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Must-have equestrian equipment for kids

If your child is a budding equestrian, they need to be kitted out in good quality riding gear.  From waterproof riding boots, to well fitting jodhpurs, safety helmet and insulated jacket, how you dress your child will ensure they enjoy the best and safest riding experience.

Getting your child paddock-ready

So you’ve got a budding equestrian star on your hands, but are you completely au fait with what they should be wearing?  Before your child gets into their saddle, you will need to invest in some serious equestrian attire.

At the very least, this is what you will need:

Every rider must wear a safety helmet. Horse riding is a particularly dangerous sport.  While styles and colours do vary slightly, a black hat is pretty standard for most riding competitions. 

Always make sure that the buckle of your child’s helmet is fitted snugly, but not over tight. They should be able to look up and down without it moving.

By Law children aged 14 years or younger must wear a safety helmet when riding on the road that conforms to present safety standards.

It is the responsibility of the parent, guardian or horse owner, or person who has custody of the horse, to ensure that, before a child rides, they are wearing suitable protective headwear.

All riding associations require a certain level of safety testing on a helmet, check with your riding association for the correct level, but SEI ASTM F1163-15 or VG1 standards are a good starting point to look for.

Many parents prefer their child to wear a protective, and/or reflective vest and/or body protector while riding. Children can also wear an inflatable vest on top of their body protector.  This features an air canister that latches to a saddle.

Should your child fall, the canister engages and inflates the vest to minimise the impact. Whichever style your opt for, a safety vest is another way of adding protection.

Every child will need a good pair of riding boots suitable for the discipline they are pursuing.  Boots protect the ankle, shins and toes from injury and come in a wide range of styles, sizes and types.  They also encourage the correct riding position while in the saddle.

Field boots are generally knee-high and very popular in British eventing.  They tend to be seamless, featuring a lace front. Dressage boots are generally black and feature a smooth front.

Paddock boots are only ankle-high and tend to be worn for light training, riding lessons and barn work.

Before you order your boots, make sure you take accurate measurements and check them carefully to ensure a snug, comfortable fit.  If you’re not sure what type of boot you should be looking for, ask your child’s riding school for advice.

Whether your child prefer jodhpurs (longer pants worn with paddock boots), or breeches (shorter and worn with taller boots), a good pair of riding pants is essential.

Many pants have reinforced suede panels on the inside of the knee to prevent saddle rub and chaffing.

Many children wear gloves during their riding lessons and for competitions. The friction they create maintains the tension on the reins and, of course, protects little hands from blisters and burns.

Children involved with hunter shows need a pair of black gloves, but they are generally recommended for any riding, as they keep hands warm, cosy and protected at all times.

 
Ask your riding stables for their best advice about different suppliers and the range of clothing that is required for training, competitions etc.

More and more parents prefer to kit their kids out in John Whitaker, Self Seat Horbury Breeches.  Available in beige, navy, white, black and brown, they are a perfect addition to your child’s equestrian wardrobe.

John Whitaker and the Whitaker family are well known in the equine industry, particularly within the show jumping circuit.  The exclusive Whitaker brand of equestrian clothing and products, including Brogini riding boots, are available through John Whitaker International (JWI).  Combining superior quality with exceptional performance,  the Whitaker brand has earned the respect of both amateur and professional riders across the globe.