Jodhpur sizing and boots for beginner

[SweetApril]

Hi there. Could I ask for some advice for my almost 6 yo DD? She is about to start riding lessons and I want to buy her some cheapish 2nd-hand jodhpurs on ebay and possibly boots too. DD has had a few "try-outs" on a friend's pony and absolutely loved it so we're probably in it for the long haul but I don't want to fork out too much money at this stage.

So - jodhpur sizing seems a tad confusing. DD is very tall, slim but not skinny. She wears size 7-8 clothes. Her waist is 24" (including her little pot belly!). But most 24" jodhpurs seem to be for age 8-9-10 and the 22" ones for age 6-7. I want something in the middle. I read they're supposed to be quite tight-fitting. Are they usually very stretchy? Do I go for 22" waist and pour her into them or 24" and possibly a little baggy all around?

Also, does the style make a difference? On ebay I've seen all sorts - gymkhana ones, dressage ones, full-seat ones. Does it matter which for basic riding lessons? They just need to be cheap and cheerful but obviously don't want them to be uncomfortable or completely inappropriate for the purpose.

Finally, boots. Hoping to just use wellies for the first few times (if the riding school allow it) but what sort of riding boots are best? Long or short? Do they generally come up on the tighter side on foot and calf? Hoping to get these on ebay too but realise that might be more difficult.

And DD gets very cold feet. Would these be suitable for riding in on cold mornings or a complete no-no?

Thanks so much if you've read this far! I rode myself for many years but that was about 30 years ago and it seems the equestrian world has moved on somewhat!

[SweetApril]

Thought I'd just update this in case it helps anyone else out.

We bought Tally Ho jodhpurs for DD as recommended here - thanks issyocean! They have the drawstring waist which is brilliant. Went for 22R for a very tall, slim 6yo and they're a good fit with a bit of growing room in the length. Also a very reasonable price.

Also got some fantastic 2nd-hand boots which fit really well.

Thanks, everyone, for the advice.

[HindsightisaMarvellousThing]

My instructor likes a clearly defined heel on boots, so trainers and the like aren't good. I think you might be better off with wellies and sizing up, and fitting extra socks in for warmth.

From experience, muck boots are great now, but too hot in spring and summer, so I personally wouldn't go for these. Also, she will be riding around and sitting on a warm pony as well, lots of rising trotting should keep her warm.

[SweetApril]

Thanks, issyocean. I'll have a look at those.

Are yard boots/muck boots any worse than wellies for the first few lessons? I've got a bit fixated on how much warmer they look and they'd be good for the trek to school too. Got to replace DD's wellies anyway cos they got split so thought I might go for these instead. Any thoughts anyone? I know they're not suitable in the long term for riding in.

[issyocean]

Found them on ebay, brand called Tally Ho.

[issyocean]

Found them on ebay, brand called Tally Ho.

[SweetApril]

Oh, lots more advice and ideas. Thanks, everyone!

Anyone ever found jodhpurs in TK Maxx? They do have all sorts of random stuff.

The thicker Tesco ones are nice and may be the right size too but they're only in bright pink. Not sure DD would be too keen. She's gone through her pink stage (thank God!). Still I could do click and collect and try for size.

Drawstring waist? That sounds like a good idea. I'll have another look. I can't believe there are so many different styles. In my day there was one style either in beige or black.

[issyocean]

My tall skinny DD (also nearly 6) wears a 20R she prefers the one swith the drawstring waist.
She wears jod boots and half chaps (child sized small)

[SweetApril]

Emlu67 - We don't have a saddlery very nearby but I think I might ring the riding school and ask where the nearest one is. Is your DD average size for her age? If so perhaps 22" waist might be better for us too esp as my DD also has 22" inside leg. Thanks for the tips about colours! I hadn't even considered that. I didn't know that riding schools lend out boots. I'll ask them about that too when I ring.

Yeah, I saw that it said yard boots but they look so cosy!

Littlebigbum - Thanks for the Tesco idea. I'll have a look online. Do you mean dealer boots from Tesco too?
Do you ride in your mucker boots? DD just split her wellies right up the back but definitely not going for a fashion welly, more likely to be green Dunlop (poor DD!)

Hoping to borrow a hat and body protector from the school until DD is well established. Definitely won't buy 2nd-hand hat - well, not from ebay for sure.

[Floralnomad]

I'd go to Tesco direct or equestrian clearance ( online site) as you can pick up new stuff quite cheaply . Jodphur boots are probably better than long boots .

[HindsightisaMarvellousThing]

My riding stables sells second hand jodphurs and boots, so might your new one too?
Failing that I'd go and try some jodphurs on somewhere to check for a good fit or a preferred brand or get the Tesco cheap ones.. My DD is like yours - tall and slim, so the waists are usually too big.

For boots, check with the stables, but wellies with a defined heel (like Hunters) should be fine for the first couple of times riding.

[Littlebigbum]

Just checked www.bluepony.co.uk/Home they still sell stylo boots lol

[Littlebigbum]

Look at tesco direct as well as ebay it may be cheaper,gymkhana is fine, jophur boots of the market now called dealer boots, you can ask them to order the right side that way you can let her try them on. Then chaps if she still loves riding, think my leather ones were £30 and still look new.
An internet company I used is blue pony very good one thing I would say is Tesco jophur are thin great in the summer.
Cold feet are terrible so just buy a extra size up for 2 pairs of sock.
I live in mucker boots worth a look because if you pay £12 for fashion welly and they last a month which was all mine did from Mataland.
Pls don't buy a second hand hat of ebay.

[emlu67]

From my experience the fit can differ wildly so if you have a saddlery nearby it is worth a trip there to try on different makes and sizes. If not it is worth ordering from an online equestrian shop assuming that it is easy to return the unwanted ones. Some such as Gorringe come in different leg lengths as well and the fit is good, DD (8) wears 22" waist and Regular Leg (also 22"). Any colour is fine to start off with but for practical reasons I would avoid the white showjumping ones for the moment! Also canary/yellow/corn are generally only for Showing classes but biege ones are fine.

As for boots DDs instructor recommends short jodhpur boots for children rather than the long ones. Some riding schools lend them out. Again the fit varies a lot so worth trying some on if you can. DD wears Regent but has had to go up a size to get her foot in. She has tried others but most seem to be too wide and bulky fitting. I wear Dublin everyday short jodhpur boots which are a great fit and I think come in children's sizes as well.

The Woof Wear boots on your link are yard boots so not really suitable for riding.