The Essentials for Starting Horse Riding 🐴
Are you just starting out in horse riding or thinking about joining a riding school? Like any beginner rider, you're probably wondering what equipment you'll need. Between safety gear, the right outfit and accessories for horse care, it's not always easy to know where to start. No need to worry — here's a clear and comprehensive list of the essentials to get you started on the right foot, without breaking the bank or buying things you don't need 😉
1. Safety essentials 🔥
Safety on horseback is essential, whether you're just starting out or have been riding for years. The must-haves are:
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A helmet: mandatory — it must be approved and properly fitted.
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A body protector or an airbag vest: essential for reducing the risk of injury from falls (and trust us, they will happen during your first year 😉). Psst… falls are part of the learning process — they're completely normal and even a valuable experience on horseback!
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Gloves: useful for preventing blisters and improving your grip on the reins.
🔥 Find the products in this pack:
Riding World - Topy matt black riding hat
Adult: Equithème - Hexaflex black adult back protector (€129.99)
Child: Equithème - Hexaflex black children's back protector (€99.99)
🔥 Find the products in this pack:
Equithème - Glint matt black wide-brim riding hat
Spark - Hippodrome adult airbag vest (€369.90)
Spark - Hippodrome children's airbag vest (€329.90)
2. Your riding outfit ✨
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Riding breeches: comfortable and designed to prevent rubbing.
👉 Find your dream pair from all our breeches:
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Paddock boots + half chaps or tall boots: to protect your legs and keep you safe in the saddle.
👉 To find the perfect footwear, check out our blog article on the subject
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A comfortable top: avoid anything too loose-fitting.
🧡 Our favourite: LeMieux technical short-sleeve t-shirt
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A suitable jumper or jacket depending on the season.
3. Horse care
Most riding clubs provide grooming equipment, but having your own kit saves time and means you're never left searching. The essentials for your grooming kit are:
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A hoof pick: essential for cleaning the hooves.
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A curry comb: to remove mud and dust.
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A stiff brush followed by a soft one: to clean and bring a shine to the coat.
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A mane and tail comb or brush.
✨ All our grooming products here
4. Handy extras
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A carry bag to avoid back-and-forth trips and forgotten items.
🤩 Our must-have: Paddock Sports black big bag carry bag
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A water bottle to stay well hydrated.
Discover all our water bottles, right here 👈
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Treats: not strictly essential, but many riders love having some in their bag. Offering a treat to your horse after grooming or a lesson can become a lovely little bonding ritual. That said, be careful not to overdo it — treats should remain an occasional reward and are no substitute for a balanced diet.
Starting your riding journey is an exciting adventure, and having the right equipment will help you progress in the best possible conditions. There's no need to buy everything at once — start with the essentials for your safety and comfort, then gradually build up your kit based on your needs and the way you ride. With these foundations in place, you'll be able to make the most of your first lessons and build a wonderful bond with your horse with complete peace of mind.
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