Hi~ I am new! (Questions)

[ClaireRu]

Hi everybody~

I took one lesson 10 years ago but could not continue because I was busy in school. I decided to start taking riding lessons a couple weeks ago and love it! Now I am hook! Can't wait to go to my next lesson!

Questions~
I was on a shorter horse for the second lesson but he trots so fast that I can't follow to post. I was on a very tall horse for the third lesson to practice posting trot and found it a lot easier. How long do you think I should stay on the taller horse? Would it be better to learn on a shorter horse?

Now I am thinking to buy boots and helmet. I would like to get a tall boots for both riding class and to go out. I just wonder if it is better to wear tall boots for a beginner. Would it be harder to ride in a tall boots? What brand would be a good choose for tall boots but not very expensive. ($100~$200 after discount) Also, any suggestion for helmet(I am looking into something good/safe and with $ around $50~$70 after discount)?

[fjordlady]

Hi and welcome.

Shorter horses have a shorter stride and some a 'choppy' trot so it can be easier to learn on a taller horse.

I would probably recommend jodphur boots and chaps for learning as you get a better feel the horse.

[ClaireRu]

Thank you!

[christinarina]

hello and welcome! For footwear, see my "which boots post" - there have been some helpful replies and I'm going to look out some jodphur boots and half chaps. i'm not going to get my own helmet yet, just use the RS's.

ChristinaX

[Hippyhorse]

Hi and welcome,I agree with fjord lady the taller the horse the smoother the trot(in general) lots of shorter stockier horse have a very bouncy, short trot stride which makes it harder to learn on. Also agree that short boots and half chaps are a better option especially as a beginner, much more comfy and flexible but still offer good support and protection. Can't help with brands though as not in the same country!

[ClaireRu]

Thanks!
any suggestion on helmet?

[peerielee]

Hi ClaireRu.

I think you should go for short boots and half chaps, there so much comfier and you can feel the horse better with your legs. A shorter horse does have a shorter stride it will take a little practice to get your balance on both. With a larger horse there stride is bigger and when doing rising trot you find they almost push you out of the saddle with their bounce when you go to rise therefore making it a little easier to keep up with the up downs. You might notice when you rise on the big horse your pelvis comes up forward to the front of the saddle (pommel). When on the little horse dont rise as high in the saddle then you will keep up with him a little better. Hope this helps