Where do I buy the riding gear my 8 year old dd needs?

[follygirl]

Hi,

My dd has just started riding lessons and has the bug pretty badly. I used to ride a lot when I was younger (eventing) but as it's a long time ago (20 years) things seem to have moved on.

I know it's worth spending the money on a decent hat. Are tesco jodphurs okay or should I splash out for ones which are £20 or so? I always had long boots but do you think jodphur boots are better? Which are the cool brands now? I've seen a lot of Harry Hall stuff but is the quality good?

When I rode we didn't have body protector things, but do all the kids wear them now? I'm assuming she only needs that once she's jumping or going on proper hacks though?

It all seems a different world to when I rode!

My dd (8) has jods from ebay (£10), tesco jodphur boots (£20), and the cheapest hat in the tack shop (£45).
And I dont believe kids need body protectors until they start properly jumping, although a lot of the children at dds riding school do wear them. (and tbh I dont even bother when I am jumping, but that is my choice).

At that age they grow so quickly so I dont think it is worth spending excessive amounts on boots and jods, just make sure you buy a hat with a kitemark on it.
We always buy navy jods and jod boots so they can be handed down to ds when dd outgrows them.

Tesco fine here too! Also had stuff from on-line shops as not bothered about brands. Ebay was good for selling stuff that was too small. My DD prefers the jodphur boots, some wear wellies and others have long boots.

jod boots are best - I buy from ebay for ds, and any jods. I'm a big believer in body protectors though, and they need to be properly fitted. And she needs one once off lead rein tbh - accidents can happen anytime as I know only too well.

Hi, I've got a pair of Tesco jods, had them years and they are my comfiest pair so I reckon they are fine! I really like Harry Hall stuff too, my jacket has seen about 8 winters and still washes well and looks like new, I have my own horse so it's had some harsh treatment. I usually get their hats as they seem to suit the shape of my head but your dd will need to find out which ones are best for her. Body protectors always a good idea but need to be properly fitted.

Oops, typed a reply and forgot to post before I went off to sort ds out, didn't realise everyone had said the same as me.

Hat from local tack shop, clothes from Tesco. And yes, DD wears a body protector - she fell off heavily when on a lunge rein(!) and I was rather pleased that she had the protector on then.

Robinsons is an online shop or equestrian clearance - both quite cheap

Tesco
Countrywide
Robinsons
Wouldn't wear wellies in case foot gets caught in stirrup. Ouch! Short boots. Kids chaps to protect lower legs?
GOOD professionally fitted hat.
Hope she enjoys!

I just go to our local saddlery and buy stuff

I am now going to look at Tesco

DD's have a hat each, body protector (paranoid mum who fell of badly here) joddy boots, jods - although DD2 prefers leggins to ride in and DD1 also has a hoody with the yard name on

Champion scull cap from any tack shop - they are roughily the same price. You will need to buy a silk to go on it though. Some children now prefer to wear the scull caps that come in various colours with vents etc - what I classify as Showjumpers helments. You do save on the cap cover.

We usually buy whatever everyday jods are well priced at the various horsey events we go to. We got a pair of purple/pink ones for 15 quid at Burghley on Saturday for her. For showing we buy canary ones from Showing Selection but that is a different matter all together!

We love Harry Hall - I wear their jods - really good everyday brand.

Boots are a matter of choice but at her age definitely ankle height and not long boots. Loads of different brands (DD has Ariats but there are much cheaper ones) out there now. She could wear them with half chaps or special thick/long riding socks.

DD always wears a back protector. Lots of threads about them in The Tack Room. DD loves wearing her Rodney Powell with a zip up the front.

Wow thanks for all the replies!

We do have a saddlery shop near us so we'll go there for the hat and maybe the boots too.

Thanks for the advice about protectors. I will have a look at those next.

It's all so exciting. Her face lit up when she was on the pony. It reminds me of how I was at her age.

Just thinking that we are going into winter, can I recommend the Woof wear boots - they are warm in the coldest and wettest of weather, so might help her in the manky weather.

Hi

Cheap jods. are excellent, but only get one pair, my dd prefers thick leggings. Hat is important, a skull type one is great with a snazzy cover on, dd has a couple and they are cheap presents for aunts etc.

We got a great pair of short jod. boots, which I prefer especially for the summer, they are rubber and only cost about £10 from Robinsons. I am not paranoid about her messing these up around the yard, or getting them wet, as I would be with leather ones. If your dd is starting out riding over the winter, long boots may be more practical and do help with leg position too.

Oh, I forgot to say, we just got a body protector, dd started doing faster work recently and riding out. Personally, I think they are incredibly expensive £70!!!, but I feel happier and strangely enough, it seems to have improved her riding!!!! ???????

Equestrian clearance. Com are great!

Another one who uses equestrian clearance

Decathlon do decent quality kit (for the price), if you have a branch near you. I imagine Lidl kit is worth a try, too.

I have picked up Jodpurs on Ebay & in charity shops, too. DD rides wearing BMX gloves.

I'd never put a beginner in long boots, I think they're more likely to do that flappy kicking thing in long boots than in short ones. Tesco jods are fab, I got some vaue ones once which were GD's favourites for ages.

Thanks for all the advice. We went to our local saddlery on Saturday where she had a hat properly fitted. It looks enormous on her head! Shows how things change in 20 years.

We also bought jod boots and some jodhpurs there. She's so skinny and small that some of them flapped around her tummy and looked terrible but we got a lovely pair from Legacy which were in two colours of blue.

She was so excited that she got changed in the carpark as she wanted to surprise my husband and son.

She is counting down the days until her next lesson.

Love your DD's excitement Follygirl!

Hi, glad to see this thread as I also need to buy riding gear for my dc. So, the Tesco boots etc - are there Tesco stores which sell riding gear, or must you order it online? Also, if I may, IYE how long do body protectors tend to fit dc before the are outgrown? Thanks!

Holo outgrowing body protectors probably depends on age. DD outgrew her first body protector after use from 3 to 7. Her current Rodney Powell has lasted her from 7 and she is now 9 and we think it'll last next year or two as well if we alter the back velcro. I can still fit into my one that is 15 years old.

Just wanted to add that the Aldi/Lidl riding stuff is good too. I think riding stuff is due soon. If you have a local one, sign up for e-mails of latest offers.

2 pairs of jods were £8 last time, were fab.

Also good is the thermals. Remember winter riding being vair chilly.

Thanks! Need to buy stuff this weekend...