Returning to riding, your recommendations please

[UnderwaterBasketWeaving]

Hello,

I'm planning on starting some lessons after nearly 5 years off (never had my own, ridden other peoples horses etc on and off for... omg, 20 years! Never been "good"/competitive, just hacking etc)

I need a new hat, what would you recommend?

Also, have you any other recommendations? It'll be the first lesson in 10 years, a yard I've never been to before, and I'm not sure I'll be as confident as I was before I had DS.

Thanks!

Hi, I would recommend going to a shop and trying different makes as they are all slightly different in shape and some will be more comfortable for you than others. It's not really a case of saying "this is a good brand" and pointing you towards a website. The sizing can vary slightly too. I once tried on three hats in a shop that were supposed to be the same size and only one of them fitted .

You def need to go to a shop and get them to fit you - on a recent hat buying trip for ds the fitter tried 20 hats on him before being happy with the fit

Apart from the essentials like hat & boots I couldn't do without a good pair of gloves & welly warmers (I love my hunter ones..expensive but keep my feet toastie warm in coldest weather.

Plenty of radox salts for a good soak the next day. You'll ache like a goodun :-)

Ah yes, and Really Big pants. No lace, boy leg ones. And a sports bra

Second going in to a shop to try on several hats for an individual fit. Some hats fit well and others simply don't. And hour or so in a badly fitting hat will just give you pain/headaches.

A bottle of water for when you get off the horse and need to rehydrate .

Thanks all!

Some obvious ones I'd forgotten too!

I'm a bit worried about rocking up with all the gear and then flapping around like an idiot. But I suppose it'll have to be done!

Don't worry about that, Under it is just fashion, worry that your boots have a heel so you don't get dragged and a hat so your head doesn't get squashed.
And have loads of fun!
Ok I'm so going to come across as a cheap skate but, if you buy a children hat/helmet, they come down further. And no vat!
I wear helmet skull cap and some stable will only let you jump with them on now.
Ohh but your own yard will have it own fashion.
Ds just asked me what I'm doing told him I was on a forum 'said a lady wants to know what to wear for her first lesson after 5 years' he remarks clothes.

Went riding on holiday once and wore leggings, I won't do that again. The bruises were colourful!

LittleBig, that's what DH says!

I've got jods and lovely warm winter riding boots from before. (assuming I can still fit in the jods!) My hat got lost a long while back and I've no idea where my gloves are.

I also have a small head! I think my last hat was a kid's one!

What's the deal with body protectors? Back in the day I only saw kids or serious competitors wearing them. I'm not going to buy one right away, but what are your thoughts on them.

I have a small head too so wear a child's hat! Not worried though as they all look similar and it was a bit cheaper. The fitter tried loads on me before selecting this one and the fit is the most important thing.

I don't have a body protector but did buy one for DD, however now she rides for a professional schooling/showing yard she doesn't wear it. The adults and teenagers I know generally only use one for cross country and/or showjumping. I know that opinions will differ but then I am old and when I started we didn't even wear hats....

I'm another in a child's hat :-). I've never worn a body protector but I only hack. I make sure my 8 year old wears hers.& I wouldn't allow her to jump without it.

Yep I'm a childrens hat too. Much cheaper. Maybe some half chaps to support lower legs?

I've got some old but lush winter boots which should be operational. (And I didn't pay THAT much for them )

I'll leave off the bp until I achieve my dream of one day competing!

Thanks for your help, I was a bit nervous about popping into this section but you're all lovely!

Yeap I do have a body protector, mare is a bit lively. Gallop one fits me fine and I'm top heavy sure I didn't pay that much for it, need to be fitted shame no cheap ones off ebay! Do plan to get an airjacket plan to buy a motorcycling one as lots cheaper.
Tesco Jods are fine.
And enjoy it!