Horse Riding - Clothing recommendations!
You have located a stable and instructor and are prepared to start horse riding lessons, but what should you wear? Is it necessary to buy a lot of special clothing when you are preparing to begin horse riding? What do I really need? These may be common questions for a beginning horseback rider.
The one thing that is a must for every lesson or outing is a helmet. Your instructor should have helmets available if they are giving beginner lessons. Check with them to see if they are available, as this is the most important thing you should wear on all rides. This is for your own protection should you be thrown.
For your first couple of lessons, you should wear long pants; however, you may need to try different types of pants to see which feel the best and which will not cause you to have your legs pinched by the stirrup leathers. It may take a few different tries to find the pair of pants that work best for your horse riding outings.
When it comes to shoes, you should wear a shoe that is closed around your foot. Do not wear sandals or any other open toed shoe when horse riding. If your foot gets stepped on, you will be in a lot of pain, and you may not be able to walk for a while. You need a shoe with a heel to prevent the stirrup from sliding back onto your leg, causing your foot to slide the whole way through the stirrup. If this happens, this could spook the animal and cause it to take off, which could result in you being thrown. Therefore, boots are a better choice than sneakers when you ride.
Shirts should be tucked in neatly before you mount for horse riding. This prevents you from getting caught on any part of the saddle. You should also avoid shirts that button. They tend to catch easily on some saddles, which would be hazardous if you must make an emergency dismount.
If you are a woman and have long hair it should be pulled into a braid or other style that will not be a distraction to you while you are horse riding. Be sure bags are kept out of the eyes as well. Have your hair in a proper style before you put your helmet on.
If you find you really enjoy your horse riding lessons and want to continue your horse riding hobby, you may want to consider purchasing some gear. Buy your own helmet that fits you and makes you feel comfortable. Look for a helmet that does not move around on your head and that rests half way between your hairline and your eyebrows.
Gloves are a great idea for frequent horse riding outings. They prevent wear on your fingers, and help keep the reins from slipping out of your hands. A good pair of gloves costs anywhere from ten dollars to thirty dollars. Leather is your best choice. Chaps are another consideration if leg pinch is a problem. These can be a bit more expensive, but are worth it if you are frequently horse riding.
Remember that safety is most important when horse riding. Wear a helmet and closed shoes on every outing. Finally, take a couple of lessons, continue to learn and gain experience, and see if horse riding is for you before you purchase a lot of special clothing and equipment.