Beginner Riding Stuff... Question

[Meeko]

Okay Guys , I'm having a Mini-Dilema of my own at the moment LOL!
I am a beginner rider and have absoloutley NONE of my own equipment whatsoever.
So , now that I know for sure I'll be riding until I kill myself or something of that type , I need to know (and my friend wants to know this as well) What kind of stuff should I buy first. I have NOTHING. and I mean , NOTHING!
sooo....any suggestions for a hyper obsessed beginner like me?
Thankies!
-Meeko

[horseychicnz]

Hi!
The first thing I'd buy would have to be riding boots (or somehting with a heel). Because you do not want your foot caught in the stirrup if you take a fall as you will get dragged. (not nice!) Other thing I would recommend would be maybe Jodphurs. I like to ride in them most of the time as they are more comfortable and prevent you get chaffed. Good luck! :)

[KarinUS]

I am just assuming that so far the riding school has been providing you with a helmet since you certainly wouldn't be riding without one, right???
That's the first item I bought. Just because I didn't want to wear someone elses' sweaty helmet...

[Outrider]

Those are good suggestions, but it also depends on if you are riding english or western. Hapy Trails!

[K&K]

you never really said if you've taken a lesson before, so i have a little bit of advice in case you haven't - until you know for sure that you want to continue riding, do not buy anything. for your first and perhaps second lesson i'd recommend wearing comfortable boots with a heel, snug jeans, and a shirt suited to the weather. hopefully your riding school will supply you with a helmet. once you've decided you want to continue riding, you should purchase the items everyone else suggested, like boots (tall rubber boots or shorter, leather jodhpurs (sp?), it's your decision - whatever's more comfortable for you. i would recommend asking your instructor if it mattered to her/him which one you rode with), riding pants (breeches/jodhpurs, your instructor or the salesperson can explain the different and the pro's and con's), and perhaps a helmet (ask your instructor if she can suggest a good helmet - not all are as effective as some).

i'm so happy for you that you're starting to ride, it's literally the best thing on earth! enjoy your time with horses :v)

[Meeko]

Oooooh! I forgot to tell you some stuff!
My riding school is supplying a helmet , and I have taken quite a few lessons already , so I know I really want to keep riding.
-Meeko

[Dice]

I was around my seventh or so lesson before I bought any of my own personal equipment (middle of last December). I bought myself all in one go - long boots, helmet (and silk!) and jodphurs, as like yourself I had absolutly nothing of any use whilst riding. After advice from my instructor, I then went out and bought myself a decent pair od riding gloves.

There are things I wished I did different now that I bought the equipment, but I needed to start somewhere to know what fits and suits me, so am content with what I bought. :)

[bannerlover]

I've been riding for two years and I have bought: 1 helment, 1 pair of tall boots, 1 pair of short boots, 1 show jacket, 3 pairs of breeches, 1 show shirt, and gloves. The first thing I bought were boots and jodpurs, and then I got a helmet. The rest are all opitional unless you are showing or you ride with leather reins and your hands get sweaty in really hot weather.(i live in southern california-it gets over 120F-we don't work the horses then)

[palerider]

g,day before you buy a saddle and bridle you need to buy the horse. When you have found the right horse you will first need to by a halter and lead rope, next you will purchase your saddle which is the recommended fit for your horse along with a saddle rug, bridle and correct bit. Once you have the basics there are other products if you so wish to buy e.g. rugs, brushes. [flashy gear].

[Chantal]

I would definitely recommend buying your own helmet and having it fitted properly by someone qualified / experienced. The next thing I bought was gloves, because I was fed up of having blistered fingers!

[Sapphire]

The first thing to buy would be a hat. I have seen shocking amounts of schools put helmets back on the shelves for other people to use and it's just protected someones head in a fall!! When hats are involved in tumbles they need to be replaced and should NOT be used again, they may not be damaged to the naked eye, but the naked eye can't see inside!!

Also buy some nice riding boots to ride in! Avoid synthetic (sp?) long boots.

Have fun riding!!:p

[snuggly_elf]

The first thing I bought, or rather my parents bought (I was only 10 at the time) Was a riding hat, you can get them for around £30 quid. Then for christmas, approx six months later, they got me jodphurs and jodphur boots.
Later, when I was buying stuff for myself, I got a hat first. Really thats cos you never get a good fit with riding school ones cos other people wear them, your own hat moulds to your head shape, so they say. And the sweaty thing. It's not nice to have to wear a hat that someone else has just been sweating in for an hour!
Then I'd go for jodphurs, then boots. Most people know not to ride in boots that have a ridged sole, (Although I do as I ride in my muckers, but I've never had my foot caught, at least not since I was seven and then I was riding in smooth soled boots!) so presumably you do , so I'd go for those last. Leather long boots can be very uncomfortable untill you break them in and if your only riding once a week they take a long time to break in. Rubber boots are fine although they do look a bit like wellies! I'd say that jodphur boots are the best bet. But don't buy Dublin jodphur boots, I did and the heel came off after only two wearings. (still haven't got them fixed yet either!)
Also, if your buying jodphurs for a catalogue do measure your waist and buy that size, not the same size jeans that you wear. I bought jods that were a waist size...... well, the same size waist as the jeans that I wear! and they are far too big!
Next thing on my list is a body protector. But you don't really need one of those untill your jumping fairly substantial jumps. (But I would suggest that all kids wear them all the time. And don't even think about doing cross country with out one. I fell off doing cross country and I'm convinced that the protector I was wearing saved my back from serious damage.)
Oooo, I just thought of something that you should buy early on, gloves. They save your hands from blisters and give good grip on leather reins, great in the rain!
Thats about all that you need. Apart from a stick, but you might not need one, depends on the horse that you ride. Basically a short crop for jumping and a longer more flexible one with a little tail on the end for schooling and dressage.
Thats what I'd say!
Snugs:D

[Doughc]

Meeko

if your riding at a school, continue to borrow hard hat

I would buy jhodys first, then worry about feet, head last

[Mazpup]

The first bit of equipment I bought was a hat. I think it's really worth having your own that fits properly. A couple of lessons ago I 4got my hat and had 2 wear one of the riding schools, and it was uncomfortable cos I wear 1 1/2 narrow, and no riding school seems to provide narrow fitted hats!
Good Luck!

[taffy]

if u r goin to be jumping in the near future i would suggest that u buy a body protector

[Hetfinch]

The first thing I did (and would encourage everybody else to do) is to buy a hat. They are the most vital piece of safety equipment you need - so why compromise? That's my opinion. Jods make you more comfortable, as do riding boots, and they are important purchases, but a hat could well save your life.

I only lasted two lessons using a riding school hat before I went out and bought my own. You never know where a riding school hat has been and what's been done to it. At least with your own you have peace of mind that you know its provenance.

Happy Riding!

Heather

[LindaAd]

I'd say hat, boots, jodhs, in that order. And gloves if you want them - they don't cost much. Then some sort of waterproof jacket to go on top and you'll really feel like a rider :)

[Stella2]

I absolutely agree with Heather about not knowing what has happened to a riding school hat. Its very important to wear one that has not taken a significant impact as this weakens them. For the same reason, its best not to buy one second hand. The other thing is that you can buy trendy, attractive looking ones now and a girl has her appearance to consider (I would do a laughing face here if I knew how, so imagine that I have!). Not all the good looking ones cost a fortune either. Mine is like a black velvet cycling helmet (it is intended for horse riding), with air vents etc and cost about £48.

Ann

[Elfin]

I have been riding for 9 months and have aquired: a hat and velvet silk, some brown suede 1/2 chaps, jodhpur boots, MH paddock boots ((lol)) 2 pairs of jodhpurs ((one pair from my instructor:rolleyes: )) a riding coat, a crop and a pair of gloves.

I have yet to invest in a body protector!:)

[Cathy Reynolds]

1 Helmet - new, get it fitted properly and make sure you get one that matches the standards

then a book on basic riding and a subscription to a horsey magazine

2 Cheap pimple gloves or something like Mountain Horse leather/mesh if you can afford them
3 Safe pair of short boots
4 Jodphurs (cheap ones will do, you can always put tights underneath if it's cold)
5 Suede half chaps (again cheap ones will do if you are only riding once a week)

then

6 back protector (when you start to canter and jump - some riding school ponies are little sh..s at cutting corners, and putting a stop in)

Many horsey shops in the UK (and some riding schools) sell 2nd hand gear. Hannah's (aged 8) first boots and joddies cost 15 pounds 2nd hand and lasted for nearly 9 months.

[suze]

I bought my hat just before my first lesson. Kids already had their own horse which I had to take care of so this was needed anyway. My riding school charges for use of a hat.
Then I got jodphurs, boots, numnah and a whip at a bootfair and then nearly a year later I got the horse. Still cant ride though:rolleyes:

[Dice]

Originally posted by suze
My riding school charges for use of a hat.


:eek: In that case, can you refuse to hire one of their hats (even if you don't have your own????) :confused:

[suze]

Dice. I have no idea but I suppose they would refuse you the lesson. Probably not legal to give a lesson to someone without a hat.
They only charge £1 for hat hire but I feel its money down the drain.

[Doughc]

Originally posted by Dice


:eek: In that case, can you refuse to hire one of their hats (even if you don't have your own????) :confused:

Dice
My school will not allow anyone to ride without hat, will not allow trainers, welly's or any other shoe with patterned sole.

Seems like its the new Health n safety rules they have to work under.:rolleyes:

[Mossy]

First and foremost a hat. Up to standard but cheap. If it takes a knock replace it. A brain is supposed to be firm and grey. When it is all blood specked and has the consistency of scrambled eggs it does not work very well. Next boots and chaps. Joddys are nice but in summer I ride for miles in my walking trousers as I sweat buckets in stretchy jods. Make sure your trousers are soft cotton with no hard seams and no raised crotch seam. A cheap pair of gloves are useful and a waterproof jacket. Body protectors are personal preference.
Most important bit of kit - a sense of humour and relaxing bubble bath.

[Elfin]

Originally posted by Mossy
Most important bit of kit - a sense of humour and relaxing bubble bath.

where can I buy that?? lol ;) :D

[snuggly_elf]

Originally posted by Elfin


where can I buy that?? lol ;) :D

think u already have the humor, and may I suggest radox for the bath!;)

[Elfin]

hehe! lol! :D ;)

[muzzy]

mmm radox!! I love the muscle relax one after a hard day at the stables!!lol!:D

[Dice]

Give me a cold shower any day! ;) :D

It just seemed strange to charge you for something which I'd normally expect to be included in the price of the lesson. One way of looking at it I suppose is that you get a discout for bringing your own hat? :confused:

[claireyb]

I bought a hat and jodh boots before I started, then jodhs, then a coat (v cheap at Olympia), then my whip, and I'm off to get gloves tomorrow!

Buying stuff online certainly saves money!


Clairey:)

[Elfin]

apart from the p&p!:D

[snuggly_elf]

all the saddlery shops round my way are v v v expensive. So I have to save up my pennies and buy things at horse shows, you often get show day special offers.
(I got my hat at olympia!)

[Dice]

Originally posted by snuggly_elf
So I have to save up my pennies and buy things at horse shows, you often get show day special offers.
(I got my hat at olympia!)

Well I didn't and yes, it was expensive (but I'm not really in an area where it's easy to shop around - it was bad enough trying to find Jods that sorta fit me, never mind find a bargin :( ).

[Moonlightrider]

I got boots from a friend (she'd outgrown them). I got a helmet after about 4 lessons. Now I have a new pair of boots (passed on the old ones), three pairs of jods, two pairs saddleseat riding pants, shirt and vest (saddleseat), gloves and all sorts of little stuff, and I go running around between tacks shops and friends just before shows. The wonderful world of always being able to fit into other people's old stuff!!!

[Meeko]

Yay!
You people are awesome!
As soon as I get my cast off , its back to riding and (if i'm lucky) going to get my stuff. Still got till march fourteenth on my cast , but I can walk on it now and my cast just seems to be getting in the way.
But thats the way the ball bounces.
Luvvies!
-Meeko

[galadriel]

Don't buy anything that needs to be fitted to the horse while you are still riding other peoples' horses. Halters, bridles, anything that can be purchased in "full/cob/pony" sizes--and that includes a saddle. A saddle absolutely _must_ fit the horse, or you will have PROBLEMS!

One of my first students had an Arab who had developed a bucking problem, and consequently she had developed a confidence problem. The difficulty, of course, was that her Arab had a wide back, and her narrow-treed saddle pinched him terribly. It was the work of months to clear off his bucking, to re-develop her confidence, and get them going again.

One of the things not mentioned yet that you might want to get is a pair of schooling chaps--full chaps, not half chaps. Full chaps will help you keep your legs steady while you develop those muscles. I keep some for my beginning students to use while they are getting used to cantering and jumping, and they help a lot.

I definitely second (third, fourth, fifth) getting your own helmet. *Everyone* falls--shucks, I fell off yesterday trying to mount (my 17hh mare) bareback. Having a helmet that fits _well_ and will not slide around--and is comfortable--can make all th difference in anting to wear it, and in your safety.

I do a lot of looking around for good deals. All my sources are in the US, of course, so they may not be too helpful to everyone... but here are some places I have found good deals:
http://horsehelmets.com/
http://www.tack-wholesale.com -- if they've got it, it's usually cheaper than I can find anywhere else
http://www.equineequip.com -- good deals on chaps, among oter things

If you get into really steady riding, serious competition, etc, you probably want to go wth one of the "name brands" for major purchases like tack; they last longer, wear better, and are more comfortable for both horse and rider. However, as you're starting out, you don't really need anything that's going to last forever, so there's no reason not to buy inexpensive items. Especially till you find which type suits you best. For example, I have very long fingers but a tiny palms--I probably bought 10 pairs of gloves before I found one which suited me. I also have very long arms and legs, which makes fitting various clothing items...interesting. :)

So good luck, *don't* worry about spending too much at first, and concentrate on having FUN! Safely :)

[muzzy]

I need to buy a new riding hat as mine is too small for me now but I was just wondering how to find the correct fit! I measured my head and found the exact correct size, but it felt kinda tight.....I know they shouldn't wobble around but how close fitting should they be??:)

[Dice]

Originally posted by muzzy
I need to buy a new riding hat as mine is too small for me now but I was just wondering how to find the correct fit! I measured my head and found the exact correct size, but it felt kinda tight.....I know they shouldn't wobble around but how close fitting should they be??:)

This isn't easy to answer as the shop were I bought mine didn't seem too convincing as to how you know if it's the correct size or not. The school hat I that I first used seemed to fit me prefectly, but when it came for me to purchase my own hat it all of a sudden felt too loose. So I tried a 1/2 size smaller and this seemed snug - maybe a bit too snug, but as it was pointed out too me the last thing you want is a hat that is too big and a new hat will eventually become less restricting the more you use it.

That's probably the worst thing you can do knowing me, but until I hear anything different then it'll have to do! :p

[Doughc]

Originally posted by muzzy
I need to buy a new riding hat as mine is too small for me now but I was just wondering how to find the correct fit! I measured my head and found the exact correct size, but it felt kinda tight.....I know they shouldn't wobble around but how close fitting should they be??:)

Some one told me a good indicator for fit ( as long as its comfortable) was that the hat should fit well enough to move your eyebrows when pushed back ;)

you would also need to take account of how much padding it has as it poss that it will pack down a bit in time

[muzzy]

thank you for all your advice....My old hat is a one & a half...my head measures as exactly a two...but the two at my riding stable was too tight. Not sure if that was just cause they have some strange ones at my stables!! It kinda sounds like I should be going for the two though not the two & a half if my eyebrows need to move when the hat is pushed back!!;) :D

[muzzy]

Originally posted by Dice
That's probably the worst thing you can do knowing me, but until I hear anything different then it'll have to do! :p :rolleyes: :D

[snuggly_elf]

Muzzy- the old hat that I had but that I left up north was a two and fitted me perfectly. But the size two that I have now is tight around the temples and leaves a red mark on my forehead after riding for an hour. When I bought it the bloke pushed it at the side of my head and it felt great. He told me that it would mould to the shape of my head but seeing as I only ride once in a blue moon at the moment I don't know how long the moulding is going to take. All I know is that I can't ride for longer than an hour for fear of getting a headache! Also the two that fitted me perfectly was a two narrow. the one I have nopw is just a two as they didn't do narrow's in that make of hat. But hopfully one day it'll fit:D