| As you look over the shopping list provided by your | | | | you safe and comfortable. |
| trainer for your very first horseback riding lesson, you | | | | Protect Your Feet With Riding Boots |
| may feel a bit overwhelmed. There are more products | | | | Let's face it, horses are big and they are heavy. |
| to choose from than you could possibly have imagined, | | | | Anyone whom a horse has stepped on can tell you |
| whether you are shopping for equestrian riding clothes | | | | that the possible damage to your foot is well worth |
| for yourself or for your child. The key points to focus | | | | preventing. There are even some horses who, when |
| upon when shopping for equestrian riding apparel are | | | | they feel something uneven under their hoof (such as |
| durability, style and comfort. Each article of equestrian | | | | your toes), will lean even harder, despite your frantic |
| riding clothing has a specific purpose. Understanding | | | | efforts at shoving them away. Properly fitted riding |
| that purpose will help you make more knowledgeable | | | | boots, whether tall or short or in the form of paddock |
| purchase decisions, resulting in greater satisfaction and | | | | boots, will protect your feet from these risks while |
| a better riding experience. | | | | ensuring a secure foot position within the stirrup. |
| The basic articles of equestrian riding apparel include | | | | Well-made riding boots also provide you with a clear |
| boots, a helmet and jodhpurs. These items will protect | | | | line of communication with your mount. Your heel will |
| you from injury while providing you with the necessary | | | | be far more effective at moving your horse where |
| freedom of movement and close contact you will | | | | you want him to go if you are wearing a hard-heeled |
| need to become a skilled rider. There are several | | | | riding boot. Leave the sneakers in your car. They have |
| other articles of equestrian riding apparel that will go a | | | | no place at the barn - ever. |
| long way to protect your body and provide you with | | | | Never Ride Without An ASTM/SEI Approved Riding |
| comfort. These include thick socks to prevent blisters, | | | | Helmet |
| a good pair of riding gloves for when you are | | | | Just as bicycle and motorcycle helmets are tested for |
| mounted, a pair of work gloves to prevent rope burn | | | | their effectiveness, horse riding helmets are put |
| when working with horses on the ground, a crop that | | | | through a grueling series of tests deigned by The |
| fits comfortably in your hand, a fitted riding shirt and a | | | | American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) |
| bag to carry everything in as you travel from home to | | | | and conducted by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI). |
| the barn and back again. | | | | Always ensure that your riding helmet is ASTM/SEI |
| Shopping For Style And Fit | | | | approved and that the retention harness is secure. |
| Being new to riding, you will not be familiar with the | | | | Never buy a used riding helmet, as there is simply no |
| different brands of equestrian riding apparel available | | | | way to guarantee its protective integrity. |
| on the market today, so stick with the most popular | | | | To determine the proper size riding helmet, use a tape |
| brands, such as Equine Couture, Tuffrider and Goode | | | | measure around the widest part of your forehead. |
| Rider. These brands have a proven track record and | | | | Use this measurement, in inches, to determine the |
| you are sure to get your money's worth and a good | | | | proper size helmet from the manufacturer's sizing |
| fit. Your riding breeches can be high or low rise, pull on, | | | | chart. There are added features available to make |
| or front or side zippered. The most important factor in | | | | riding helmets more comfortable. These include |
| selecting your equestrian riding clothes is that you must | | | | ventilation strips and moisture-wicking panels. |
| be able to move freely while maintaining close contact | | | | The more comfortable you feel, the better you will ride. |
| with your horse. | | | | Everyone feels nervous the first few times he or she |
| Riding shirts and jodhpurs provide the flexibility you | | | | rides. It is a thrilling experience to mount and manage |
| need to ride well, far better than any clothing from | | | | an animal as large and powerful as a horse. Wearing |
| home ever will. Loose or baggy clothing should never | | | | the appropriate equestrian riding apparel and an |
| be worn while riding due to the increased risk of | | | | approved riding helmet will assist you in feeling and |
| snagging or chaffing that can occur with casual attire. | | | | riding your best, today and for many, many years to |
| High quality, equestrian riding apparel will make your | | | | come. |
| riding experience far more productive while keeping | | | | |