First riding gear

[Curleyhazel]

Dd is starting riding lessons soon and I wondered what basic gear I need to get for her. I guess a hat and body protector are essential but what else will she need to get started?

Also (and this is a bit silly) but she saw a girl at the pony club with a pink body protector. Does anyone know where I might find one? Tia

[Littlebigbum]

Boots with a heel

[Pixel]

BPs come in lots of colours and designs nowadays but you really need to check out where the best tack shops are in your area and have a look because your dd should have a proper fitting. The same with the hat. Don't fall into the trap of just ordering a hat the same size as a riding school or friend's one that she has borrowed unless it is the same make, they vary a lot. Different makes seem to suit different shaped heads!
And yes, boots with a heel essential.

[Curleyhazel]

Thank you.

Regarding shoes with a heel, would wellies with a heel work too? For example www.joules.com/Girls/Wellies/Jnr-Girls-Welly/Girls-Printed-Welly/Multi-Mix?id=P_JNRGIRLSWELLY|MULTIMX ?

What about a jacket or Gilets, can they be worn over a bp?

[CMOTDibbler]

If she doesn't have wellies, then just get her a pair of those for now till you are sure she likes it - a hat can be borrowed from the school.
Then get jodphur boots on ebay, and some jods, then after a few months of commitment (Christmas maybe) take her to be fitted for a hat and bp. They need to be fitted by someone who knows what they are doing as you need a really good fit

[EasterHoliday]

Jodphur boots in tiny sizes are more complicated than you think. the sizing is wildly idfferent between brands - the cheaper rubber ones come up absolutely ENORMOUS, several sizes out I'd say, and some of the leather ones we tried came up small. You'd need to try them on and then possibly hope to find similar on ebay. not easy if you need really small ones (we were trying to find size 8).
YOu might also want to get a little pair of half chaps to get a bit of grip on the saddle - you can get pink etc ones, i think the make is Tuffa.

[Curleyhazel]

Can anyone recommend a good tack shop in herts, beds or London?

[Littlebigbum]

www.pednor-rugs.co.uk/ in Chesham bucks if nothing closer turns up

[burberryqueen]

www.college-farm.co.uk/
hat, boots with heel, not wellies.
personally am not convinced you need a BP at that level.

[Butkin]

Getting measured for a crash hat that fits is the first essential. The colour of the "silk" to go on top depends on what she plans to do. Plain blue velvet may be safest (Pony Club etc) but they come in a great range of colours.

Body protector a good idea and again you need to buy one that fits and then she can see what range of colours. They are usually worn over normal clothes (tops/fleeces/jackets) but she could wear a wind cheater type coat on top in bad weather.

I think she'd be better off buying some sort of jodhpur boot or muck boot with a heel. Jod boots are very cheap and she can wear them for a variety of other things. Wellies are too clumbersome for riding and the extra width is not good in the stirrup.

[Gilbertus]

A good quality, well fitted hat (around 40) and a pair of jodhpur boots (around 30). I certainly wouldn't bother with a body protector until they are hacking out or jumping. Gloves are very useful and comfortable. Jodhpurs also.

[Manchesterhistorygirl]

Decathlon do good riding/mucking out boots for about £14.

They are also good for other bits and bobs like jods, etc.

[Gilbertus]

Wellies are positively dangerous IMO as they are so wide and clumpy they can get stuck in the stirrup. You can borrow a hat from the school and add bits as you go.

[Littlebigbum]

Honestly [Curley] she will probably do it once and hate it. Just worry about the boots and wait. County Shows are great for the latest fashions.

[Littlebigbum]

www.tesco.com/direct/tesco-jodhpur-boots-size-40/222-7545.prd

[Curleyhazel]

Ok, so jodhpurs and a fitted hat to start with and if she enjoys it get a fitted bp after a few months? Is it essential to try the jodhpurs on?

[Curleyhazel]

Thanks for the links, I'll check them in a moment.

[Curleyhazel]

How about these boots?

www.groomers-online.com/product.php/2018/buddies-jodphur-boots

They seem good value, would they do? If she wears a size 9 in canvas shoes, would a size 9/10 work?

[Butkin]

Great price and they will do the job - much better than willies and she'll get loads of casual wear out of them down the stables or wherever. Err on the side of caution as you can always wear thicker socks until her feet grow into them.

[Pixel]

[Littlebigbum]

The boots are cute, go big with thick socks. Can get cold at the yard.

[Butkin]

Oops well spotted Pixel - wellingtons of course

[cookielove]

There ia a fab one on the way to watford from park Street in Hertfordshire! I'll try and get the name

[cookielove]

I got my pink whip from decathalon in essexs, they have quite a good selection but you won't be able to get the specialist service a tack shop would offer.

[cookielove]

Tack Shop - Patchetts Equestrian Centre

The actual school is a bit poncy but the shop is fab!!

[VeryHappyMama]

Just had a quick read through sorry if it's already been mentioned but trousers without a seam (so not jeans) would be good and once she is into it a pair of jodphurs would be comfiest. I know some people ride in jeans but I find it v.uncomfortable...