Horseback riding is still gaining popularity. No wonder, because it is not only a way to be physically active in the bosom of nature but also the opportunity to interact with dignified, wonderful animals, such as horses. You can start learning to drive at any age. Before we go to the first lesson, do we have to visit the equestrian shop to be equipped from head to toe with clothes and accessories?
Although many of us, when thinking about learning horseback, have before our eyes a riding school full of children or - at most - teenagers, the first lessons can be taken at any age. It's never too late to start your adventure with horses. What's more, this activity can quickly become our new hobby and then a great passion.
Some people, however, stop the decision to sign up for driving because of the equipment they need to practice this sport. Is it right?
"We can go for the first ride in comfortable, but not too loose pants and sports shoes," says Katarzyna Krynicka from the Zabookuj. pl equestrian store. In the stable, the instructor will choose the right helmet at the beginning. After the first rides, if you are already in love with horses, and it probably will be in most cases, it is worth investing in basic equipment.
"To start your adventure with equestrianism you do not need to have full equipment because it is available in every nursery," says Konrad Pawłowski from the Arpav store. It is worth investing in accessories important for our safety, comfort, and hygiene: a riding helmet, appropriate footwear, and breeches, i.e. special pants that prevent abrasions on the legs. It is also worth considering the purchase of a protective safety vest - according to the regulations of the Polish Equestrian Federation, it is obligatory for people up to 15 years of age. The rest of the equipment necessary for riding should be provided by the instructor or the horse owner.
How to choose a riding helmet?
Equestrian purchases, just like any other, can be made completely online. However, if we are beginners in the world of horse riding and we have the opportunity to go to a stationery store, let's take advantage of it. On-site, we will be able to see the clothes and accessories with our own eyes, try them on, and use the advice of a specialist in this field. Particular attention should be paid to the choice of helmet.
"The purchase of a helmet is a key issue for every rider," says Przemysław Bruzdowski from the Konik store. "It must be in the right size, because the pressure is too low and causes a headache after a few minutes, and too big it flies on the head, knocks us, and falls on our eyes. Even knowing its size, it is worth buying a helmet in a stationary store, because different models have a different shape, depth, visor, they fit differently on the head or the back of the head. We also have the opportunity to see what we look like in the selected helmet before buying it."
"The helmets should have the VG1 01.040 2014-12 certificate," adds Katarzyna Krynicki. "A well-chosen helmet should not slide forward over your eyes or move to the side. The easiest way to check that the helmet is fit is to put it over your head, fasten it and move your head vigorously up, down and side to side."
For driving comfort and efficiency
When we have our helmet and we know that we will engage in horse riding for a longer time, it is worth going for larger purchases. The first steps are probably going to the position with breeches, i.e. trousers with the so-called funnel - reinforcement located on the inside of the calves, thighs, and buttocks.
"The funnel protects the rider from abrasions and provides better adhesion to the saddle, which is still difficult for beginners," says Katarzyna Krynicki. "The breeches, although they fit snugly against the body, are very comfortable. They should not cause discomfort when moving, which is best checked by crouching."
"It is also worth investing inappropriate footwear, like Jodhpur boots, short ankle boots," he adds. "Chelsea boots do not get wedged in the stirrups, and the heel in them helps to maintain the correct position of the leg while riding. Chelsea boots have a rounded toe. There should be some space in the front of the shoe. To choose the right size, it is worth moving your leg as if you wanted to stand on your heels and toes."
Specialists also point out to trust sellers when choosing chaps, like calf protectors. In the beginning, we may have trouble fastening them on the legs, but most models will simply fall apart and fit after short use. However, you have to be careful that the chaps or leggings are not too high. How to check?
"We should lift the leg in the air and point the heel down," advises Krynicki. "Then, if they do not clump under the inner side of the knee, we can assume that we have a properly selected chaps height. The leggings should fit snugly, not wrinkle, not stick under the knee, nor should they make the leg tingling."
A difficult and beautiful discipline
When choosing equipment for horse riding, it should be taken into account that we invest not only in our comfort but also in safety. High-quality accessories are often equipped with elements that help maintain the correct position on the horse.
"Good riding equipment not only ensures comfort while riding but also improves our safety while in the stable or while driving," says Przemysław Bruzdowski. "Some boots have steel toecaps to protect the toes in case of being stepped on by a horse. Non-slip soles and the shape of the shoe protect the feet from falling into the stirrups. Computer-designed channels in the helmets guarantee ventilation in the walk, trot, and canter, and good gloves give us a firm grip of the reins."
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