Safety Equipment Requirement

All students, regardless of riding level, must come to the barn ready to ride with the appropriate equipment (see points/explanation below) 

1. A correctly fitting certified USEF/USHJA approved helmet  

2. Proper long, fitted, riding pants with knee patches 

3. Riding Boots - Field or Paddock boots (If paddock boots, half chaps must be worn when riding) 

4. Riding Gloves 

5. Slim fit top (tank, short sleeve, long sleeve) - Tucked into your pants   

Why does it matter?! (each point explained)  

We take the safety of our students seriously. Horseback riding comes with inherent risks. Riding gear won't keep you injury free, but it may help reduce the severity of the injury.   

1. Helmet - There is only one of you, and your brain is what makes you, YOU. Please protect your head.  

ASTM/SEI approved, properly fitting riding helmet (Charles Owen, OneK, Samshield, GPA, IRH)   

- No Ovation, Troxel, Tipperary   

- No Dial back on the back  

Children under 6 can speak to Katie about Helmet acceptance  

2. Riding pants with knee patch - Tight form fitting pants protect your leg from getting pinched or rubbed/blistered by the saddle and stirrup leathers. Pants should be tight and form fitting, so that it does not get caught in the riding equipment.   

Not acceptable: SHORTS, capris, clam diggers, cut offs, 3/4s pants, baggie pants, UFOs, palazzo pants, parachute, cargo etc.   

3. Riding boots are designed for horseback riding to optimize efficiency and safety for the rider. Short heels serve as a way to catch the stirrup so the foot does not slide through all the way. Lug soles are not permitted, as they can get stuck and caught in the stirrup (when you might need to quickly take it out). Only true Field or Paddock boots will be accepted.   

Field boots offer an easy on off solution. These are the Tall boots which offer full leg protection when riding (and adds extra grip too). Field boots are traditionally used for showing too. If you are considering showing down the road, this is something to consider.  

Paddock boots - Ankle boots. These are a fine solution for casual riding. Recommended to have half chaps to put over the paddock boots for riding. Adds extra protection for your leg (from getting pinched by a stirrup leather or rubbing), and a little grip too in the saddle. (esp smaller riders).  

4. Riding gloves protect the hands and give extra grip on the reins. The reins can rub the inside of the fingers (which are sensitive and soft skin) and cause blisters.   

5. Slim fitting Top that is tucked into the pants is important because then the instructor can fully see how you are riding. Baggy and loose shirts hide that top portion of your body. Please optimize the quality of your instruction.  

Recommended Retailers: 

Horseman's Outlet - https://www.horsemensoutletnj.com - Lebanon, NJ  

Dover Saddlery- https://www.doversaddlery.com - Branchburg, NJ 

Amazon   

Stateline Tack - https://www.statelinetack.com

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!  

We are always happy to help out if you have questions.