Equipment

So now that you know more about horses you're probably thinking "When can I start riding?" But hold your horses (do you like my pun?) Before you go riding you'll need to do a bit of research about riding schools in your area. Also think- who's going to take you? Do you have enough time to take up a new hobby?
But you also need to think about equipment. Almost all riding schools provide helmets you can rent for no extra price and some even have boots that you can borrow. However, if you start doing regular lessons it is best to buy your own things.

Clothes:

When riding, you should wear long pants and a t-shirt (preferably a collared shirt). You can wear jeans, but it is good to wear jodhpurs because the denim on the jeans can leave rashes on your skin after long hours of riding.

Jodhpurs, riding pants made of soft material that are comfortable to ride in. I'd take a picture of my pairs but they're sort of old :) these ones are much better. picture from http://www.bytimbaker.com/

Helmets

Helmets are essential when riding horses. Like really. They can stop you getting seriously injured or even dying. It's very important to wear a helmet at all times. Even some dressage riders have started wearing helmets instead of the usual top hats. Remember, if you fall off a horse or your helmet gets damaged, always buy a new one.

The nicer looking helmets look like this, but there are much cheaper ones that have just as good quality. picture from http://www.thornhillusa.com/

 Boots  

You can wear any type of boots when you go horse riding, but its best to get some proper horse riding boots. There are two types of boots: Short, pull-on jodhpur boots, and long boots. Long boots are usually black and may look nicer, but they are also more expensive then jodhpur boots. Jodphur boots are short, leather and can be either black or brown. They're are the boots I own.

Jodhpur boots, picture from http://www.tacksales.co.uk/

Long boots, picture from http://www.tacksales.co.uk/

Half Chaps

Chaps are optional but they help you grip your horse better and to stop the saddle from pinching your leg. They are also a substitute for tall boots and you boot them over your jodhpur boots. I own a pair of chaps and I love them so I recommend them.

Half Chaps, picture from http://www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk/

Gloves

I like wearing gloves when I'm riding because some reins really hurt your hands. Also they make you look classier :)

Horse riding gloves, picture from http://www.zambora-int.com/

Crop

Crops are optional and I'd advise you not to use it all the time as some horses don't need a crop and you should get along just fine with your natural aids (seat, legs, etc.) However, if you do use a crop, I just want to be clear that a crop is to ENHANCE your natural aids, not substitute them.

Horse riding crop, http://www.kaboodle.com/

If you start riding regularly, you should at least own a pair of jodhpurs, a helmet and boots. All the rest is mostly optional.

Rachel.