What should I wear?

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kat2290

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This is going to sound very stupid, but please bear with me I am a total novice!!

Started having riding lessons about 2 months ago as a complete beginner. Didn't want to rush out and buy a load of new gear to begin with so I have just been wearing leggings and wellies to have my lessons in. This has been fine but I feel like now I should upgrade myself to some proper leg wear and foot wear. Problem is I have no idea what I should buy and the world of equestrian clothing totally confuses me...jodphurs or breeches, tall boots or jodphur boots, half chaps or no chaps....help!!! :confused: I don't understand what goes with what!

So please please give me some advice!! I don't want to spend much money, and I'm happy to buy 2nd hand in fact I would prefer it!

:o
 
I would just get some cheap jodphur boots and halfs chaps and some jodphurs :) that should see you through then when and if you want something different you can get it
 
Personally I prefer breeches as there's less bulk around the ankle they have Velcro at the ankle or some have elasticated material whereas jods are folded over and would rub my ankles. Probably would go with long rubber boots or short boots and chaps (suede) or gaiters (leather) then hat wise I prefer a velvet but a skull cap with hat cover is also fine.
 
I would if I were you

One pair of jodhpurs
Jodhpur boots ( short boots)
Pair of half chaps


Second hand, preloved, eBay etc. If you wanted Robinsons, Derby House, Rideaway all do mail order.

I would google a tack shop in the local area and get them to fit a hat, don't get a 2nd hand one.
 
Thanks :) I saw some cheap jodhpur boots in mountain warehouse the other day for £15, I might go back and get some.

So are breeches and jodhpurs basically the same apart from the bottom bit round the ankle and the elastic under the foot? I read somewhere that breeches only come half way down your calf and I wasn't keen on that idea...but maybe that's only certain types?
 
You'll do we'll to get them at less than £15!

Some breeches come almost to the ankle whilst others stop mid calf. They are designed for longer boots so you don't get bulk around the ankle. So if you are going for jodhpurs boots buy jodhpurs. eBay is superb for all this stuff.

A new hat is a must though!
 
Thanks everyone, going to do some ebay detective work this afternoon!

Hat wise at the min I just use the riding school hats, they are the modern plastic types with a dial at the back to you can adjust it to your own head. But I have recently started having lessons on a friends horse so will need to get my own hat for that, just been using hers so far which is a good fit. How much should I be looking to pay for a hat?
 
Please dont get then from mountain warehouse! I bought some joddy boots for £25 from their a few moths ago. A few weeks in the plastic heel fell off! Then the next day the other foot did the same. However their half chaps are lovely and have lasted all this time (:
 
Ohh damn!! Thanks for warning me! I didn't see any chaps when I was there but it's not a massive store and it's right in the heart of walking country so there's not a big equestrian section!

I wonder if I will struggle to get chaps that fit me as I have really wide calves. Is that a common problem?
 
Hi, glad you are enjoyiny your riding lessons :) please dont buy rubber riding boots, i teach a few people in them at a riding school and i hate them! It's impossible to use your leg in them! Re a hat it's the one area you don't want to skimp on. Definitely go down the jodhpur boots and chaps/gaiters route. A decent hat will cost around the £100 mark. Check for a kite mark and also PAS015 which are approved safety standards.

Have fun :)
 
Ooo thanks for that, I'll make sure I don't get rubber ones! I'm struggling in my lessons to keep the horse as I find squeezing with my lower legs quite difficult. I think part of this may be because of my wellies as they are quite thick and I can't feel the horse very well if you know what I mean! But I definitely can't blame it all on the wellies!! Hehe :D
 
I would get jodhpur boots and half chaps. I don't think you'll struggle to find some that fit. My calves are not at all small yet my chaps are XS!

Definitely get a hat fitted! I'd get a new one as then its definitely not damaged. Different makes fit different shaped heads so definitely best to try on :)
 
Agree short boots and chaps - look much smarter than long rubber boots. Don't worry to much about jods for now if you don't want to as they'll look fine over jeans or leggings.
 
Found some jodhs on preloved, just waiting for seller to reply re postage. And am watching a couple of pairs of boots on ebay.

We've got an equestrian store nearby where I could go and look at chaps but I always feel a bit daft going in when I don't know what I'm looking for! :o
 
Take care of your hat when you get it, no throwing it around or letting it drop onto the floor.

Agree with everyone else. Jods, short boots and half chaps. Make sure the half chaps don't come up too long and catch on the back of your knee when it is bent. You want them long enough to protect, but not too long. Just ask the shop assistants to help, explain that you have only just started riding and they should be happy to help you.
 
Go and look round the store, don't feel intimidated, if they're any good they will want to help and advise.
Also, if you are riding a friends horse do consider rider-only insurance, just in case. This would also be a good idea if you have a riding holiday, get offered a share/part loan/ odd ride elsewhere too.
Btw I know about wide calves, wish I could find some half chaps...any ideas welcome here too! :p
 
I have also recently started lessons at a RS (after a long break). I had long rubber boots as a child and I find they really restrict how you can use your leg. I have short boots and half chaps. I have REALLY wide calves as well (and the fitter I get, the bigger they get :rolleyes:) and I have a pair of Shires basic chaps - they have a good elasticated bit in them and they are fairly inexpensive for starting out.

Try Decathlon for jods/breeches - but be warned, the sizing can come up very small IME (all their bottoms do - tops are more true to size:confused:).
 
Oh believe me I've been in to the shop and they are definitely not helpful! I come out feeling about 1 inch tall :( but hey ho! I'll maybe take a friend along with me so I feel more brave!!

Riders insurance...what's that :o ...as in what is it insuring me against, damaging the horse or joe public?

I'll have a look at the shires chaps thank you :D
 
Re the comment about making sure they don't catch the back of the knee, I've just remembered that not only do I have wide calves they are also really short so this will most likely be a problem so thank you for making me aware to check :)
 
I'm going against the gain and think you don't need half chaps if you are just starting out :) especially if you aren't long in tthe leg and end up with a gap like me :o

Go to a decent and friendly shop who will fit your hat for you. Hats are tested to certain standards, make sure yours is up to date (PAS015 or equivalent). The are different styles just to confuse you: a jockey skull cap would keep it nice and simple for you and prices start at £40-50. You can then decorate it with a colorful hat silk of your choice! (About £ 10).

Jodhpurs and jod boots are a must, and a pair of gloves I'd a good idea too. Half-chaps could be a birthday or Christmas pant idea :)

Welcome to your new addiction :D
 
Thanks natch :)

Yep I'm thinking maybe chaps will be overkill to begin with, I think I might just get myself some jodhs and boots and see how I get on. A friend has actually just offered me some of her old chaps aswell if they for so that would be brill!

Addiction is an understatement!! I have two mini's, so obviously can't even ride them but if my OH would let me I would happily spend all day in the field with them they are just so scrummy! :D
 
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