Before you set out on your first riding lessons you ought to consider the risks you are undertaking. One of the unique aspects of riding compared to other sports is that you are entering into a partnership with a free-thinking animal which can be startled, frightened, stubborn, exuberant, teasing or clumsy just like you can. It's the special nature of this relationship that makes it so rewarding.

A kick from a horse can break bones and even kill, and your prospects if half a ton of horse falls upon you are not always good. If you're still reading and haven't decided that croquet is a much better bet then you do need to weigh up the risks and make a personal decision about it.

To reduce the risk of injury if the worst happens there are three important personal safety items you must consider as essential - head protection, footwear and body protectors.

Head Protection

The riding school will be able to supply a hat for your first few lessons (if they can't, leave immediately). If you decide to take up riding then you will want to get your own hat. Buy a hat that conforms to the latest standards (PAS 015 or BSEN1384) from a stockist where advice on correct fitting can be obtained. Skull type hats offer the best protection and don't look too bad with a silk (fabric cover) over the top. Expect to pay £30 to £40.

Don't be tempted with a second hand one unless you know it's history. If the hat has been in a previous accident it may be seriously weakened even if it looks fine from the outside. Hats should be thrown away if they've been called into use.

A useful saving can be made if you can find a 'child's' hat that will fit - you save money by not paying VAT.

Boots

Should you unfortunately find yourself using the ejector seat you want to part cleanly with the horse. The wrong footwear could mean your feet become trapped in the stirrups and you are dragged with the horse.

To start with, sturdy plain boots with a definite heel will suffice. Shoes or boots with deeply ridged soles or fancy buckles are dangerous, as are trainers - their flat soles could completely slip through the stirrups. If in doubt ask your instructor.

There are two main styles of boots - short and long. The basic ranges of long boots have one major problem for the beginner rider. Their moulded plastic uppers are quite inflexible around the ankle area making it difficult to maintain a good lower leg position - the boot always trying to force your leg to its moulded shape. Leather boots have much better flexibility but are expensive.

Short boots, also known as jodhpur boots, are probably the better choice for your first purchase. They offer good mobility for the ankle and are comfortable to wear when not riding. To give some protection and support for your lower leg half chaps can be worn with them. Prices for the basic long and short boot start from around £30.

Half chaps fit around the lower leg and offer protection from dirt and grease off the horse's sides and help prevent your jodhpurs rubbing.

Body Protectors

These are made of a lightweight but very dense foam panels which cover the back and chest area of the rider. They can help absorb some of the energy of a fall, a hoof - if you are unfortunate enough to be fall underneath a horse, or something like a fence post if you are riding outside. They cannot help much with twisting or flexing injuries.

Modern designs can fit underneath a jacket or coat and have removable panels so the outer cover can be washed. Again seek the advise of a good stockist as there is a range of protection levels available and it's important you get one that fits correctly. They are graded into 3 categories, each identified with a coloured BETA (British Equestrian Trade Association) label.

	Class 1 (Black Label) The lowest level of protection that is only considered appropriate for licensed jockeys.
	Class 2 (Brown Label) Providing a lower than normal level of protection - for low risk situations.
	Class 3 (Purple Label) The highest level of protection which is considered appropriate for normal horseriding, competitions and working with horses.

The price range is quite wide from £40 to over £100 according to size and protection.

I think it's reasonable not to buy a body protector until you've had a few lessons and you've decided if you are going to continue. In this early period what you will be doing should be very low in risk and closely supervised. Once you have decided, don't put off the purchase - I have seen a couple of accidents resulting in bruises that would undoubtedly have been much worse had the riders not been wearing body protectors. I strongly advise you to get one.

In Perspective

Horse's can be unpredictable but the majority of times I've fallen off have been due to my balance or a poor position. Most of these have been a sort of ungracious slither from the saddle whilst jumping with no injuries other than perhaps to pride.

Next - some other clothes that will help.

Comments

If you have a specific tip, experience or comment relevant to this article please post a comment below. We are unable to answer individual questions through the comments system. The New Rider Message Board is a better place to post specific questions.

Lois   29th Jul 01 Hi! I was comming out of a lesson when a woman wearing half chaps was told to take them off because they rub the horse. Is this true? Also, in what sort of riding are body protectors worn? Julia   12th Dec 01 In response to the comment about half chaps rubbing the horse, there must have been something wrong with her chaps or the side of her horse. Half chaps are very helpful for protection of your legs and for grip if you have suede ones. My instructor is always yelling, "Where are your half chaps! How do you expect to hold on over jumps properly without them?" I agree and also I save the skin on my legs, without them I used to be missing skin on my calves after lessons and I was in too much pain to perform well. So get some half chaps and if your instructor tells you to take them off, go to a different place for your lessons immediately. Julia   12th Dec 01 In response to the comment about half chaps rubbing the horse, there must have been something wrong with her chaps or the side of her horse. Half chaps are very helpful for protection of your legs and for grip if you have suede ones. My instructor is always yelling, "Where are your half chaps! How do you expect to hold on over jumps properly without them?" I agree and also I save the skin on my legs, without them I used to be missing skin on my calves after lessons and I was in too much pain to perform well. So get some half chaps and if your instructor tells you to take them off, go to a different place for your lessons immediately. Nereesa Ashdown   19th Mar 02 In response to the comment about half chaps rubbing the horse I have never heard anything so completely ridiculous in all my life. Half chaps do not rub the horse if they are of decent quality and clean. it is the same as the horse's tack. If it is unclean or stiff then it is uncomfortable for the horse. If you are asked to remove them i suggest you dont, they have great benifits and as with tack if properly cared for do the mount no harm at all. Also body protectors are mainly used in the jumping section of horse riding. Many shows require the use of one in show jumping or cross country classes for safety reasons. lisa   11th Jul 02 I think body protecters are a very good idea - I don't have one at the momoent but intend to get one due to a nastyaccident concerning me and a sturdy fence!! I was quite lucky- The bruises appeared 2 inches from my spine! Hindsight is always so helpful!! Leah   24th Aug 02 My instructor said "Thank god you lot don't wear chaps" and I was planning on getting some but know I don't. She also said "You may aswell buy a new pair of Jods then get chaps because they are the same price and you grow out of your Jods some time!" And I belive my teacher but after reading all the other comments I don't know who to belive! And I don't know if people belive different things in different countries because I live in Australia. Does anyone else know? Katie   29th Oct 02 I bought my first pair of tall boots, a beautiful expensive pair, and am wondering how much wear it will take for them to slouch at the ankles and then be the right height? Right now they rub behind my knee, making it tender when I bend my leg just to walk. I'll ride tomorrow for the first time in them--I expect them to be okay for that. (my second lesson--having a ball!) Amanda   25th Jan 03 Hi! I have been wearing a protective vest for quite a while but am now starting to think it is restricting my movement. My vest extends quite low on my back. Does anyone have any suggestions on vests that are shorter and more giving? AJ   23rd Apr 03 Amanda I also have been wearing a body protector for a while now and feel the same. The back is quite low and so i feel that it knocks the saddle - esp. when I do rising trot. Maybe it's just my movements rather than the vest, but I would be interested if anyone else suffers the same problem and has any advise on wearing one comfortably.

Add Your Own Comment

Sorry, the comments facility is turned off for maintenance.

Starting Out Index