What Should Kids Wear to Their First Horseback Riding Lesson
Getting ready for your child’s first horseback riding lesson is exciting! But if you’ve never been around horses before, you might be wondering what they should wear, what they need to bring, and whether you need to buy a bunch of new riding gear.
The good news? You don’t need a whole closet full of equestrian equipment to get started! A few simple essentials will help your child stay comfortable and prepared for their first ride.
At Hutch Farms, we want new riders and their families to feel comfortable, confident, and ready to learn. Here’s what I’d recommend for your child’s first horseback riding lesson.
1. A Properly Fitted Riding Helmet 🪖
A riding helmet is one of the most important pieces of equipment for any rider, especially beginners. Horses are wonderful teachers, but riding always comes with some risk, and protecting your child’s head is essential.
Before you buy one, check with your riding instructor! Some instructors provide helmets for students to use during lessons, so you may not need to purchase one right away. It’s always a good idea to ask what equipment is provided before spending money on new gear.
That being said, having your own helmet is nice! It allows your child to have a helmet that fits them properly and is available whenever they ride. If your child decides they love horseback riding and wants to continue taking lessons, investing in their own helmet can be worthwhile.
When shopping for a helmet, look for one specifically designed and certified for horseback riding that meets the current ASTM/SEI equestrian helmet standard. A bicycle helmet isn’t a substitute for an equestrian helmet.
A helmet should fit snugly, sit level on the head, and have its chin strap properly fastened. It shouldn’t slide around or tip backward when your child moves their head.
Shopping tip: You don’t need the most expensive helmet on the market. Focus on proper fit, appropriate certification, and comfort.
2. Long Pants
Long pants help protect your child’s legs from rubbing against the saddle and from irritation caused by stirrup leathers.
Comfortable, flexible jeans or riding pants are usually a great choice for beginner lessons. Make sure your child can move comfortably and that the pants aren’t so loose or baggy that they interfere with riding.
You don’t need to purchase expensive riding breeches for a first lesson. Start with something your child already owns that fits well and allows them to move freely.
My tip: Avoid shorts, since the saddle and stirrup leathers can rub against bare skin.
3. Closed-Toe Shoes or Riding Boots 👢
Proper footwear is another important part of riding safely.
For beginner lessons, choose sturdy, closed-toe shoes with a small, defined heel. Riding boots are ideal, but you don’t necessarily need to buy a fancy pair before your child has even started lessons.
A suitable heel helps reduce the chance of the foot slipping too far through the stirrup. Shoes should also fit securely and be appropriate for the stirrups being used.
Avoid sandals, Crocs, open-toed shoes, and athletic shoes with bulky soles or deep treads that can get caught in a stirrup.
Shopping tip: If your child continues riding, a pair of appropriately fitted paddock boots or western riding boots can be a worthwhile investment.
4. A Comfortable Shirt and Weather-Appropriate Layers
Choose a comfortable shirt that allows your child to move freely. A fitted or neatly tucked-in shirt is often more practical than something oversized that can flap around or become distracting.
Southern Utah weather can change quite a bit depending on the season, and lessons can feel especially hot during the summer.
For warm weather:
Choose a lightweight, breathable shirt.
Bring a water bottle.
Consider sunscreen and a hat for before or after the lesson.
For cooler weather:
Dress in comfortable layers.
Choose a jacket that allows your child to move freely.
Avoid long, loose scarves or clothing that could get caught on equipment.
The goal is to keep your child comfortable so they can focus on learning rather than being too hot or cold.
5. A Water Bottle 💧
This one is easy to forget!
Riding is physical work, even for beginners. Kids are learning new movements, using their muscles, and often spending time outdoors.
Bring a water bottle so your child can drink before and after their lesson, and during breaks when appropriate.
Especially during hot Southern Utah summers, staying hydrated is important. I recommend arriving with water rather than waiting until your child feels thirsty.
6. What About Gloves and Other Riding Gear?
You may see experienced riders wearing gloves, half chaps, riding tights, spurs, and other specialized equipment.
While some of these items can be useful in the right circumstances, your child generally doesn’t need to purchase all of them before their first lesson.
Start with the essentials:
A properly fitted equestrian helmet
Long pants
Appropriate closed-toe footwear with a suitable heel
A comfortable shirt
Water
As your child gains experience, you can decide together whether additional equipment would be helpful. Always check with your instructor before purchasing specialized gear.
7. What Should You Bring to the Lesson?
Besides wearing the right clothing, here are a few simple things to remember on lesson day:
Water bottle
Sunscreen when needed
Weather-appropriate layers
Any completed paperwork or waivers requested by your instructor
A positive attitude and willingness to learn!
It’s also helpful to arrive a few minutes early so your child can settle in and get comfortable before the lesson begins.
A Few Things You Don’t Need to Worry About
If your child is just starting out, don’t feel like you need to buy everything at once.
You don’t need expensive riding outfits, matching equipment, or a complete collection of grooming supplies before the first lesson.
Start with safe, practical essentials and build from there as your child’s interest and experience grow.
Every rider starts somewhere, and the most important things to bring are patience, a willingness to learn, and excitement about meeting the horses!
Ready for Your First Riding Lesson? 🤎
At Hutch Farms, we believe riding lessons are about more than just getting in the saddle. We focus on helping riders develop confidence, learn horsemanship, understand horse safety, and build a connection with their horses.
Whether your child is brand new to horses or has been dreaming of riding for years, we want them to have a positive experience as they begin their journey.
If you’re in the Hurricane, Utah area and interested in horseback riding lessons, we’d love to hear from you!
Happy riding!
-Hutch Farms
Affiliate Disclosure
This post contains affiliate links, which means Hutch Farms may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links, at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I only share products I believe may be helpful to riders and their families. Thank you for supporting our small business! 🤎
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