What riding gear is essential when horse riding?

Answer 1

RIDER?

English riders often wear: A riding helmet to protect your head from falls. A body/back protector to protect your spine and internal organs if you take a tumble. Jodpurhs/breeches these riding trousers are very comfortable but if you're just going for a pony walk jeans can be worn but if you can get jodpurs wear them. Riding boots are very useful for riding. You can get full length riding boots or anlkle length jodpur boots. A riding crop can only be used if the rider is experienced and knows how to act around ponies/horses

Western riders often wear: A cowboy hat. Some begginners wear helmets, and a few intermediate and even advanced western riders wear helmets, but most don't. Denim jeans, cowboy boots, often a long sleeve button or snap-up western style shirt. They may also wear chaps and/or spurs. Western riders don't use whips/bats/crops like English riders.

Horse?

A saddle is usually worn when riding. (Sometimes you may ride without a saddle. This is called bareback riding.) A bridle is essential. Only the most experienced riders on the most advanced trained horses can ride bridless. A bridle has the reins (long leather strips) to control the pony and keep contact with the mouth. English bridles all have bits. Most western bridles have bits, but the hackamore and the Bosal don't. A saddlecloth or numnah are also very good for riding as you put the saddlecloth/numnah under the saddle to stop the saddle nipping the pony.

When you ride you need a helmet, breeches, half chaps and boots. You can buy them at any tack store. If you ride at San Juan Capristrano stables there is a tack store and you can buy some riding gear. Have fun riding and searching!