Riding Gear

You must wear an ASTM/SEI-approved helmet, boots or shoes with a defined 1-inch heel, and long pants or breeches to participate in lessons.

Footwear

Proper footwear is not only safer but more comfortable and easier to ride in. Here are some examples of proper and improper footwear:
  

The boot pictured in the center is a paddock boot designed for riding. It has an appropriate heel height, stiff sole, and will give the rider's foot more support in the stirrup than other shoe styles. This boot will also allow movement of the rider's foot but keep it from becoming stuck in the stirrup, which is important if the rider should fall from his/her horse.

Although it is not necessary to purchase boots that are specifically made for riding, you should choose a boot or shoe with a heel/sole design similar to those that are. Boots that are too chunky or flat will inhibit correct and essential movements of your foot, which will not only keep you from developing proper riding style but may also pose significant safety risks. The heel of your shoe should be 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches high. Work boots and boots made for rainy weather may be appropriate, but shoes with aggressive treads are not ideal because they can hinder your ability to get out of the saddle quickly. Tall riding boots are welcome and encouraged.

Helmets

You must wear an ASTM/SEI-approved helmet at all times while you are riding and handling horses, even if you are over 18 years of age. It is Hoofer Riding Club policy that helmets must be worn by ALL members while retrieving horses from the pastures, taking a horse out of its stall, grooming, hosing, grazing, etc. Although the club will provide helmets to beginners at no extra cost, we suggest you purchase your own helmet for proper fit and comfort.

Breeches

You must wear long pants when you ride a Hoofer horse to protect against abrasions. However, the type of long pants that you wear is entirely up to you. Jeans are acceptable. After a while, however, you may find that they are not the most comfortable option. Breeches and/or riding tights are designed specifically for riding. They lack a hard seam that runs along the inside of the legs and they are designed to stretch so they won't move while you ride. They are often reinforced by either full seat or knee patches with an extra layer of fabric or a suede-type material.

If you prefer riding in jeans or other pants with a seam, half chaps may help prevent rawness from rubbing of the stirrup leathers. Other options include lightweight sweat pants or leggings. The elastic cuffs and stretchiness help keep sweats and leggings in place over your ankles.

Chaps

Chaps and/or half chaps are more about comfort than safety, although chaps can certainly protect you from abrasions more than jeans or breeches (and chaps can keep your legs warmer in the winter). Chaps, half chaps and tall boots perform many of the same functions, although tall boots are dressier and can be used for shows. Many people choose to invest in half chaps before tall boots because field and dress boots are more expensive and harder to fit.

Tack

Saddles are an extremely important aspect of riding gear because they influence the horse's ability to move freely and the horse's ability to carry the rider. The horses at HRC predominantly use jumping, all-purpose, or dressage saddles. Each saddle type is designed to improve performance in the given sport. If you are interested in donating tack, such as saddles, bridles, saddle pads, blankets, or anything else, please contact the Tack Chair (under the Exec Board Members).

1) Jumping 2) All-Purpose 3) Dressage