Monday, October 5, 2009

Horseback Riding Lesson Apparel and Safety Equipment For Kids

If your child is going to take horseback riding lessons, then they are going to need certain clothing and safety equipment. Whether your child is participating in an English private horseback riding lesson, or a Western group horse riding lesson, safety equipment is of the utmost importance. In this article, you will learn what your child needs to be safe around horses and ponies.
The basic safety equipment needed includes boots, a helmet and riding pants. These can be purchased at a local tack store or online.
Horse Riding Boot Needs
You should always wear a good protective horseback riding boot whenever you are around horses. It doesn't matter if you are planning to ride or simply plan on a grooming session. Boots are important while you are on the ground to protect you in case a horse accidently steps on your foot. They are also important while riding, because they have a heel that keeps your foot from slipping too far into the stirrup causing you to get stuck. It's obvious that you don't want your foot to be stuck, if you were to experience a fall from a horse. So don't cut corners where an equestrian boot is concerned.
Paddock boots are typically the type of boot used for English horseback riding lessons. A paddock boot is a leather ankle boot that can either lace up or zip closed. These can also be used for Western riding, or a cowboys boots can be used. In English riding, tall boots that go up to your knees are not required for lessons and usually children do not start wearing them until they are over the age of 12 or so.
Horse Riding Helmet Needs
A helmet is probably the most important part of your child's equestrian wardrobe, because it protects the skull and brain. While a helmet should always be worn while riding, it can also be worn while on the ground as an extra safety precaution while being around horses. A schooling helmet is typically used for riding lessons. As the name implies, schooling helmets are only used for practice, not for horse shows. I personally like the adjustable kind. They have a little dial in the back that you can adjust to fit your head perfectly, so it doesn't fall down onto your forehead while you are riding.
Horse Riding Pant Needs
Long pants should be worn when riding horses. This is to protect the legs from rubbing against the saddle and horse. It can also protect the legs should your child fall from her horse or pony. If your child is taking English riding lessons, schooling tights or schooling breeches are usually worn. For Western riding, regular blue jeans are typically worn.
Once your child has been around horses for a while, their comfort grows, and there might be a tendency to cut corners. Don't allow your child to get too comfortable. You must always remind them to follow the safety rules, however much at ease they become around horses.
For more helpful horse related information, including horses for beginners, visit http://www.beginners-guide-to-horses.com

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