After Twenty-Two

So, your child is all signed up for a lesson package, or for a summer session. You now have to get him or her outfitted and you wonder where to start! How to make good choices when sometimes this is as new to you as it is to your child.
Here is a guide to help you pick some terrific products at a couple of different budget levels. First, the likely things you are going to find on your lesson program list:HELMET The most important piece of equipment that you will want to purchase is an SEI, ASTM approved schooling helmet - which has been tested and meets or exceeds a series of safety standards. Always read the manufacurer's liability statement so you are aware of their policy and limitations.You may be used to the traditional black velvet style, however, for schooling and lessons, the new light-weight ventilated helmets are better. They are cooler, lighter and come in a great assortment of colors. Basic white is often less expensive and does a fine job of reflecting the sun.Like an unfastened seatbelt in your car won't keep you safe, an unfastened helmet can do more harm than good. All the approved helmets come with harnesses that fasten under the chin. Most riding programs make riding in an approved helmet mandatory, many make it mandatory while working around the horse or pony also.JODPHURS/RIDING TIGHTSJeans and street pants have inseams that can rub against the leg and the stirrup leathers causing painful abrasions. There are so many affordable riding jods and tights out there that buying a pair is to be recommended. All have no inseams to rub, and even better, they have an additional layer of fabric built into the knee patch that will help protect the rider's leg against rubbing.You can choose between the traditional jod style with the cuffed ankle, or the newer riding tights that have elastic or velcro at the ankles.PADDOCK BOOTSPaddock boots are important both on and off the pony or horse. On the pony, their single sole and small heel will prevent the foot from either getting caught in, or slipping through the stirrups. They will also help support the ankle, which will take alot of strain as the novice rider learns to flex at the ankle and keep the heels down.Working around the pony before and after riding, paddock boots will offer a greater measure of protection from water, mud, shavings, manure and even the occasional meeting of pony and rider's feet!Depending on the age and ability of the young rider, choose between laced, zip front and pull-on styles. There is even a new hybrid, with neat laced fronts and a zip up backs.Paddocks are either made out of leather, synthetic look-alikes or are made of thermal material. They come at price points to suit all budgets.
GLOVES
The reins are held between the thumb and index finger, across the palm and between the pinkie and 4th fingers. They become moist and slippery with the perspiration from the pony and the rider's hands. The reins can slip causing rubbing and abrasion. Riding gloves have additional fabric at rub points between the fingers, protecting the rider from rubs and making it easier for the rider to hold on to the reins. A bonus is that hands stay cleaner too and nails are less likely to get broken.
Riding gloves are very affordable, an even if they are not on your list, maybe something you might want to consider.
HALF CHAPS
While half chaps are not on every lesson program list, again they are something that are worth taking a look at for your young rider. They are worn over riding tights or even jods and offer added protection against rubbing. They also add a little more stick-to-itevness that may offer more security to the rider.
Half chaps are readily available in kid's sizes in suede and either zip or velcro tightly around the leg. Starting prices are under $30, so check them out.
BUDGET
Here are a couple of packages for you to consider, that will save you hunting around!
$100
Great choices for a low budget.
$175
A great start - for around $175 you can buy good quality leather paddocks, approved schooling helmet, riding tights and leather gloves for your young rider.
If your child is keen on riding and wants to continue on, then this would be a wonderful selection.

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