Horse Show Parenting

How to Dress Your Young Rider for the First Lesson

Dress comfortably and safely for a lesson, like this young rider

I remember sending my child off at a summer day care program for her first riding lesson. She didn't want to ride a horse, was scared of the whole idea, had no interest in horses. But something happened in that half hour lesson; her mount, an old barrel racer named Grapefruit, worked her magic, and our daughter fell under the spell of horseback riding. Ten years later, she's still spellbound.

What I don't remember about that unlikely first lesson is what we dressed her in. I do have pictures from later in the summer, by which time she was well-hooked on riding; she's clad in t-shirt, jeans and sneakers, wearing a helmet provided by the instructor. When she continued her lessons after the round of daycare-sponsored riding was done, our first clothing investment was a pair of boots.

If your youngster is wheedling for riding lessons, and you (like us) aren't sure what the proper dress for beginning riders might be, here are some tips to keep your child safe and comfortable.

For beginners, it's not necessary to invest in a bunch of special riding clothes. Whether starting out Western or English, what you're looking for is the most basic outfit that will keep your kid safe and comfortable.

First of all, protect your rider's legs. Shorts are not good riding apparel; kids should be dressed in jeans, long pants or English riding breeches if you have access to them. If your child has stretchy jeans with no inside seam, so much the better.

The advantage of riding breeches (pronounced "britches" if you want to appear to be in the know) is that they are of thick but stretchy material, and usually have knee pads of suede or faux suede that help the rider's knees grip the saddle, especially helpful in that skimpy English saddle. If your young rider seems to be interested in continuing in English riding, it's worth investing in a pair. But when kids are getting started, jeans are fine.

Although our daycare kids were allowed to ride in sneakers that first summer (they were all at the walk with handlers when they started) the best shoe for your beginning rider is one with about a one-inch heel to keep the foot from slipping through the stirrup. Sandals are definitely out; they offer no protection or support for the foot. Sneakers are not great, either. Cowboy boots are fine, as are most other kinds of sturdy walking boots.

A lace up paddock boot is also a good choice for riding; they are ankle height with a heel. On our Arabian show circuit, my daughter who shows Western still wears lace up paddock boots with a fringe at the bottom of the lace; under chaps they're just like lace up ropers.< p>As for shirts, dress according to the weather and location. T-shirts or tank tops are fine for kids, as long as they have sun protection if they'll be outdoors. Dress your child in a well-fitting shirt and pants. It's preferable not to wear big floppy shirts on horseback, and oversized pants may rub, pinch with a fold of fabric, or get in the way.

Girls with long hair should wear it back or up in a pony tail, and leave the jewelry at home--especially those chandelier earrings and dangly, jangly bracelets.

Helmets are required at most barns, and are recommended for safety. A barn will usually have helmets for beginning riders, but if your child plans to continue riding lessons you should get him or her a good ASTM/SEI approved riding helmet. How about a bike helmet, you may be wondering? Although bike helmets are better than no head protection, a child who will be riding regularly should have a helmet designed for horseback riding.

For winter riding, it's a good idea to wear layers. Your young rider will warm up as the lesson goes on and it's helpful to be able to shed a layer or two (and you, the freezing parent watching the lesson, can always put those discarded layers to good use!)