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It’s boots and chaps. It’s cowboy hats. It’s spurs and latigo … Okay, so that’s a song, not a list of things you need to start riding lessons. (Name that song in the comments if you know it!)
Whether you’ve chosen to ride English, western, or both, (learn about the key differences here) you’ll need a few key pieces of gear to keep you safe and comfortable while you ride. Dover Saddlery is a great source for English gear, while Ariat is a well-respected brand in both the English and western worlds. But if you’re overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, here’s a handy guide to the basic gear you need to start your riding lessons.
Riding Helmet
At the 180 Ranch, we require all of our students to wear an ASTM/SEI certified riding helmet to protect your head in case of a fall. We have a few helmets on hand for students to borrow, but many choose to buy their own. You might be wondering, “Will a bicycle helmet work?” No, it won’t. Horse riding helmets are designed specifically for the activity and potential impact that could occur from a fall off a horse. (Read this article for a more in-depth explanation.)
There are many styles and colors available. Troxel, Tipperary, and Ovation are among the most trusted brands in riding helmets. If you’re wanting to purchase a helmet of your own, here are a few good options for any budget:
Riding Boots
Whether riding English or western, students at 180 Ranch are required to wear sturdy, closed-toe boots with at least a one-inch heel to keep feet from sliding through the stirrups.
Western cowboy boots come in a plethora of styles. It can be tricky to find a pair that suits your tastes while also being comfortable on your feet. Me, I like a taller heal with a spur ledge, a tall shaft, a square toe, and smooth sole–leather or rubber is fine with me. Brands I’ve worn over the years are Ariat, Tony Lama, and Twisted X. Trent is hard on boots and has trouble finding a pair that last him longer than a year. He’s had best luck with Twisted X boots, but lately he’s had trouble finding a style from them that he likes. He also prefers a square toe and taller shaft, but he insists on rubber soles. He’s picky, but he has good taste–he married me! 😉
No matter what style you prefer, the main requirement we have for riding boots is a one-inch heel. I’ve compiled the links below at a few different price points.
Western Boots for Women
Western Boots for Men
Western Boots for Kids
If you’re just starting out as an English rider, paddock boots with half chaps are sufficient for lessons. If you want to start showing, you’ll eventually need to invest in a nice pair of field, dress, or dressage boots. Dover saddlery has a helpful article about selecting the appropriate English boots for your needs. You can read it here.
English Boots for Women
English Boots for Men
Please note: we don’t guarantee that you will love the fit and feel of the items linked above, but they are helpful examples of what would be appropriate for lessons at the 180 Ranch. If you want to try on western boots and buy in person, you can shop at Boots & Spurs in Springdale or Cavender’s in Rogers. It’s a bit of a drive from here, but we love JR’s Western Store in Diamond, MO. They have one of the best selections we’ve seen outside of Texas. Unfortunately, there aren’t any English shops in Northwest Arkansas that I’m aware of. If you know of one, please say so in the comments.
Half Chaps for English Riders
Unless you’re riding in tall English boots, you’ll want to wear half chaps while riding. Half chaps are a leg piece worn over paddock boots that help prevent chafing and rubbing against the stirrup leathers while providing extra grip for the rider. Here’s a helpful article from Dover Saddlery about half chaps and how to measure for a good fit.
Half Chaps for Adults
Jeans/Long Pants or Riding Tights
Chaffing is no joke. Trust me. To protect your skin while riding, you’ll want to wear jeans, thicker pants or English riding breeches or tights.
A longtime favorite riding jean of mine is Wrangler’s Q Baby Ultimate Riding Jean. They are durable and have just enough stretch so I can get my foot into the stirrup from the ground. I have a pair I’ve owned for 5 or 6 years that I still wear to ride. More recently I’ve enjoyed Kimes Ranch Sarah Jean. They are definitely on the pricier end (this is why I don’t have many pairs, and one of them I bought secondhand), but they are just stretchy enough, and I like that the higher waist helps my shirts stay tucked in. Trent really likes Ariat jeans.
Like riding boots, jeans come in an overwhelming number of styles, and every body is different, so shop around. Visit the links below for a starting point.
Jeans for Women
Jeans for Men
English riders typically wear riding tights, breeches or jodphurs. What’s the difference between the three and which ones should you buy? Horse and Hound has a helpful article that explains more. Read it here.
I like Kerrits and Ariat breeches, but I have a few pairs of these affordable tights for schooling in the summer. I can’t speak to English breeches for men, and neither can Trent. He says you’ll never catch him in tights—and we thank him—but I’ve linked a few below anyway. If you have strong opinions about men’s tights, feel free to leave a comment.
Breeches/Tights for Women
Breeches/Tights for Men
Everything else you need for riding, you should already have on-hand (socks, shirts, etc.). We’d love if you sported a 180 Ranch T-shirt or hoody from our shop during your lessons. 😉 Of course, you’ll want to check the weather before your riding lesson to decide what you should wear. Our riding spaces are all outdoors, so we strongly recommend wearing sunblock, even in the winter months. We are always available should you have any questions. Feel free to call or text, email us or message us on Facebook or Instagram. Happy shopping!