8Yo & 6Yo Starting Horsebackriding....what Do I Need?

Hi,
Riding helmets are needed for sure, but you might use stables 1st if they are available, they can be expensive especially if you see your children aren't into hb riding after a few lessons. This way you are not out the $ if they don't like it. Be sure they wear long pants or jeans, shorts not the best since their legs may chafe in saddle. You may chk out a few local thrift stores to see if they have kids cowboy or riding boots, I see them periodically here. You measure the circumference of the head to find hat size I believe, I think you can google this. Have fun!

well when I took lessons we never wore helmets. so I'm no help there. But any boots will do and absolutely no shorts! since you didn't specify if it is english saddle lessons or western lessons it is a good idea to not spend money on much. I loved riding and still do although I don't get to much. all I ever wore was jeans boots and a tshirt.

although if it is at a stable they should be able to provide helmets. otherwise the kids bike helmets will work just fine.

I would say that the helmets are more important than the boots, some trainers have helmets at the barn. I don't know about where you live, but here in sonoma county we have used riding equipment stores where you can find good stuff.

Your kids will need helmets. Ask the instructor if they have helmets that you can borrow and if they can fit the helmets. Helmets are not that expensive (considering you are literally protecting the child's life).

Troxel brand helmets make a wide variety of styles of helmets, and they have some that are not very expensive (the lower end starts at $25 or $30). You should see if you can borrow the video "Every Time, Every Ride" from your local county extension or 4H office. A helmet designed for horseback riding really is best. A bike helmet is not designed to withstand the same stresses of impact in case of a fall. Troxel has sizing charts and additional sizing information on their website at www.troxelhelmets.com. Another brand of helmets are Lexington, I believe, though they are geared more for English (huntseat/dressage) riders.

Check with the instructor, also, regarding appropriate shoes and pants. Most will tell you, especially for the first lessons, that they don't need special riding boots at first, but you do need closed-toed, hard soled shoes, and will need to wear long pants. A t-shirt for the top is fine.

No earrings or jewelry, for safety, and make sure they use unscented soap/lotion/deodorant (and you too, if you're going to be at the barn) -- bugs & bees love scented stuff and are drawn to it.

Sunscreen, if riding outside. :)

I hope the kids love it as much as I did! I rode in a borrowed helmet for 3 years before I got my own helmet (helmets are definitely cheaper now than they were when I was a kid).

"Barn Boots" are cheap. They're rubber, with a liner, and cost about $20 each (you can get more expensive ones for 40-50 that have removable liners... but they're not really necessary). Barn boots are worth it (hands down) for 4 reasons: a) the heel - so your foot doesn't go through the stirrup causing you to break your leg and get trampled if you fall off with your foot through it... b) high boots give you a good grip with your calves, which is important for not falling off in the first place as well as guiding AND not getting chafed... c) they distribute the weight of the horse when you get stepped on so that your foot doesn't get cut or broken, just "Uh! Move Over!"... and d) they're water and yuck proof. There's no need to buy leather boots in the beginning, but they're great for later on. Personally I use Ariat paddock boots and leather half chaps... since I don't compete... I have no need for tall boots. But you don't really NEED anything more than barn boots... and they work as rain boots, pumpkin patch walking, etc.

HELMETS on the other hand are the single most important thing in riding safety. Riding helmets are sized like hats, and when you go into a tack shop the size is figured out by trying different ones on. They range from $25- $200 dollars. Talk with the Tack Shop people about pros and cons. I usually end up spending about $100 on helmets. But before you go out and buy... see if the stable has ones for borrow or rent. It's worth going to the tack shop though, to find out what size your girls are. Hairstyle matters in fit... so make sure you have their hair how they are ALWAYS going to be wearing it.

Breeches are nice, but not necessary. They're stretchy, have leather knee grips, and don't have seams to cause irritation & chafing.

Helmets are definitely a must and likely required for insurance reasons by the trainer. I am surprised, however, that they do not provide the helmets . . . I would check into that as well as any used ones they may have for sale.

Any boot with a heel will work to start. Good riding boots can get VERY expensive. I have actually seen decent boots that would work at Wal-Mart and such. Try to shoot for something with a narrower toe rather than wider so if they get thrown, it will be more likely that their foot will slip out rather than get caught in the stirrup - leading to broken/sprained ankles and knees. My daughter is at horse camp this week and forgot her riding boots at her dad's house nearly 3 hrs away. I found rubber boots with a heel (almost like mud boots) and a steel toe for under $20.

Good luck!