Riding boots are boots made to be used for horse riding. The classic boot comes high enough up the leg to prevent the leathers of the saddle from pinching the leg of the rider, has a sturdy toe to protect the rider's foot when on the ground, and has a distinct heel to prevent the foot from sliding through the stirrup. The sole is  lightly textured to avoid being caught on the tread of the stirrup. An riding boot is relatively low-heeled, with a heel of  about one inch , as it has always been critically important for riding boots to prevent the foot from slipping through the stirrup. Riding boots are also free of any buckles or side embellishments that may get caught on the stirrup. Proper footwear is key for riding. Rain boots or Snow boots are too thick and bulky for stirrups and may get caught in the stirrup. We sell riding boots in our barn store for $40 or you can also ask friends if they have a second hand pair, check on eBay or shop around other local tack stores for sales. Fashion boots that may be used for dress-up usually have too slippery of a bottom to allow the rider to hold their foot securely in the stirrup and usually have a side zip or embellishments that can get caught on the stirrup or not lay comfortable for the rider. A schooling pair of riding boots new should be around $35- $40 made of an imitation leather.

 A good Riding Helmet is another very important piece for  a safe and successful experience. When purchasing an equestrian helmet, riders should look for American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) and Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) certification. These certifications insure that the helmet complies with the basic helmet safety regulations. Helmets not certified by ASTM and SEI do not comply with industry standard and may offer sub-standard protection. Equestrian helmets are constructed differently from other safety helmets (bicycle and ski) as they are designed to protect more of the rider’s head while not interfering with sight or balance. They are specifically made to reduce penetration by blunt objects (such as a horses hoof) and to absorb some of the impact from a fall. Bicycle and ski helmets do
not provide the flexibility and safety offered by equestrian helmets. We sell  IRH brand  riding  helmets in our Barn store for $40 that are ASTM/SEI certified and they are adjustable to grow as your child does. You can also check your local tack store. The one thing that we do not recommend is buying a used riding helmet. Once a helmet has been dropped, stepped on or used in a previous fall the inner safety lining has been compromised and no longer is effective for absorbing the impact of a future fall.  It is very difficult to know the helmet's history and if it has been used in a fall or been banged around in storage in a garage or basement.

The correct Riding pants is important for a comfortable experience and don't necessarily have to be purchased from a riding store. Long pants need to be worn while riding to avoid the riders leg from  ticking to the leather saddles and causing discomfort or sores, so shorts or capris are not good for riding. Jeans can sometimes be uncomfortable and restrict the rider's movement. You can purchase schooling riding pants from our barn tack store or your local tack shop, as pictured below, or a simple stretch pant/legging that you may already own will work just as well. During Summer camp months, children can change into shorts after they ride. If your child enjoys riding and plans to stick with it, Riding pants make great gifts!

Riding gloves is an inexpensive purchase that can make learning to ride easy and enjoyable. Most riding reins are made of leather which can sometimes rub on the kids hands as they learn to hold the reins and control the horse's movements. A simple thin glove is great for protecting their hands and giving a better grip for  spring/summer/fall and in the winter months a lined glove is great for warmth (mittens or thick bulky ski gloves are not good). We sell an inexpensive riding glove in our store for $6 unlined and $8 lined for winter warmth, you can also check out your local tack shop. Gloves are optional and will be different for every rider.