup. | | | | out what is needed to participate and how much things |
| Next up will likely be a safety helmet. Some stables | | | | will cost. At first, equipment purchases will likely be |
| may offer a to lend you one for the first few lessons. | | | | limited to safety equipment. Eventually, tack purchases |
| However, safety helmet fit should be taken extremely | | | | may be necessary however, many years could pass |
| seriously and the sooner you can invest in a properly | | | | before that is necessary. |
| certified helmet for your child, the better. Unlike boots, | | | | |