What Your Child Really Needs for Their First Riding Lessons

When your child starts riding lessons, it’s tempting to head straight to a riding shop and buy every piece of kids riding gear you see. Go, by all means: riding shops are great fun and full of inspiration. But for that very first lesson, you probably have most of what you need at home already, or you can borrow it from a friend or the stable.

Here’s what we’ve learned about what’s truly essential, what can wait, and what you can happily skip.

1. Must-haves from day one

A properly fitted riding helmet
This is the one thing that’s non-negotiable: a helmet protects your child’s head if they fall. In my experience, most stables have helmets available for riders who don’t have their own for the first few classes, and the instructor can help your child find one that fits.

Do check this in advance, at least a week before the first lesson. Instructors are busy with lessons and horses, and aren’t always quick to reply.

Sturdy boots with a small heel
For a first lesson, your child doesn’t need real riding boots, but they do need sturdy shoes or boots with a small heel, and ones you don’t mind getting dirty. That heel matters: it stops the foot from sliding through the stirrup and getting stuck. Check your closet, ask friends, or ask whether the stable has boots to lend. And again: ask in advance.

Comfortable trousers
Fitted, stretchy trousers or leggings are enough to start. They should be close-fitting, and have no thick seams on the inside to prevent chafing or pressure points in the saddle. Avoid jeans with thick inner seams, which can rub.

2. Nice to have after a few months

Riding gloves
Whether your child needs gloves is partly personal preference. Some kids love the look (reason enough!), others want warm hands in winter, and some need them to protect their skin. My daughter got blisters and scrapes on her hands after her first few lessons, so we bought her gloves straight away. I got a pair too, but mostly because there was a dressage-themed day at the stable and I wanted to look the part. 💅

Riding leggings or jodhpurs
They’re more comfortable than regular trousers and give better grip in the saddle, but they can wait until you know your child is sticking with it.

A body protector
Some stables recommend or require one, for example for jumping. Follow the stable’s advice here.

3. Things you can skip in year one

You don’t need expensive jackets, show clothing or your own tack. As a beginner without your own horse, your child is unlikely to compete in shows any time soon.

I do see young riders with their own saddle pads, which they put under the stable’s saddles, their own halters or their own grooming sets. My gut says this is part of living their horse dream, and I love for them. But it isn’t necessary.

4. Buying second-hand

I love finding second-hand riding gear. I found beautiful Pikeur riding breeches for myself and lovely BR riding leggings for my daughter.

What I would never buy is second-hand is a helmet. You simply can’t know whether it’s been in a fall or damaged, even if it looks fine. Always buy helmets new.

Second-hand boots are a good way to start, ideally from a seller who lets you try them on. As your child gains experience, they’ll learn what feels right, and you’ll be able to make a better-informed choice when it’s time for a new pair.

5. Ask the stable first

Before you buy anything, check with the stable. They may lend helmets and boots for the first few lessons, and they may have rules of their own about what riders must wear.

People who work at stables are usually very busy teaching and caring for the horses, so ask well in advance. And don’t feel awkward about following up an email with a phone call.

Your first lessons checklist

Essential

• A properly fitted riding helmet
• Sturdy boots with a small heel
• Comfortable, fitted trousers

Check your country’s safety standards and any extra rules at your stable.

If it suits your child

• Riding gloves
• Riding leggings or jodhpurs
• A body protector, if the stable advises one

Just for fun

• Their own saddle pad
• Their own halter
• Their own grooming set

Not needed in year one

• Show clothing
• Expensive riding jackets
• Their own tack

Starting riding lessons yourself too? Read what I wish I’d known before my first riding lesson as an adult.

A printable version of this checklist is coming soon. Follow along on Pinterest so you don’t miss it.