A Shopping List for the Equestrian Parent

Your child is interested in the world of horseback riding… How exciting! At The Cheshire Horse, we love guiding aspiring young equestrians (and their parents) through the process of selecting their first riding apparel and equipment. If you are new to horses, we’re here for you, to assist in outfitting your child for every occasion whether it be their first lesson, the first day of horse camp, or their first horse show.

Beginning Riding Lessons

For your child’s first riding lesson, they will need a few pieces of equipment. Be sure to speak with the riding instructor when setting up the lesson, as they may provide these essential pieces or have specific requests for riding attire.

First and foremost, your child will need a well-fitting equestrian helmet. These helmets are designed to protect the skull and brain from concussions, lacerations, contusions, and TBIs (Traumatic Brain Injuries) in the event of a fall. It is important to purchase an ASTM/SEI certified horseback riding helmet because bicycle helmets are not held to the same standards and will not provide the same level of protection.

For beginner equestrians and rapidly growing children, we often recommend helmets with an integrated dial-to-fit system. This innovative design allows the helmet to literally grow with your child. The Troxel Spirit Helmet and Ovation Schooler Helmet showcase this technology at an affordable price. Learn more about purchasing a helmet and selecting the proper size on our blog post, Fitting Your Riding Helmet. Make sure that you do not store the helmet in the care between lessons, the extreme heat will cause the protective foam to degrade.

Boots with a smooth sole and a small heel are also mandatory any time that your child is around horses. The thick leather or synthetic materials will protect their toes from errant horse hooves that may accidentally step on them. The heels of the paddock boots or Western boots prevent your child’s foot from sliding through the stirrup. Many beginner equestrians turn to economical synthetic paddock boots, such as the Saxon Syntovia Kids’ Zip Paddock Boot, which offer comfort and foot protection without breaking the bank. As your child advances, you may want to invest in leather paddock boots, like the Ariat Kids’ Scout Zip Paddock Boot, for extended longevity. Generally, young riders do not wear tall riding boots until they are 13 years old or competing in higher level competitions.

Have your child wear a pair of leggings or snug-fitting flexible jeans for their first horse experience. This will help to minimize chafing and keep them comfortable over the duration of their ride. 

Becoming An Equestrian

After your child has a few riding lessons under their belt and is excited about their foray into this incredible sport, you will want to make a few additional purchases. These will keep your child safe and comfortable as they learn new skills and spend more time in the barn and in the saddle.

A pair of riding tights or riding jodhpurs helps to prevent painful rubs on the inner knees and legs from the stirrup leathers. These specialized riding pants feature silicone, microsuede, or synthetic padding on the knees to amplify the rider’s grip. The slim cut of the pants also minimizes chafing and keeps the tights properly positioned. Look for machine washable riding tights and jods, such as the TuffRider Kids’ Ventilated Schooling Tight or the Ovation Euro Melange Jod, in a technical fabric that wicks sweat away from your child’s skin. We also carry winter riding tights that are insulated for cold weather riding. If your child is old enough to wear tall boots, they will need riding breeches, like the Ovation Euro Melange Kids’ Breech, which are specially designed to fit comfortably under the boots.

For even more comfort and stability in the saddle, consider a pair of half chaps if your child is wearing tights or breeches. These are leather or synthetic leather leg covers that wrap around your child’s leg from the knee down. They help the rider develop a proper leg position as they are able to focus on their equitation instead of fighting with their equipment. Half chaps are commonly used for schooling and riding lessons, especially with young hunter/jumper, dressage, and event riders. Many young riders appreciate the Dublin Kids’ Easy-Care Half Chaps.

Protect your young rider’s hands when riding, grooming, and working around the barn with a pair of quality riding gloves. Many of these equestrian gloves have padding and reinforcements between the fingers to maximize the grip on the reins and reduce the likelihood of blisters. The TuffRider Kids’ Performance Riding Gloves are perfect for little hands who are just learning how to handle the reins.

For additional impact protection, many parents outfit their young equestrians in safety vests or protective vests. These padded vests cushion the spine, rib cage, and vital organs in the event of a fall, while not restricting their movement in the saddle. The Tipperary Youth Eventer Vest is a popular choice for many junior riders.

For grooming and barn chores, it makes sense to purchase a pair of waterproof muck boots. Designed to get dirty, they will keep your child’s feet comfortable and dry during even the messiest days at the barn. Wearing muck boots for dirty work, such as the Bogs Kids’ Classic High Handles Boots, also helps to extend the life of your child’s paddock boots. 

Finally, help your child store all of their new equestrian equipment in a corresponding bag or backpack. These equestrian bags make it easy to transport boots, gloves, and helmets to the barn.

First Horse Show

Many young riders have competitive aspirations, and, after becoming comfortable in the saddle, will want to begin attending horse shows. Generally speaking, the show ring attire will depend on the level of the horse show you are attending as well as the discipline that your child rides. We recommend that you work closely with your child’s riding instructor to determine what they would like your child to wear.

For young hunter/jumper riders, a dark-colored helmet is best. If your child’s current helmet is brightly colored, we carry helmet covers to help you maximize their current equipment. Depending on the length of their hair, they will either need a hairnet or bows to keep their hair neat and tidy.

Just like at their riding lessons, your young rider will wear clean paddock boots (preferably black or brown) and jodhpurs (classic tan is best). Garter straps, the Camelot Quik n EZE Garter Straps are popular and convenient, and jodhpur straps will also be worn to keep the jodhpur pants properly positioned. If your little equestrian is riding in a schooling show, they can simply wear a nice polo shirt or sweater. For larger shows, they will need a show shirt, such as the Ovation Ellie Kids’ Tech Show Shirt, and a show coat, like the RJ Classics Kids’ Hampton Show Coat. Finish off the show-ring-ready look with a pair of black gloves. The overall goal of this attire is to have your child look professional and workman-like with tidy and well-fitting clothing.

Heading to Camp

Over the summer months, riding camp is an exciting way for your child to spend time with horses, ponies, and other aspiring equestrians. Prepare for long hours in the sun by outfitting your child in a sun guard shirt. These comfortable shirts protect against the harmful effects of the sun while wicking sweat away from your child and helping to keep your child cool.

Spending more time in the barn means that your child will need to safeguard against the sun and biting insects. We carry a full selection of natural fly repellent and sunscreen products from a local Gilsum, NH, company, Badger. They pride themselves on manufacturing high-quality and effective organic products that do not utilize harmful chemicals.

Make laundry for the week easier by purchasing a few additional pairs of practical yet stylish riding tights. At their reasonable price point, it makes sense to purchase several pairs. Let your child pick out their favorite colors or patterns for an added dash of fun.

Young equestrians love caring for horses. Send them to camp with a grooming kit so that they can dote on their favorite pony. To make it easy, look for a complete grooming kit package that contains everything you need to properly groom your horse. The Roma Pony Grooming Kit includes a curry, hoof pick with brush, mane and tail comb, dandy brush, and soft body brush, all packaged in a convenient plastic zipper bag.

Help them tackle their own hair and tame their manes with an equestrian ponytail holder or equestrian barrette. These fun accessories add an equine-inspired accent to any outfit and are perfect for displaying their passion for ponies at camp, at the barn, or at school.

Staying hydrated over the course of the day is imperative. Fill a large water bottle and encourage your child to drink at set intervals; chances are they will be too busy having fun to feel thirsty. Double-walled insulated tumblers keep beverages cold all day long, even during the hot summer months. The YETI Rambler Bottle is popular among equestrians of all ages!

Last but certainly not least, be sure you pick up a bag or two of horse treats. After a great ride, a tasty treat is a great way to say “thank you!” And, as equestrians will attest, the way to many horses’ hearts are through their stomachs, so you can help your young equestrian make some fast four-legged friends!

The fact of the matter is horse-crazy kids love to receive equestrian gear and equine-inspired gifts. When in doubt, a horse book for young riders is always a perfect fit… Horse Fun: Facts and Activities for Horse-Crazy Kids and Riding for Kids are perpetual favorites. If you are searching for the perfect holiday or birthday gift, consider shopping at your local tack shop for unique options. 

At The Cheshire Horse, all of our sales staff are active equestrians who remember the joys of learning to ride. We are always available to assist you in making your purchases and answer all of your questions. Welcome to the world of horseback riding!