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Five Parts:PantsTopsBootsHead gearAccessories

There are specific requirements for clothing to wear to riding lessons, for reasons of comfort, safety and good grooming. If your club, teacher or institution has not already made it clear what you need to wear, this article explains the basics, along with the reasons behind each choice.

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EditPart 1 of 5: Pants

  1. Dress for a Riding Lesson Step 2.jpg
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    Wear jodhpurs, breeches or leggings. If you don't have these, wear jeggings. The pants should be thick, with no rips, and comfortable. Wearing jeans may be uncomfortable for the horse and many jeans limit your range of movement, something you will need to have when riding. Take care if choosing leggings, many may not be thick enough. For horse shows, you will definitely need breeches.
    • Jennings or jeans are to be avoided. You need something that is both comfortable and very flexible, to allow you to feel the horse's moves and to move well yourself.
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EditPart 2 of 5: Tops

  1. Dress for a Riding Lesson Step 4.jpg
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    Put on a tee shirt for your base top. In colder weather, or for greater protection, also wear a long sleeved shirt which will cover your arms a bit more if you do take a tumble.
    • Some people prefer to wear duller colors so as not to 'spook' their horse but to each their own; the color is up to you. What is important is to avoid clothing that might "flap" about, as this has a potential to spook the horse.
  2. Dress for a Riding Lesson Step 5.jpg
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    You can wear a body protector which will protect you back and neck more if you should fall off. This is essential if you are jumping.
    • You will find body protectors in any good horse gear shop.

EditPart 3 of 5: Boots

  1. Dress for a Riding Lesson Step 1.jpg
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    Wear boots with a raised heel so that if your foot slips through, you don't get trapped. Its essential not to wear wellies or trainers when going to your riding lesson! You don't need to purchase real horse riding boots right away, or at least the first couple lessons. But as you consistently take lessons you must get them.
    • You can wear wellies to start with but if you get better and continue to ride, upgrade your footwear to proper shoes.
    • If you compete, wear short boots, while for everyday wear, use long boots.

EditPart 4 of 5: Head gear

  1. Dress for a Riding Lesson Step 6.jpg
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    If your riding school does not provide a helmet you must buy a riding helmet. This is essential and all riding schools should insist you wear a regulation helmet. Jockey skulls and the velvet silk hats are really good.
    • If you take a hard fall, the helmet should really be replaced. Hats are only designed to take one major fall. In some cases, the company might replace it for half price, or even for free.[citation needed]
    • Bike helmets are not good enough, they are too flimsy.
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    Wear your hair tied back. Loose hair can get caught and make it harder for you to see.
    • Choose a hairstyle that won't interfere with putting on the helmet and wearing it comfortably.

EditPart 5 of 5: Accessories

  1. Dress for a Riding Lesson Step 3.jpg
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    Put on gloves. While not essential, these can protect your hands and provide good grip. They can be leather, the pimple special grip ones or special horse riding gloves. They help with grip and in cooler weather, keep you warmer.
  2. Dress for a Riding Lesson Step 7.jpg
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    If it's cold, remember thick socks.
  3. Dress for a Riding Lesson Step 8.jpg
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    If it's windy and raining, remember a thick jacket and jumper otherwise you won't be able to concentrate on your riding!
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EditTips

  • Cover up. If you fall, a short-sleeve t-shirt won't protect you.
  • It also helps if you wear a body protector, just in case you fall off your horse.
  • Dress for the weather.

EditWarnings

  • Be careful when shopping for riding gear. Be picky and only expect the best quality.
  • Never ride without a proper riding hat. Most riding schools provide one for you.

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Categories: Riding | Articles in Need of Sources

Recent edits by: Formydogs2, Sarah-Beth Bradley, Leila

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