Riding Gear

[Mistertron]

Hi,

Can anyone recommend places to buy things like riding boots, jodphurs and a riding hat? pref not too expensive.

I heard Tesco's were doing a range but none of the stores near me are doing it anymore (had i started riding sooner they would of had the full range in!!).

I am a complete beginner and do not intend entering competitions or things like that - so which type of riding hat would be best for me? skull cap or hard hat?

Also what do people think about buying second hand riding gear?

Thank you for any help and\or advice :)

[Tuscan Dream]

www.robinsons-uk.com

theres derby house but tahts quite expensive

look on the new rider classifides - there may be some second hand gear to get you started

i have (i think) 3 pairs of jods - 1 harry hall, 1 navy and 1 plain black that i woudl sell for next to nothing. - they r a size 10

i also have abeige pair but am keeping them cos im trying showing this year!! lol!!!

local tack shops are quite expensive -

personally though - i used to ride in trackies - until i dedicded i was sticking with riding so i didnt waste my money

you can borrow hats from the riding schools (normally)

good luck!!



edited to add - personally the only thing i would never buy secons hand is a hat. thats the most important part of what you buy IMO.

a body protector is a worthwhile investiment - mines saved my back more than once - and my hat has saved my life

[louise1]

my hat and chaps came from www.tackanory.com - the hat cost about £48 and chaps were about £17 (they have good sizes for people with larger calfs) and got my jods, and jod boots off ebay. also got a pair off tackanory.
I just use a sports jacket for riding in.
hope this helps

[horses4eva888]

Where abouts in the midlands are you? If you're in Leicestershire I can give you a few places:)

[*GroovyGallop*]

Like Louise mentioned, I think ebay is a really good place to buy riding things.
Not reccomened at all to buy you're riding hat from there though as it needs to be properly fitted. although, I am guilty for buying my body protector off ebay :o Except, i got fitted & mesaured for my size at my local tack shop :) beforehand.
But Jodhs, boots etc are fine :D - some real bargains on ebay.

Have a scout round you local tack shop, some are quite expencive, but others are fairy cheap :)

[bexj]

For your first set of gear, I would try to visit a tack shop rather than buying off the internet. I suppose a bit like normal clothes shops, sizings of different brands vary immensely, and there is nothing worse than buying a pair of jods that end up cutting you in half or are too loose and cause rubbing. Same goes to some extent for boots too, although they do tend to be a bit more standard! I would always get a hat properly fitted, or at the very least go somewhere where you can try on a good variety. You don't want to be messing with your safety.

[funkyfilly_sos]

Hiya,

As you said in your thread that Tesco near you isnt selling riding gear anymore, there is hope for you if you want to save some money. Go onto http://direct.tesco.com/q/N.1999274/Nr.99.aspx and you'll find their whole range online. They're having a massive clearence so you'll find great deals there!

If Tesco doesnt do it for you, people have already advised in Robinsons, they also have a website if you cant actually go and visit them and they do some great value for money items.

Where your hat is concerned, I personally would go for a velvet covered hard hat but thats just because I prefer them. It all depends on what you personally like as both give the same amounts of protection.

If your only just starting out, I wouldnt worry too much about jods and gloves etc but a pair of riding boots is always good once you know you enjoy it. But, if you'd prefer the whole gear you'll probably need a pair of jodpurs/breeches, long/short boots (with short boots you should wear chaps), gloves, body protector and hat. There is other stuff, but I doubt it'll interest you at this early stage.

Good Luck in your first riding lesson! :)
xxxKellyxxx

[xxxkristinaxxx]

yes i have checked out the tesco direct website and the prices seem really reasonable.
Most tack shops are quite expensive. At horse shows there are often lots of jodhpurs in the sale, so look out for them if you go to shows.

[Ross]

Don't know where in the midlands you are, but I tend to use Jackie Roberts (who is always very competetive) near Clent, Townfield near Coventry, and Tower Farm near Rugby. Tower Farm have a huge range and also have seconds of jods, at least, so you can get some real bargains there, but make sure someone has padlocked your credit card away!

Make sure you get your hat fitted - it's important, 'cos if it doesn't fit it won't do the job if you fall off... Even if you don't intend to compete, make sure you get a current standard hat - you can have just as bad an accident trotting round a school as jumping cross country!

Second hand jods and boots - fine, but NEVER buy a second hand hat - it may have been damaged already...

Ross

[Mistertron]

Thanks everyone! that has given me some ideas of where to look. Obviously everyone is on the same opinion about second hand hats so i will steer clear of them!

For info - i am in Derbyshire but would drive around the midlands for bargins! so Leicestershire is a possibility.

[Mistertron]

P.S love *GroovyGallop* 's sig!

[Mistertron]

www.robinsons-uk.com


i have (i think) 3 pairs of jods - 1 harry hall, 1 navy and 1 plain black that i woudl sell for next to nothing. - they r a size 10



Thats very kind but unfortunately the wrong size for me (wish i was size 10! :) )

[Trewsers]

Robinsons is reasonably priced, but I was a tad disappointed last time I went, the place was rather a shambles! Shame, its put me off making the trip for a while. I like Ridaway but thats up in York and a bit far. I think its ok to buy second hand riding gear, but definitely NOT HATS you need to get one properly fitted and make sure it carries all the safety badges, I would recommend a local tack shop, they usually carry good stock and know how to size it for you. Never used ebay but some people swear buy it. How about the classifieds on here?

[EADGBE]

www.robinsons-uk.com

Have you been to this site recently? There's a video download which takes you round the inside of the shop. I've never seen that on anyone else's website!

[Talesofthehorse]

Lots of good advice from everyone! I have one tip on hats!

Get a riding hat with a peak at the front rather than a skull cap, not only do they look more attractive but the help to keep the rain off your face if your riding in the rain! If you can stretch to one with a ventilation panel, sooooo much the better! Helps to stop you getting so hot and sweaty up there!

Hope that helps!