Horse riding is a fun and healthy activity that can be enjoyed by almost anyone. If you are interested in learning how to ride, it is important to prepare for your first lesson. This will help you get the most out of your experience and ensure you are as comfortable as possible during your riding lesson. Depending on the type of riding you intend to do, there are different clothing and safety considerations you should take into account before attending your first lesson. Each type of riding has its own specific set of required attire and protective gear. Whether you have been dreaming about riding for years or just recently decided to give it a try, learning how to ride a horse is an exciting experience. You will get to know more about animals and nature while also developing physical and mental skills that will stay with you for the rest of your life. There are many benefits to horse riding such as increased muscle tone, improved cardiovascular fitness, and strengthening of the rider’s core muscles. With these benefits in mind, let’s take a look at some things you should know before heading out for your first horse riding lesson.
Saddle and Strap Check
The first thing you need to do before heading to your first horse riding lesson is to make sure both your saddle and your stirrup leathers are in good condition. You don’t want to be riding on worn or loose stirrup leathers because it could be dangerous. It is important to replace your stirrup leathers every few years since they are an essential part of the horse riding experience. You can purchase new stirrup leathers at your local tack shop or online. If you already have leather stirrups on your riding boots, it is important to make sure they are adjusted correctly so they don’t cause rubbing and irritation. You can tighten or loosen the leathers depending on your riding experience and the size of the horse you will be riding. It’s recommended to wear loose stirrups when you’re first learning to ride because it will make the process so much easier.
Protection for Your Feet and Legs
Even though most horse riding schools require you to wear a protective boot or shoe, you should still be prepared to wear a pair of riding pants. The pants will protect you from scratches and abrasions, as well as help keep your pant legs clean. Horse riding pants are generally made of stretchy fabric that covers the entire leg, so you may want to consider getting a pair of riding chaps to protect your legs from the elements and keep them warm during colder seasons. Depending on the type of riding you plan on doing, you may also want to consider wearing protective gloves while riding. If you plan on doing Western-style riding, you may want to wear a pair of spurs, although this is not usually required when riding in a ring or indoor arena.
Horse Slippers and Boots
Depending on the type of riding you want to do, you may want to consider wearing protective riding boots or horse slippers. Wrapping your legs in plastic or covering them with a pair of plastic pants is another option. If you’re not sure which type of footwear is right for you, it’s best to talk to your instructor about the different options available to you.
Horse Attire for Western Riding
For Western-style riding, you’ll want to wear a long-sleeved shirt, a pair of chaps, a pair of spurs, and a pair of stirrup covers. If you plan on doing Western-style riding, you should also make sure you have a helmet to protect your head if the horse throws you off. Many horse riding schools require their students to wear a helmet, but you can purchase a basic protective helmet for less than $100. It’s also a good idea to wear a protective jacket under your Western-style clothing because it can get very cold when you’re outside in the winter.
Horse Attire for English Riding
For English-style riding, you’ll want to wear a short-sleeved shirt, a pair of riding pants, a pair of riding boots, and a pair of protective gloves. It’s a good idea to cover your hands in order to protect them from being exposed to dirt and other elements. You may also want to wear a scarf in the winter months to protect your lungs from cold winter air.
Conclusion
Now that you know what to wear for your first horse riding lesson, you are ready to experience all the benefits that come with this amazing sport! If you are ready to take the next step towards becoming a rider, check out online resources to find a riding school near you.