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The tack room

Discuss horse riding and ownership on our Horse forum.

Original poster

First riding gear

36 replies

Curleyhazel · 09/08/2013 22:45

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

OP posts:
Littlebigbum · 10/08/2013 00:20

Boots with a heel

Pixel · 10/08/2013 00:28

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.

Original poster
Curleyhazel · 10/08/2013 07:48

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?

OP posts:
CMOTDibbler · 10/08/2013 07:53

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 · 10/08/2013 08:01

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.

Original poster
Curleyhazel · 10/08/2013 08:07

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

OP posts:
Littlebigbum · 10/08/2013 15:47

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

burberryqueen · 10/08/2013 15:49

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

Butkin · 10/08/2013 16:34

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 · 10/08/2013 18:32

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 · 10/08/2013 18:34

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

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

Gilbertus · 10/08/2013 18:34

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 · 10/08/2013 18:57

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.

Original poster
Curleyhazel · 10/08/2013 19:56

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?

OP posts:
Original poster
Curleyhazel · 10/08/2013 19:57

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

OP posts:
Original poster
Curleyhazel · 10/08/2013 20:26

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?

OP posts:
Butkin · 10/08/2013 21:35

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 · 10/08/2013 21:47
Littlebigbum · 11/08/2013 08:42

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

Butkin · 11/08/2013 15:50

Oops well spotted Pixel - wellingtons of course Blush

cookielove · 11/08/2013 15:54

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

cookielove · 11/08/2013 15:56

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 · 11/08/2013 15:57

Tack Shop - Patchetts Equestrian Centre

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

VeryHappyMama · 11/08/2013 16:20

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...