Equipment required for only 1 lesson...

[numrx]

I visited a really nice RS and they told me in order to have even one lesson I have to have Breeches, boots, (or half chaps and paddock boots) and a helmet.

I got two free pairs of breeches at the therapuetic riding center I volunteer at. But finding boots for a US size 13 is a bit hard, lol.

Is this common with other riding schools?

[RustyMary]

That sounds a bit much to be honest. What if you end up hating it? Fat chance I know :D , but it is possible, and then you would have spent all that money for nothing :confused:

[Bay Mare]

They aren't offering to sell you them are they?

The only thing that most schools require is 'sensible' footwear (boot with a small heel, not too many ridges so that they don't get stuck in the stirrup) and comfortable trousers. Certainly not boots, breeches and hat :eek: They usually provide hats for hire .

[gone24now]

My son and I have different RI, and both of them only require a helmet and boots with a heel. IMHO lessons are expensive enough to be going out and buying all of the equipment they are asking for. :rolleyes:

[bevy]

Ditto above! Here it is expected that the RS will provide hat. Nowhere can seriously expect you to fork out £100 for gear just for 1 lesson, surely. Maybe after several months, you would like your own hat, proper boots, and proper jods.

[Mistertron]

Same as above for me - only need boots with heel and the RS rent hats for 50p a lesson.

[numrx]

I think I'm just going to go to my friend's RS they are really laid back and they don't require any of that. I'll probably just buy some paddock boots and later buy some half chaps since I already have breeches.

I love the feel of the breeches they are so comfy, it's like wearing pajamas but they're quite formal looking, and they look amazing :D :o


Thanks for the replies :D

[JustJas]

Seems the jodhs rule is excessive- legging/tracky bottoms should be ok.

Like many at my yard I ride in stretchy jeans, jodh boots and half chaps. For me jeans is mainly because I usually have to leave my horses and go places... I prefer not to be in jods out of the saddle. Though that did not bother me until recently. Hubby hates jodhs too- rides in combats/jeans.

On holiday I was going to treat myself to a lesson on school master at a BHS centre but the no jeans rule floored me- I had my ariat boots (hat and chaps as they live in the car) but failed the dress code.

[Skib]

My OH bought absolutely nothing. He had never sat on a horse before and went for his first lesson in his normal clothes in case he didnt like it.

Lace up gent's shoes, with a heel, that he used to wear to the office.
His older casual trousers, now used for gardening.
A long sleeved shirt, with his normal fleece.

He borrowed my rain proof riding jacket, as it already had horse slober on it. But he could have worn his own.
He borrowed a pair of my gloves and my old hat (though the stable could have loaned him the hat).

[k8_doran]

Its usually any trousers, not jeans usually, and boots with a heel then they should give you a hat. You shouldnt be expected to buy anything incase you hate it

[numrx]

Yeah, I agree I shouldn't have to have $200 worth of gear to even take one lesson, that's ridiculous. So I'm probably going to take them at my friend's barn, the one that doesn't require all the gear.

Oh, someone asked if the RS sold gear, nope they don't.

[gone24now]

I think that's a good idea, I love my RI as she is so laid back, easy to talk to, has a great sense of humor and isn't all uptight and so formal that you feel you can't talk or even laugh at your own mistakes. Be comfortable with the place and the RI, that way you will be more relaxed, open to learning, and you will enjoy it! :)

[*toHorse&Away*]

Unusual to be asked to make that kind of investment on a first lesson.:eek:
But sounds like you might be ok now.
lso, if you find you do want some boots you could always try eBay and get a deal second hand, its not like buying a hat! :D

[CrisO]

The school I used to ride at would hire you a hat, also had boots you could borrow.
They would recommend ordinary clothes to wear for a first lesson and suggested you did not buy any equipment until you had tried it out a few times.