| The first thing you should do if you have decided you | | | | However there is one piece of equipment a rider must |
| want to learn to ride a horse is to find a good riding | | | | wear from day one and that is the riding hat. This is an |
| school. All riding schools in the UK must have a licence | | | | essential piece of equipment which must conform to |
| issued by the local authority. This primarily focuses on | | | | current safety standards. Riding hats can usually be |
| the well being of the horses and ponies. | | | | borrowed or hired from most good riding schools. No |
| In addition, you can check with The British Horse | | | | riding school should allow you to ride without one. If |
| Society (BHS) and the Association of British Riding | | | | they do, you are advised to leave the school |
| Schools (ABRS). Both these organisations run | | | | immediately. Also second hand hats should be avoided |
| voluntary approved schemes which foucus on high | | | | as you will be unaware of the wear and tear the hat |
| standards safety, horse care and riding instruction. | | | | has endured and therefore may not offer proper |
| Riding lessons are obviously essential for someone | | | | protection. |
| who has never ridden before. First and foremost, they | | | | There are two main types of riding boots: Long boots |
| allow a beginner to enjoy horse riding safely and in | | | | that come up to the knee and jodhpur boots which |
| time, learn the correct skills. Even riders who have | | | | only protect feet and ankles. Beginners should ideally |
| been riding for years often benefit from lessons as | | | | ride in boots or at least, sturdy shoes with a small heel. |
| there is always something to learn and, of course, | | | | Trainers are not appropriate. |
| lessons can help eradicate bad habits that inevitably | | | | Jodhpurs/breeches are also ideal. They are flexible, |
| get picked up over the years. | | | | close fitting trousers that allow the rider freedom of |
| What To Wear For Your First Lesson | | | | movement while protecting the skin from chaffing. |
| In most cases, it would be a little premature, to go out | | | | Loose fitting trousers are almost certainly going to |
| to buy the wide selection of clothing and equipment | | | | cause chaffing to the beginner which can be quite |
| available to riders until you are sure riding is for you. | | | | uncomfortable. |