Things You'll Need While Riding

Riding a horse is the best feeling ever but you should definitely invest in somethings before you get on your first horse. As we established in last weeks blog you need horseback riding boots when working with horses, but when riding make sure you have either tall boots or half chaps with your short boot otherwise you will suffer chaffing which is incredibly uncomfortable. I recommend half chaps and short boots while taking lessons or riding for fun because they are easier on your pockets, but if you plan on showing you'll  probably need tall boots as they are a mandatory part of the dress code in most events.  Aside from boots when riding it is a good idea to buy some riding pants. In my experience they are more comfortable and allow more free movement of your legs. Also they prevent chaffing which can occur from stitching on your jeans. Another reason you should buy some riding pants is I feel they get less dirty. When working with horses you will get covered in hair, dirt, maybe even some horse feed, but to me the material of the horseback riding pants didn't allow all the hair and dirt to get stuck on my pants and was way easier to brush off then jeans or leggings. Another  thing you should get when riding is horseback riding  gloves . Now these are less important than other things on this list but are helpful. They keep your reins from slipping through your fingers and allow you to have a better grip on them. Also they kept my fingers from get cuts due to friction with the leather on the saddle and reins. Last but not least the most important thing you'll need is a helmet. If your taking lessons you're riding school will probably provide some, but you may want one of your own that fits your head perfectly. Riding helmets range in price and looks. One thing  you should keep in  mind is that you can't wear a biking helmet for riding. A horse is way taller than your average bike so please don't go get a biking helmet from target for riding.  Regardless of the look of the helmet make sure it fits well because it can save your life if you fall . A helmet should be tight but  not pinching , and it should sit on your brow . One way to check if your helmet  fits is by moving it up and down  and seeing if your eyebrows move with it.  It's best  to buy a helmet  from  a equestrian store  because they will make sure you have the right fitting helmet. Also when you fall off make sure you replace your helmet  to make sure when you fall next time you have full protection because a helmet could be damaged and not show it. While all the things on this list are good to have  when riding a helmet and boots are most important because they will keep you safe as you learn to communicate with the majestic creature known as the horse .