How long before I buy...

[JaniceH]

I am starting my lessons tomorrow and the riding school have hats to lend out, so I am alright there for a while, but how many lessons did you go to before you decided to buy your own hat, jodhpurs and riding boots? I know some of you have your own horses so you had to buy them straight away and others knew for ages that horse riding was definately for them from the beginning, but considering that both my 9 year old and I are starting our first lessons tomorrow, it could be rather a large purchase I need to make, so how long should I leave it?

[Tootsie4U]

My first lesson ever; I borrowed

I had my own hat ready for my second lesson. Not really for any other reason than the thought of me wearing a hat strangers sweat in..... yuck.

As long as the helmets are certified and not cracked or have already taken a fall, you can continue to use them as long as the school allows you to.

[KarinUS]

I also don't like other people's sweat on my head. I had waited so long before I got to take lessons, I was sure, I'd stick with it and started out with my own helmet.

:)

[Crazyhorse]

Hi

I think that I had about three or four lessons before I bought my hat. The hats at the school were fine but I could never get the fit right so purely for safety reasons I would make a good hat the first purchase. I wore boots with a small heel and jeans for the first couple of months and then bought boots and finally some jods. Ebay.co.uk is a good idea to pick up cheap jods and boots if you are not sure that you want to make the initial outlay especially for children who are always growing. Make sure though that you buy a hat that is brand new and fitted by a professional.

Hope this helps and I hope you both enjoy your first lessons!

Vicky

[ajhainey]

4 lessons till hat as could never get one that fitted from the school. 6 till jods and boots, just to make me feel a bit more professional (up till then was in normal trousers fine). I used decathlon in London and paid £23 for my hat, £23 for the boots and £20 for the jods.

One note - check how 'slippy' the jods are - you want 'non-slip' ones or sitting trot is a real issue. One of the other girls on my lesson passed this on after changing from a lycra type synthetic to a lovely pair of cotton jods.

Aj x

[ojoisland]

I've always preferred to have my own gear, I don't really like the thought of using other people's stuff, especially if sweating is a factor and what not. I know that many advises to try it out and wait before buying gear, etc. but I didn't, so for my 1st lesson, I pretty much had the breeches, helmet, boots, gloves and all because our local tack store had an amazing discount for student packages. :) Though, I've found that it's more comfortable wearing paddock boots/half chaps than the tall boots and the full seat breeches have more protection, which since have prevented unwanted bruising for me. Whew!

[Tangle]

I bought a hat after about lesson 3 and decent boots not long after. I still haven't got any "proper" riding trousers and ride in leggings. I've never used half-chaps, maybe I just don't know what I'm missing?

If you're in doubt, ask your instructor - they shouldn't expect you to turn up all kitted out for your first lesson, especially not with a child as well.

[nat]

i hav my own horse and at the moment i dont own a pair of jodhpurs. :( im saving up for one of those new hats with ventilation and a dog ate my old hat so im using a friends whos fits me perfectly anyway and she doesnt ride at the moment. my jodhpurs always manage to get holes in them! i ride in boots and chaps and i love my boots! theyr so comfy to ride in!

[rhodey]

hey nat- where do you ride/ keep your horse?

i turned up at my 1st lesson with a borrowed hat, my own jodpers, and boots and a protector thing from my sister ( who used to ride). dont start off by buying really expensive equipment unless your SURE you'll stick it out- if yes then its best to invest!:D

[trick_pony19]

hEY for your first few lessons dont worry about it. But within time be sure to definitly look into it you will be more comfy in jodhpurs(and no saddle pinching) riding boots you'll need because of the heel, and a helmet will be perfect for you!
Have Fun :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)