Horse Riding Equipment List: What You Need & What You Dont
Horse riding is a rewarding and fun sport that can bring you many benefits, both physical and mental. Whether you want to ride for pleasure, fitness, competition, or therapy, horse riding can offer you an amazing experience that will enrich your life.
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But before you hop on a horse, you need to know some basics about horse riding, such as what equipment you need, how to choose a good riding center, and how to ride safely and enjoyably. In this article, we will cover all these topics and more, so you can get started with horse riding with confidence and ease.
What is horse riding and why is it a great sport?
Horse riding, also known as equestrianism or equitation, is the art of riding or driving horses for various purposes, such as recreation, sport, transportation, or work. Horse riding can be divided into two main categories: English riding and Western riding, which differ in the style of saddle, tack, clothing, and techniques used.
English riding includes disciplines such as dressage, show jumping, eventing, hunting, polo, and racing. Western riding includes disciplines such as reining, cutting, barrel racing, roping, trail riding, and rodeo. There are also other types of horse riding that are influenced by different cultures or regions, such as endurance riding, vaulting, driving, saddle seat, Icelandic tölt, and Mongolian archery.
Horse riding is a great sport for many reasons. Here are some of the benefits of horse riding that you can enjoy:
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Physical benefits: Horse riding can improve your fitness, strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, posture, and cardiovascular health. Riding also burns calories and helps you lose weight. According to a study commissioned by the British Horse Society (BHS), just half an hour of horse-related activity can be classified as moderate exercise.
Mental benefits: Horse riding can reduce your stress, anxiety, depression, and improve your mood. Riding also stimulates your brain and enhances your learning, memory, problem-solving, and creativity skills. A study by the Tokyo University of Agriculture found that horse riding can improve cognitive abilities in children.
Emotional benefits: Horse riding can boost your confidence, self-esteem, discipline, responsibility, patience, empathy, and communication skills. Riding also fosters a strong bond between you and your horse, which can be very rewarding and fulfilling.
Social benefits: Horse riding can help you meet new people who share your passion and interest in horses. Riding also offers opportunities to join clubs, teams, competitions, events, or volunteer activities that can enrich your social life.
What equipment do you need for horse riding as a beginner?
If you are a beginner rider who wants to try horse riding for the first time or take some lessons at a riding center, you don't need to buy a lot of expensive equipment right away. Most riding centers will provide the essential equipment for both you and the horse that you will use. However, there are some items that you should have for your own comfort and safety. Here is a list of the basic equipment that you need for horse riding as a beginner:
Clothing: You should wear comfortable, breathable, and stretchy clothing that allows you to move freely and doesn't chafe your skin. Avoid wearing loose or baggy clothing that can get caught on the saddle or the horse's equipment. You should also dress according to the weather and the season, wearing layers that you can add or remove as needed. Some examples of suitable clothing for horse riding are:
T-shirts, polo shirts, or long-sleeved shirts made of cotton or synthetic fabrics.
Breeches, jodhpurs, leggings, or jeans that fit well and have minimal seams.
Socks that cover your ankles and prevent blisters.
Gloves that protect your hands from friction and cold.
A jacket, sweater, or vest that keeps you warm and doesn't restrict your movement.
A raincoat or poncho that covers you and your saddle in case of rain.
Helmet: As we mentioned before, a helmet is a must-have item for horse riding. It should fit snugly on your head, have good ventilation, and have a secure fastening system. You should always wear a helmet that is approved by a recognized safety organization, such as ASTM or SEI. You should also replace your helmet every five years or after any impact that may have damaged it. Some examples of good helmets for beginners are:
[Troxel Spirit](^1^), a versatile and affordable helmet that comes in different colors and sizes.
[Ovation Deluxe Schooler](^2^), a lightweight and low-profile helmet that has an easy-adjust dial fit system.
[Tipperary Sportage](^3^), a sporty and stylish helmet that has a high-density ABS material shell and a rear reflective strip.
Boots: You should wear boots that are designed for horse riding, as they provide the necessary ankle support and traction for your stirrups. They should also have a heel of about one inch to prevent your foot from slipping through the stirrup. You should avoid wearing boots that have too much tread, as they can get stuck in the stirrup and cause an accident. You should also avoid wearing boots that are too tight or too loose, as they can cause discomfort or injury. Some examples of good boots for beginners are:
[Ariat Heritage IV Zip Paddock Boot](^4^), a durable and comfortable boot that has a full-grain leather upper and a moisture-wicking lining.
[Dublin River Boots III](^5^), a waterproof and breathable boot that has a full-grain leather upper and a rubber outsole.
[Justin Stampede Western Boot](^6^), a classic and sturdy boot that has a leather upper and a rubber outsole.
How to find a good riding center near you?
Once you have the basic equipment for horse riding, you need to find a good riding center near you where you can take lessons, rent horses, or join other activities. A good riding center will provide you with quality instruction, well-trained horses, safe facilities, and friendly staff. Here are some tips on how to find a good riding center near you:
Do some research: You can start by searching online for riding centers in your area, using websites like [Yelp](^7^) or [Horseback Riding Near Me](^8^). You can also ask for recommendations from friends, family, or other riders who have experience with riding centers. You can also check out local directories, magazines, or newspapers that feature equestrian businesses.
Visit the riding center: Before you sign up for any lessons or services, you should visit the riding center in person and see it for yourself. You should look for signs of cleanliness, organization, safety, and professionalism. You should also observe the horses, the instructors, the facilities, and the equipment. You should ask questions about the riding center's policies, prices, schedules, programs, and qualifications. You should also ask for references from previous or current clients.
Try a lesson: The best way to find out if a riding center is right for you is to try a lesson with one of their instructors. You should choose an instructor who is certified by a reputable organization, such as [CHA](^9^) or [USEF](^10^). You should also choose an instructor who matches your skill level, learning style, and goals for horse riding. You should also choose an instructor who is friendly, patient, and supportive. You should feel comfortable and confident with your instructor and be able to communicate well with them. You should also ask for feedback and tips on how to improve your riding skills.
How to ride a horse safely and avoid common mistakes?
Learning how to ride a horse can be a fun and exciting adventure, but it can also be challenging and risky. You need to be aware of the potential dangers and hazards that can occur when you are on horseback, and how to avoid them or deal with them. Here are some safety tips and common mistakes that you should avoid when riding a horse:
Wear proper equipment: As we mentioned before, you should always wear a helmet, boots, and gloves when riding a horse. You should also wear a protective vest or body protector if you are doing high-risk activities, such as jumping or cross-country. You should also check that your saddle, bridle, girth, stirrups, and other tack are in good condition and fit your horse well.
Mount and dismount correctly: You should always mount and dismount your horse from the left side, using a mounting block or a helper if needed. You should never mount or dismount your horse while it is moving or in an unsafe area. You should also never pull on the reins, the saddle, or the horse's mane or tail when mounting or dismounting.
Hold the reins properly: You should hold the reins in both hands, with your thumbs on top and your fingers closed around them. You should keep your hands low, close to the horse's withers, and in line with your elbows. You should never hold the reins too tight or too loose, as this can confuse or irritate your horse. You should also never wrap the reins around your hands, wrists, or fingers, as this can cause injury if the horse pulls or bolts.
Sit in the correct position: You should sit in the center of the saddle, with your back straight, your shoulders relaxed, your chest open, and your head up. You should keep your legs long and slightly bent at the knees, with your heels down and your toes up. You should keep your feet in the stirrups, with the ball of your foot resting on them. You should never lean forward or backward, slouch, bounce, or grip with your knees when riding.
Communicate with your horse: You should use a combination of voice commands, leg cues, rein signals, and body language to communicate with your horse. You should be clear, consistent, and gentle with your commands, and reward your horse with praise or treats when it does something right. You should never yell at, hit, kick, or jerk on your horse's mouth when riding.
How to care for your horse before and after riding?
Caring for your horse before and after riding is an important part of being a responsible rider. It shows respect and appreciation for your horse, and helps prevent injuries and illnesses. Here are some steps that you should follow to care for your horse before and after riding:
Groom your horse: Before riding, you should groom your horse to remove any dirt, dust, mud, or debris from its coat, mane, tail, hooves, and ears. You should use a curry comb, a dandy brush, a body brush, a mane and tail comb, and a hoof pick for this purpose. Grooming your horse will also improve blood circulation, relax muscles, and strengthen your bond with your horse.
Tack up your horse: After grooming, you should tack up your horse with the appropriate saddle, bridle, girth, pad, and other accessories. You should make sure that the tack fits your horse well and is clean and in good condition. You should also check that the girth is tight enough to prevent the saddle from slipping, but not too tight to cause discomfort or restrict breathing. You should also adjust the bridle so that the bit rests comfortably in your horse's mouth and the noseband and browband are not too tight or too loose.
Warm up and cool down your horse: Before riding, you should warm up your horse by walking and trotting for about 10 to 15 minutes. This will help loosen up the muscles, joints, and tendons, and prepare your horse for more intense work. After riding, you should cool down your horse by walking and trotting for another 10 to 15 minutes. This will help lower the heart rate, temperature, and respiration, and prevent stiffness or soreness.
Untack and groom your horse: After cooling down, you should untack your horse and remove the saddle, bridle, girth, pad, and other accessories. You should check your horse for any signs of injury, irritation, or infection, such as cuts, scrapes, bruises, swellings, or heat. You should also groom your horse again to remove any sweat, dirt, or dust from its coat, mane, tail, hooves, and ears. You should use a sweat scraper, a body brush, a mane and tail comb, and a hoof pick for this purpose.
Feed and water your horse: After untacking and grooming, you should feed and water your horse according to its needs and schedule. You should provide your horse with fresh water at all times, and avoid feeding it immediately before or after riding. You should also give your horse some hay or grass to munch on, and avoid giving it too much grain or treats that can cause digestive problems.
Conclusion
Horse riding is a wonderful sport that can bring you many benefits, both physical and mental. It can also be a lot of fun and enjoyment for you and your horse. However, you need to know some basics about horse riding before you get started, such as what equipment you need, how to choose a good riding center, and how to ride safely and care for your horse. We hope that this article has given you some useful information and tips on how to get started with horse riding. If you want to learn more about horse riding, you can check out some of these resources:
[The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)], the national governing body for equestrian sport in the USA.
[The British Horse Society (BHS)], the largest equestrian charity in the UK.
[The Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA)], an organization that certifies instructors and accredits equine facilities.
[Horse Illustrated], a magazine that covers all aspects of horse care, riding, training, breeds, and more.
[Horse Channel], a website that offers articles, videos, quizzes, games, and forums on everything related to horses.
We encourage you to try horse riding and discover the joys and benefits of this sport. Remember to always wear proper equipment, choose a good riding center, ride safely, and care for your horse. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the ride!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions that beginners have about horse riding:
How old do you have to be to start horse riding?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as different riding centers may have different age requirements or recommendations. However, a general rule of thumb is that children can start taking lessons around the age of six or seven, when they have enough physical strength, balance, coordination, and attention span to handle a horse. Some riding centers may offer pony rides or lead-line lessons for younger children who want to experience horse riding.
How much does it cost to ride a horse?
The cost of riding a horse can vary depending on several factors, such as the location, the type of lesson or service, the duration, the instructor's qualifications, and the horse's quality. However, a general estimate is that a group lesson can cost between $25 to $50 per hour, while a private lesson can cost between $40 to $100 per hour. Renting a horse can cost between $25 to $100 per hour, depending on the type of horse and the trail or arena. Owning a horse can cost between $200 to $1000 per month, depending on the boarding, feeding, veterinary, and other expenses.
How often should you ride a horse?
The frequency of riding a horse depends on your goals, budget, availability, and fitness level. However, a general recommendation is that you should ride at least once or twice a week to maintain and improve your skills and your horse's condition. Riding more often can help you progress faster and build a stronger bond with your horse, but it can also be more costly and time-consuming. Riding less often can save you money and time, but it can also make you lose your confidence and your horse's trust.
How long does it take to learn how to ride a horse?
The answer to this question varies from person to person, as different riders have different learning curves, abilities, and expectations. However, a general guideline is that it takes about 10 to 20 hours of riding to learn the basic skills of walking, trotting, steering, stopping, and mounting and dismounting. It takes about 50 to 100 hours of riding to learn the intermediate skills of cantering, galloping, jumping, and trail riding. It takes about 200 to 500 hours of riding to learn the advanced skills of dressage, reining, cutting, or other disciplines.
What are some common horse breeds for beginners?
There are many different horse breeds that are suitable for beginners, depending on their size, temperament, personality, and suitability for different types of riding. However, some of the most popular and recommended horse breeds for beginners are:
Quarter Horse: The Quarter Horse is the most popular breed in the USA, and for good reason. It is a versatile and adaptable breed that can excel in many disciplines, such as western riding, racing, jumping, or pleasure riding. It is also a calm, gentle, and loyal breed that is easy to train and handle.
Morgan: The Morgan is one of the oldest American breeds, and one of the most elegant and graceful. It is a spirited and energetic breed that can perform well in dressage, driving, endurance, or trail riding. It is also a friendly, affectionate, and intelligent breed that bonds well with its rider.
Arabian: The Arabian is one of the oldest and most influential breeds in the world, and one of the most beautiful and refined. It is a lively and agile breed that can excel in endurance, racing, or show riding. It is also a sensitive, curious, and loyal breed that responds well to gentle and respectful training.
Pony: A pony is not a specific breed, but a term for any horse that is under 14.2 hands high. There are many different pony breeds that are suitable for beginners, such as Shetland, Welsh, Connemara, or Haflinger. Ponies are generally sturdy, hardy, and easy to care for. They are also usually docile, patient, and fun-loving. They are ideal for children or small adults who want to learn how to ride.
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