For your first riding lesson, you don't need to buy anything. Almost everything you need is probably already in your closet — what matters is sitting in the saddle safely and without chafing. This overview walks through what you wear and what the riding school has ready for you.
The Short Answer
Long pants that move with you, sturdy closed shoes with a smooth sole and a small heel, and clothing in layers with nothing loose hanging off it. You borrow the riding helmet from the riding school. That's all you need to be completely set for your first lesson.
The rest of this guide explains why, item by item, so you can make a sensible choice from what you already own.
The Pants
Wear long, flexible pants that move with your legs. Leggings, sweatpants, or stretchy jeans all work fine.
Keep two things in mind:
- No shorts. Your calves and knees will chafe against the saddle and stirrup leathers with every stride. After half an hour of walking, that leaves you with red marks.
- Not too baggy, and no thick inner seam. A stiff pair of jeans with a thick seam on the inside of the leg will rub. Soft material without heavy seams is the most comfortable.
You only buy proper riding breeches once you continue with lessons — for a first time, that's unnecessary.
The Shoes
Shoes are the item that really matters, because they interact with the stirrup. You need a sturdy, closed shoe with a flat, smooth sole and a small heel.
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Closed shoe or low boot | Sandals, flip-flops, clogs |
| Smooth or lightly treaded sole | Deep tread (catches on the stirrup) |
| Heel of about one to two centimeters | Completely flat sole with no heel |
| Snug fit around the foot | Loose slip-ons |
The heel matters: it catches your foot and stops your whole foot from sliding through the stirrup. A stirrup that jams around your ankle in a fall is dangerous, and that's exactly what the heel is there to prevent.
A deep tread — like on hiking shoes or heavy-duty sneakers — is undesirable for the opposite reason: it catches on the stirrup and won't release your foot. If you don't have a suitable shoe, a smooth low boot or a sturdy dress shoe is often better than a sneaker. Some riding schools have riding boots to lend; don't hesitate to ask when booking.
Clothing in Layers
In an indoor or outdoor arena, it's often colder or warmer than you'd expect, and walking warms you up less than you'd think. Dress in layers you can easily put on and take off.
- A snug sweater or jacket with nothing flapping around works best.
- Avoid loose-hanging clothing. Scarves, hoodie drawstrings, wide sleeves, or an open vest can catch on the saddle, a rein, or a hook. A horse can sometimes spook at that.
- Zip or button a hood away, or leave it at home.
Gloves aren't a must, but thin gloves give you grip on the rein and prevent blisters if you're holding the rein or a lunge line (a long line the instructor uses to lead the horse). If you have some, bring them.
What the Riding School Provides
The most important piece of equipment, you don't need to own yourself: the riding helmet (the safety helmet). Almost every riding school has helmets to lend.
- Ask on arrival for the right size. A helmet that's too loose shifts in a fall and barely protects you then. It should sit snug but not tight, with the rim just above your eyebrows and the chinstrap fastened securely.
- If you're unsure about the fit, have a staff member check it for you.
If you want to buy your own helmet or body protector later on, the safety certifications and fit matter. That's a separate matter from your first lesson, and you can read up on it in the guide on riding safety: helmets, vests, and airbags.
Small Things That Make a Difference
- Tie up long hair in a ponytail or braid, so it doesn't blow into your eyes.
- Remove jewelry. Large earrings, rings, and bracelets can catch or pinch.
- Keep nails short if you'll be grooming the horse or holding the rein.
- A bottle of water for afterward; riding is more effort than it looks.
- If you wear glasses, you can just keep them on; a sports strap holds them in place.
In Short
For your first lesson: long, flexible pants, closed shoes with a smooth sole and a small heel, and layers with nothing loose hanging off them. You borrow the helmet on site and have it fitted properly. It's only worth buying your own breeches, boots, and helmet once you continue. For everything else you'll experience during that first lesson, see the beginner's guide to horse riding.
See also: Horse Riding for Complete Beginners · Riding Safety: Helmets and Body Protectors · What Age Can You Start Riding?