Clothing and Equipment

It is not necessary to incur the expense of buying specific riding clothing to get started, but please take note of the following:

 

Riding Hats Adequate head protection is essential at all times when riding. Hats must conform to PAS 015 or EN 1384, and the chin strap must be correctly fastened. We provide hats to PAS 015 for hire for 50p. Hats should not be purchased second hand as they may be damaged.

 

Trousers Shorts are not suitable for riding. Trousers should be either close fitting and stretchy like leggings, or soft and loose fitting like track suit bottoms. Jeans with thick seams are uncomfortable. When you decide to buy jodphurs make sure they are not too tightly fitting and allow full freedom of movement. As children grow they will need to be provided with the correct size of jodphurs as outgrown jodphurs are too tight and prevent the rider from sitting correctly.

 

Footwear Substantial shoes or boots with a small heel are needed; they must be strong enough to protect the top of the foot in case of being stepped on by the horse when mounting or leading. When you decide to obtain riding boots, you may choose between short jodhpur boots, which are particularly comfortable in summer weather and knee length riding boots. The latter provide protection from mud etc. and many riders prefer them as they give extra support. It is important that riding boots fit well and are flexible at the ankles to allow the correct leg position to be adopted. Trainers are not suitable.

 

Gloves are essential for all riders, especially children to enable them to grip the reins securely. They should be well-fitting and knitted; leather gloves tend to slip on the reins and so are less suitable.

 

Outdoor Clothing Riding is an outdoor, all-weather pursuit so really warm, waterproof clothing is essential in winter. In summer, light clothing is suitable but for hacking many people prefer long sleeves which prevent scratching by overgrown vegetation on the common, and give protection from the sun.

 

Crops (whips) For lessons a long schooling whip is usually best; for hacking and jumping a short crop is correct.

 

Body Protectors Riding can be hazardous; the wearing of a body protector can reduce injury in the case of falls and being kicked; these are obtainable from good saddlery shops. These should be B.E.T.A. approved, class 3.

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