| Children's riding apparel has a major impact on their | | | | Materials (ASTM) set standards of safety for riding |
| ability to ride safely and effectively. Traditionally, | | | | helmets and the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) |
| equestrian riding apparel has consisted of jodhpurs, or | | | | conducts the necessary tests to determine if a |
| riding breeches, tall boots or paddock boots, a riding | | | | specific brand of riding helmet meets that ASTM |
| helmet, a riding shirt, and a jacket. Certainly, a jacket is | | | | standard. Approved riding helmets display an ASTM |
| not necessary for your child's riding lessons, but the | | | | SEI sticker on the inside. ASTM/SEI approved riding |
| other articles of equestrian riding apparel should all be | | | | helmets are thicker, have better padding and a safer |
| considered necessary for a variety of reasons, safety | | | | harness system than unapproved riding helmets. |
| being the most important. | | | | Basic riding helmets incorporate all of the innovation, |
| Riding apparel for children is designed with safety and | | | | design, and technology available on the market today. |
| comfort in mind, with just enough added whimsy and | | | | You can go one step further with riding helmets that |
| color to make it fun for your kids. Your child's | | | | feature the Advanced Technology Dial-Fit System that |
| equestrian riding apparel will protect their fingers and | | | | allows you to customize the helmet by hugging the |
| toes from injury, help them to maintain contact with the | | | | back of your head reducing the tendency of the |
| horse, and prevent their feet from slipping out of the | | | | helmet to shift forward or backwards when riding. The |
| stirrups. The most important article of children's riding | | | | Dial-Fit-Feature provides for a perfect fit that will |
| apparel is an ASTMF/SEI approved riding helmet. As | | | | protect young riders as it wicks away moisture. Look |
| parents, we all want our children to be safe and happy. | | | | at things like air flow, padding, and adjustability. If your |
| The appropriate children's riding apparel can help do | | | | child needs something more lightweight, you can try the |
| just that. | | | | Air-Light riding helmet. The Air-Light riding helmet offers |
| Breeches and Jodhpurs | | | | a flexible visor and air vents. This riding helmet also |
| Riding pants have remained virtually unchanged for | | | | features the Dial-Fit System for greater comfort and |
| centuries, except for the materials used to make them, | | | | fit. |
| and for good reason. Riding pants must be snug in the | | | | Tender Toes Need Protection, Too |
| lower leg to allow for contact with the horse and more | | | | As anyone who has ever been stepped on by a |
| flexible in the seat to allow for freedom of movement. | | | | horse can tell you: it hurts. Young riders need the |
| Modern stretchable materials have made riding | | | | protection of paddock boots, whether on the ground |
| breeches, or jodhpurs, far more comfortable, | | | | or sitting astride a horse. Children's equestrian apparel |
| breathable, and easier to get clean (and thank | | | | is made specifically with young riders in mind. You can |
| goodness for that!). | | | | purchase paddock boots or short boots for your |
| Baggy clothing should always be avoided around | | | | young, novice rider unless they plan to enter the show |
| horses and riding in shorts is never a good idea. | | | | ring. In that case, they will need tall boots. |
| Pinched skin never feels good and falling from a horse | | | | Regardless of the type of riding your child will be doing, |
| because of baggy clothing that catches on something | | | | their footwear must provide toe protection, arch |
| can mean a trip to the hospital. Properly fitting | | | | support, a non-skid sole, and a liner that will absorb |
| equestrian riding apparel allows freedom of movement | | | | moisture and prevent blisters. Well made riding boots |
| and good contact, making riding lessons safer and | | | | will help keep your child's foot from slipping out of the |
| more constructive. | | | | stirrup, thereby preventing a fall. |
| Jodhpurs come in several styles, with either a | | | | Stay Safe with Chaps and Gloves |
| traditional waist or a low rise waistband. Jodhpurs can | | | | Chaps are not just for motorcycle gang members. |
| be front zip, full seat, pull on, or side zip style. The most | | | | Chaps and half chaps provide protection from chafing |
| important things to look for when shopping for | | | | and better contact with the horse. Generally, children |
| children's riding apparel are fit and comfort. This is not | | | | wear half-chaps over their jodhpurs, which will only |
| something you want your child to "grow into". Children's | | | | cover the lower half of their leg. Gloves are another |
| riding apparel must fit properly to be safe. You can | | | | article of safety gear that should be found in their |
| add to your child's delight with children's riding apparel | | | | stable bag. Young fingers and hands can be easily |
| that features fun designs and horse prints, while | | | | burned or damaged by a horse pulling away suddenly. |
| maintaining the high quality of workmanship that good | | | | Gloves provide excellent protection and they will help |
| children's riding apparel requires. | | | | to keep your child's hands warm during winter lessons. |
| Keep Your Head with an Approved Riding Helmet | | | | Parents can make their child's horseback riding |
| Riding helmets must be approved by the ASTM/SEI to | | | | experiences far more safe, constructive, and |
| be safe. The American Society for Testing and | | | | enjoyable with the appropriate children's riding apparel. |