The Essentials for Starting Horse Riding 🐴
Are you just starting out in horse riding, or thinking about joining a riding club? Like any beginner rider, you're probably wondering what equipment you actually need. Between safety gear, the right clothing, and accessories for looking after the horse, it can be hard to know where to begin. No need to worry — here's a clear, complete list of the essentials to get you started, without breaking the bank or buying things you don't need 😉
1. For your safety 🔥
Safety in the saddle is essential, whether you're just starting out or have been riding for years. The must-haves are:
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A riding hat: compulsory, it must be certified and correctly fitted.
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A body protector or an airbag vest: essential for reducing the risk of injury in a fall (and trust us, falls will happen during your first year 😉). Psst… falls are part of learning to ride — they're perfectly normal and even character-building on horseback!
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Gloves: useful to prevent blisters and improve your grip on the reins.
🔥 Find the products in the pack:
Riding World - Topy Matt Black Riding Hat
Adult: Equithème - Hexaflex Black Adult Back Protector (€129.99)
Child: Equithème - Hexaflex Black Junior Back Protector (€99.99)
🔥 Find the products in the 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 perfect pair from all our breeches:
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Jodhpur boots + half chaps or riding 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 jumper or jacket suited to the season.
3. To care for your horse
Most clubs provide grooming equipment, but having your own kit saves time and means you're never left searching. The essentials for your grooming box 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, then a soft one: to clean and bring shine to the coat.
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A mane and tail brush or comb.
✨ All our grooming products here
4. The little extras worth having
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A carry bag to avoid back-and-forth trips and forgotten items.
🤩 Our must-have: Paddock Sports Black Big Bag
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A water bottle to stay well hydrated.
Discover all our water bottles, right here 👈
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Treats: they're not strictly essential, but many riders like to keep some in their bag. Offering your horse a treat after grooming or a lesson can become a lovely little bonding ritual. Do be careful not to overdo it though — treats should remain an occasional reward and are no substitute for a balanced diet.
Starting to ride 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 build up your kit gradually according to your needs and how you develop. 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, every step of the way.
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