Washington Horseback Riding Gear

[jaggirl47]

Hi all. My son is starting riding lessons on January 28. Can anyone recommend a store for me to buy him his gear? He will be taking English lessons so to start out he needs boots, breeches, and a helmet. We live in Roy (east side of Ft. Lewis).

[Stevenzachsmom]

I can't suggest a place in WA. Sure someone else can. But... here in Maryland, some of the saddleries have consignment shops. They are great for growing kids - at least breeches and boots. Would advise purchasing a new helmet. It is an expensive hobby, so try to save money when you can - especially if he decides he doesn't like it. (Like my son did. LOL)

[Jax08]

WHERE have you been????!!!

He really doesn't need breeches for lessons. I would look for paddock boots over English riding boots. They are cheaper and have the same type of sole. You can get a helmet at Tractor Supply. Definitely get a new helmet and not a used one! Not sure about boots. Your son is fairly young, right? You might have to order those online.

And I have a Crosby saddle I need to sell!!! LOL

[ladyfreckles]

I go to Olson's Tack in Bellevue. They're a bit on the pricier side but that's the closest I can think of to you. There's stuff even further north that's more affordable. There are a ton of great online shops as well. I did a quick yelp search and there's nothing in Olympia/Roy that I can spot.

[Lilie]

I'd speak with his riding instructor first. She may of someone who has some used stuff. But I agree, he needs a brand new helmet!

[Stevenzachsmom]

Originally Posted by Jax08

WHERE have you been????!!!

He really doesn't need breeches for lessons. I would look for paddock boots over English riding boots. They are cheaper and have the same type of sole. You can get a helmet at Tractor Supply. Definitely get a new helmet and not a used one! Not sure about boots. Your son is fairly young, right? You might have to order those online.

And I have a Crosby saddle I need to sell!!! LOL

Yeah that's true. My daughter doesn't even wear breeches now, unless she is in a show. When my kids had their first lessons, they were allowed to wear any boot with a heal. One of them had a pair of Timberland boots. Maybe your son already has a pair? I would definitely ask the instructor, before I invested too much money. I'm glad we are all in agreement about the NEW helmet. Must protect the head. It still is not necessary to buy the most expensive, but you want a good fit. Gosh - sometimes people at our farm just leave outgrown kids clothes in the barn office with a free sign. I hope your son loves riding.

[jaggirl47]

I will try Olson's next weekend. I would order his stuff online, but he wears a different size in every different brand (to include shoes). He is 10, almost 11. I would prefer him to have pants specifically for riding and I don't mind buying those used. For boots and helmet, I do prefer new. I have a thing about sharing shoes and head covering lol.
Jax, I am thinking paddock boots for now. If we decide to buy a saddle, I will let you know.

[TrickyShepherd]

Since there are not many stores here in Orlando for horses, sometimes I have to order the bigger things online. I have used Dover Saddlery and occasionally Amazon and Stateline Tack.

They may or may not run a bit higher then your local stores... but, if you can't find any around you then that may be your only option. We have one small tack shop around our area and they are crazy expensive! I'd rather order and pay for shipping.

Dover Saddlery - Quality English Horse Tack & Horse Supplies for the Equestrian.
Horse Tack, Horse & Equine Supplies - Statelinetack.com

As of what he needs, I would definitely talk to his trainer... she may advise he use some of her/the barns stuff at first. I know I used my coaches stuff when I first started dressage. I had all jumping and western tack at the time and she knew it'd be easier if I learned a bit more first and got comfortable enough with the type of tack needed before I went out and spent a lot of money on all new stuff.

Basics for a beginner though: A good helmet! GPA is my favorite and what I use. I use half chaps with paddock boots for english, or show boots (the tall ones you see everyone wearing at shows), some don't, I do though. Some comfortable riding clothes, and a pair or two of breeches (some just use jeans, and that's ok for beginners, I just feel like they wear my saddle down and mark it up, so I prefer breeches). He may also need some gloves. I don't use them too often, but with some horses I have to... that is a personal preference. Though at most shows it's a must... so if he plans on showing, you will need them. Talk to his trainer and ask what she/he suggests. She may be able to help you find some good local tack shops or maybe even some decent used tack that may get him started at least!

Good luck and hope he has a blast! Riding and horses are my world and it has done so much for me through out every stage of my life! It teaches so many great life lessons! I am very happy to see you are allowing your son this opportunity!

[Rerun]

If he's taking lessons he won't need a saddle unless you start leasing a horse or purchase one. Saddles are so far from one size fits all it's not even funny. Fitting a horse properly is a PITA! They do have saddles that have an adjustable gullet and it helps fit many different horse body types (though definitely not all) but you have to measure then switch out the gullet which takes some work and time, it's not practical for a lesson horse. The horses will have their own tack already fitted to them. All your son will need is paddock boots, breeches, and a helmet. Personally I find half chaps really nice to ride in when wearing paddock boots, but not really necessary for early on lessons I suppose.

[Stevenzachsmom]

Originally Posted by Rerun

If he's taking lessons he won't need a saddle unless you start leasing a horse or purchase one. Saddles are so far from one size fits all it's not even funny. Fitting a horse properly is a PITA! They do have saddles that have an adjustable gullet and it helps fit many different horse body types (though definitely not all) but you have to measure then switch out the gullet which takes some work and time, it's not practical for a lesson horse. The horses will have their own tack already fitted to them. All your son will need is paddock boots, breeches, and a helmet. Personally I find half chaps really nice to ride in when wearing paddock boots, but not really necessary for early on lessons I suppose.

Totally agree. If your son is riding a school horse, you do not need to purchase any tack. Your son might want to pick up a few grooming supplies - a few brushes, curry comb, hoof pick, and sweat scraper. The barn usually has grooming supplies too, but that stuff tends to disappear - especially the hoof picks and sweat scrapers. They are cheap enough. Besides, kids like to have some "personal" horse related items.