First Lesson- help!

[Sparkly]

Hi everyone!
I'd be really grateful if you could help me on the following matters!
I'm having my first riding lesson on Friday and for starters, I'm not sure what to wear. I know what I'll have to buy once I've got going (jodhpurs etc.), but I haven't got these at the moment. What should I wear trouser-wise and shoe-wise for the first lesson until I get kitted out?

Thanks!

Sparkly xx:)

[bsjajumper]

CONGRATS ON HAVING YOUR 1ST LESSON-ONE OF MANY i HOPE!!!!
first thing is do not wear jeans-they pinch!! wear a pair of leggings or something similar-shoe wise wear someting with a small heel-but make sure the boot isnt really wide as you could get your foot stuck in the stirrup.
nobody really recommends wellies to ride in but as its your first lesson it may be acceptable(check with the riding school)
why not ring the riding school to see if they loan boots-some have spares you can borrow.
Have fun and be sure to post back and let us know how you get on!!!

[Santorium]

I ride in jeans and they're fine, going to get me a poncho for the winter too ;)

[sallym]

Jeans are fine. If you wear tights underneath, it stops the pinching.

[Santorium]

Tights aren't really my style Sally, but I'll keep it in mind for the cold winter months ;)

[Lovecat]

Don't you find the seam rubs you, Santorium?

My husband only rides in jogging bottoms for that very reason (he has a pair of perfectly good jodphurs but thinks they're girly...:rolleyes:).

Cathy:D

[Santorium]

Lovecat,

I've never had a problem with the seam rubbing me, but I'm suprised at that because everyone told me it would. Leg hair paid a terrbile price though until I invested in half-chaps ;)

I suspect I shall purchase breeches before long just for the horsieness of it all, but right now I still get off on the fact that I'm the only student who my instructor will teach in jeans - boy does that wind the others up!

[fair~filly]

You might find a pair of gloves useful too ( you can buy them really cheaply at any tack shop

If you're wearing leggings put long socks on underneath to protect your ankles.
That area is pretty sensitive and when you're not used to pressure there it can get sore.

Enjoy it Sparkly & tell us all about it ;)

F.F xxx

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[Wild_Fiesty]

Good luck! I wear jodhpurs, half chaps and riding boots now, but before, I'd ride in track pants and a t-shirt. Fashion, to me doesn't matter when you're riding. I like comfort when I'm riding. You'll probably get dirty anyway.

[Sparkly]

Hi again!
Just to say thank you everyone for all your kind help- I didn't expect replies so quickly!
I'm really looking forward to my first lesson:D

Also, I only registered with NewRider today, but the forums seem like a really friendly community!

Thanks again
Sparkly xx

[Peace]

Jeans and lace-up shoes with a heel. But don't do what I did on my first riding lesson!:o I wore hiking boots, which were a little too wide for the stirrup. They went into the stirrup just fine, but getting them out again was a bit of a problem.

I was riding western, and the usual way to dismount is to swing your right leg over to land on the ground, left foot still in stirrup. And, erm, usually you then remove your left foot from the stirrup - only mine was stuck fast. Horse at this point decided to amble off into the barn, and there I went, bounding along behind him on one leg.:o :D

Lucky for me, horse was a patient soul, who looked a little surprised at finding me still attached to him but only gave a pitying sigh and waited for me to unstick myself.:rolleyes:

Anyway, I know you'll have a great time - and we'll want to hear all about it. :)

[ojoisland]

You're going to love your 1st lesson! For me, I invested on breeches (they're pretty cheap, starts at $35). You won't need those expensive breeches since you will get dirty anyway. I think the full seat breeches are a good investment, they help tremendous and prevents unwanted bruising (I found out the hard way). For footwear, I find that half chaps and paddock/jod boots are much more comfy than tall boots. ;) Goodluck and let us know how it goes! You'll be addicted!:D

[virtuallyhorses]

Don't get too hung up on the 'gear' for your first lesson. There is so much new information, just have fun and concentrate on the important stuff - your horse and your instructor :)

You can also check out the following pages: First Lessons (http://www.worldzone.net/recreation/virtuallyhorses/firstlessons.html) - What to wear (http://www.worldzone.net/recreation/virtuallyhorses/apparel.html) - Safety (http://www.worldzone.net/recreation/virtuallyhorses/safety.html)

[entreat]

I used to wear track pants or jeans (never pinched me:cool: ) until I bought the cheapest pair of jods I could find ($15AUD/$8US/5pounds)
As far as shoes go - I wore some thin jogging shoes until I found a pair of boots in a charity shop (Op shop) for $9AUD!!

Good luck for your first lesson!!

[kyanya]

Jeans and tights in this weather! Not a good recipe! :), *faints from the heat* no, not really, im actually liking this weather

[trick_pony19]

Hey ppl who said jeans are fine thier not! there only fine for the first few lessons then the pinching of the saddle really hurts!
Jodpurs or Breeches are what id suggest and tall riding boots, or jodpur boots and Half chaps.