When you sign up your child for horse riding lessons, you will allow them to experience an adventure and maybe ignite a life-long passion in them for horses. But what kind of equipment do you need to buy for your child then?
Horse riding is very beneficial, it allows people to be more physically active, have contact with animals and meet more like-minded people. All this will have a positive impact on a child; children often count the days till their next riding lesson and just can’t wait to visit the stable and see their friends and favorite horses. Naturally, parents will start to wonder what their child needs for horse riding lessons – it can be especially tricky if there is no horse rider in the family. Check out our list to find out what is necessary and what can be bought as an extra accessory, e.g., as a birthday gift.
1. Horse riding equipment for safety
Equipment that will ensure the safety of your child is a must – it should be bought as soon as possible. The most important piece is a riding helmet. It should fit the child’s head nicely but without putting any pressure on it. The helmet should have a clasp under the chin. Some models are also adjustable – a great feature for growing children. Even though usually horse riding facilities provide helmets for lessons, it’s a good idea to get your child their own – that way you can be sure the helmet is in good condition, fits your child and has a good ventilation system.

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Another important piece of tack is a body protector, which protects the back in case of a fall and reduces the risk of injury. Abroad, body protectors are worn by many riders, however, in Poland, many people still refuse to wear them. Nevertheless, it’s a good idea to get a body protector as extra protection. A correctly fitted body protector won’t restrict the movements and in case of a dangerous situation might prove to be invaluable. You should only choose body protectors that are certified.

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2. Horse riding equipment for children that ride regularly
If your child wants to have regular horse riding lessons, then they will need some extra equipment. Riding breeches for children are very useful equipment as they will allow for a more comfortable seat, give freedom of movement and prevent any chafing. It’s a good idea to get breeches with a full grip as they will provide the best stability in the saddle.

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Riding boots for children are another essential tack for a regular rider – tall boots or jodhpur boots. Even if at first glance shoes don’t seem to have much impact on the rider’s comfort and any pair of shoes will do the trick, proper riding boots are very important – also for safety. Boots for riding should allow the rider to have a stable pressure on the stirrup and be narrow enough to easily slide out of the stirrup in case of an emergency. So, getting proper riding boots is extremely important. Spending time in the stable, in a pasture and training arena in different weather conditions, unfortunately, makes the boots dirty very fast – thankfully they’re easy to clean.

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Another useful piece of equipment are half chaps – protectors for legs. They will successfully prevent any abrasions from the saddle and make the rider more comfortable. They are a cheaper (and for many riders more convenient) alternative to tall boots and are worn with jodhpur boots. Many young riders also wear long riding socks instead of half chaps. Riding gloves are also a great piece of equipment that will allow the rider to have a better grip on the reins and prevent any abrasions.
3. Riding accessories that are ideal as a present for a child
Horse riding requires a lot of equipment and even if horse riding facilities have many of them – children are happier when they’re using their own equipment. The most popular equipment includes a set of brushes, saddle pads, halters, or horse shampoos – these are not part of the essential equipment list but will make a child happy. Remember to always ask the trainer for permission before using any of your own equipment on a horse.

