pennandh
Well-Known Member
Obviously, well-fitted safety gear (minimum of a proper hat; preferably a body protector too, especially if you're jumping).
A shedding blade and a good hoofpick (my current favourite is the smaller of the two sizes Noble Outfitters sell - the bigger size is just as nice but designed for people with bigger hands than me) are very useful.
Your own pair of stirrups - switch them onto anything you borrow/hire, and always have level stirrups with the right size irons. Mine are dead boring: plain havana bridle leather jobs with bent-leg/simplex irons (no treads, as they are far grippier without) and cost me maybe £35 all told. Wouldn't be without them.
NECKSTRAPS.
A whip of some variety. Often more for doing gates than actually using on the horse; should be firm-ish and long enough to be useful but short enough not to get caught in passing bushes.
A good instructor who you get on well with but who won't let you get away with poor/lazy riding.
When faced with a series of large jumps, Dutch Courage - to be taken sparingly as required.
A shedding blade and a good hoofpick (my current favourite is the smaller of the two sizes Noble Outfitters sell - the bigger size is just as nice but designed for people with bigger hands than me) are very useful.
Your own pair of stirrups - switch them onto anything you borrow/hire, and always have level stirrups with the right size irons. Mine are dead boring: plain havana bridle leather jobs with bent-leg/simplex irons (no treads, as they are far grippier without) and cost me maybe £35 all told. Wouldn't be without them.
NECKSTRAPS.
A whip of some variety. Often more for doing gates than actually using on the horse; should be firm-ish and long enough to be useful but short enough not to get caught in passing bushes.
A good instructor who you get on well with but who won't let you get away with poor/lazy riding.
When faced with a series of large jumps, Dutch Courage - to be taken sparingly as required.