Taking up horse riding is a great way to keep active and have fun at the same time. It’s important to wear the correct equipment and if this is your first experience with the sport, to not break the bank if you find that it isn’t for you!
There are only two real essential items you need for your riding lessons. This is a well-fitting riding hat and a pair of boots with a small heel. Some riding centres can provide you with both but it is always best to check before hand. If they don’t, we have everything you would need to get you started to ensure you are comfortable and safe to begin your ridden adventures.
Riding Hats for Beginners
As a beginner, the style of riding hat does not matter. The main concern is that it fits your head as some styles are more suited to different shapes of heads. At Redpost we have fully trained hat fitters available to advise you on which hat will be best for your head shape and size. You can ask them in-store, call them on 01803 812040 or book online here.
You can’t put a price on safety, so as long as your hat is up to the current standards you’re good to go. If you are looking for a riding hat that is on the cheaper side, you may have to forgo the latest technology which is featured in some of the best riding hats but there are still many options available.
The Karben Valentina Riding Hat is a fantastic choice in equestrian headwear for all riders, with a beautiful central panel adorned with crystals, and eye-catching high shine panels. With a low profile fit, the hat is made from a lightweight material and equipped with carefully placed front and rear vents, plus a 3D mesh liner and CoolDry™ headband, which help to keep your head feeling fresh and cool.
The Charles Owen This Esme JS1 Pro Riding Skull Hat has been designed in collaboration with Esme Higgs, better know as This Esme, who is one of the biggest equestrian YouTube stars!
Made in the UK, this hat is lightweight and cool, equipped with 10 ventilation slots to keep your head feeling fresh throughout wear.
Riding Boots for Beginners
The type of boots you ride in is totally down to personal preference. Short riding boots tend to offer more freedom of movement in your leg and ankle which may be easier for beginners to learn to ride in as they feel less restrictive. These are best to be worn with chaps, gaiters or long riding socks to add some protection from chaffing whilst in the saddle.
The Rhinegold Comfey Classic Adults Jodhpur Boots are a great affordable option.
These are great value for money with a top quality leather upper design with traditional styling and moulded sole.
The Ariat Palisade Paddock Boots appears to be a fan favourite for short boots along with the corresponding Ariat Palisade Half Chaps.
These boots are a sensible and stylish choice for any equestrian looking for all-day wearability. With an attractive silhouette, elastic twin gore, and padded top collar, these boots are both fashionable and practical.
Made with a moisture-wicking lining, Duratread™ sole, and shock-absorbing built-in heel cushion, the features of these boots ensure you stay comfortable in the stirrups in a lightweight way.
Riding Gloves
Gloves may also be a good idea to take just in case, as it prevents rubs on your fingers and provides a sturdier grip for the reins. They are also great at keeping your hands warm in winter. Riding gloves are manufactured specifically for horse riding. They are generally stretchy, grippy and reinforced in the areas where you hold the reins, yet thin enough to be able to have a good feel of what you’re doing.
Body Protectors
A body protector is designed to absorb some of the shock of a fall and can often make an inexperienced rider feel much more confident. Similairly with riding hats it is advised that your body protector is fitted by a trained fitter. You can read more about body protector fitting here.
Riding Tights
Riding tights are great, multifunctional leggings which you can ride in, muck out in or work-out in. These are made from a thinner fabric than breeches or jodhpurs, which gives a rider a closer feel with the horse. They are generally lightweight and offer great freedom of movement. When starting out, you can choose any colour but we advise avoiding white, beige or cream as they are typically worn for competitions and hard to keep clean.
The Redpost Adapt Riding Tights are constructed from a spandex-blend fabric for ultimate durability and performance. With a super-soft feel, these supremely comfortable riding tights are designed to hug every rider with a close, flattering, and supportive fit. With a phone pocket on both sides, these tights are ideal for training, schooling, and hacking all year round.
The Legacy Full Silicon Seat Ladies Breeches would be a fantastic addition to every rider’s wardrobe, offering high levels of comfort at a great value price.
Perfect for both competition and every day riding wear, they have been crafted using high quality and technically advanced cotton/spandex/chinlon material to ensure optimum freedom movement, while still retaining a flattering fit.
And finally, we hope you have a great time! Our only caution is to be prepared to be covered in muck and horse hair every weekend from now on! We would love to see photos of your riding lessons so be sure to tag us @redposteq or #RideWithRedpost
