Purchasing Riding Equipment
What to Buy
1. ASTM/SEI approved riding helmet. As you are already aware, a helmet is required for every lesson. Also, please note that bicycle and ski helmets are not built to the same safety standards that riding helmets are, and they do not offer adequate protection in the event of a fall from a horse’s back. PLEASE DO NOT BUY A USED HELMET! Helmets worn in a fall should be replaced.
What to look for: Choose a ventilated helmet for comfort during lessons. A colorful touch to your helmet can be added with helmet covers (see below.)
Sizing: In order to determine your size, visit one of our local tack stores and they will be more than happy to make sure you are purchasing a helmet that fits properly. Shari will also gladly check the fit of any new purchases.
Expect to pay: $35.00 - $100.00.
Recommended Brands: Troxel is the best buy for the money. International (IRH) and GPA also make excellent products.
2. Paddock Boots. These ankle-high boots are specially designed for riding and can be worn with jeans, riding breeches, chaps, or half chaps. The farm does not have any boots that riders can borrow, so please come to your lesson prepared.
What to look for: Boots come in black and brown, with zipper or laced front. Choose whichever style suits your fancy.
Sizing: Just make sure they fit your foot comfortably.
Expect to pay: $35-$150.
Recommended Brands: Ariat is the best brand for the money. Ovation is another brand that makes a quality boot for a decent price. If you are looking for the best quality boot, go with Ariat or Grand Prix.
Not Required but Strongly Recommended
3. Riding Breeches: Pants especially designed for riding. Can be worn with paddock boots, half chaps, chaps or tall boots. It is best to select a pair of tan breeches, as they do not show dirt easily.
4. Gloves. Gloves should be worn even in the summer avoid injury to your hands while riding. Please only use gloves that are specifically designed for riding, as most other types of gloves are too slippery to properly grasp the reins. Gloves come in a summer weight that breathes easily. There are a wide variety of patterns and colors available.
5. Crop: A short whip that comes in a variety of colors, so that you can coordinate with your gloves and other equipment. Select a crop between 14” and 24” in length. Make sure that the handle of the whip is not too big for your hand to close securely around. Go for the cheapest crop, as riders tend to loose them all of the time.
6. Chaps or Half Chaps: Smooth leather or suede leggings specifically designed to protect a rider’s legs against pinching from the stirrup leathers. Many riders like half chaps as they provide the protection of chaps at a fraction of the price. Chaps should fit snugly and cover your entire leg, from inseam to below your ankle. Half chaps should fit snugly and reach all the way to your knee, without bunching behind the knee.
Other Fun Things
Riders may also enjoy purchasing the following items for their personal use, but again these items are in no way required!
1. Grooming Kit: A collection of brushes and other assorted goodies for caring and pampering for your horse. $20.00 – on up.
2. Saddle Pad: These can be purchased in every color of the rainbow to further coordinate a rider’s outfit. $10.00 - $35.00.
3. Halter/Leadrope: Again continuing the color-coordinated theme. Halters and leadropes come in colorful nylon or leather. Leather is safer and more durable. $10.00 - $50.00.
4. Helmet Cover: made of nylon and available in every color of the rainbow, these covers add another dimension to color coordinating your outfit. $10.00 - $20.00.
Local Tack Shops
The Tack Shop of Austin 3435 Greystone Rd. #104 (Off of the southbound Mopac Access Road, Behind the Chinatown Restaurant) Let the Salesperson know that your are riding with Spicewood Farms, they can guide you to the brands I prefer!
The Leading Rein 3690 Highway 290 East, Building B-1, at Canyon Bend Dr. between Cedar Valley and Dripping Springs
Stateline Tack Located at certain Petsmart locations:
Round Rock 2601 South IH-35 Round Rock, TX 78681 512-218-1816
South Austin 5400 Brodie Lane Austin, TX 78745
SE Austin 9300 South IH-35 Austin, TX 78748 512-280-0404
Online and Catalog Tack Stores
Dover Saddlery www.doversaddlery.com
Stateline Tack www.statelinetack.com
Valley Vet Supply www.valleyvet.com
Chicks Saddlery www.chicksaddlery.com
Other sources
Ebay NEVER buy a used helmet. (A good source for used equipment, but buyer beware!)