Horse Clothes for Children

Horse clothes do not need to be stylish, but these days, you can find both style and practicality as you outfit your young equestrian. Safety is the most important consideration, starting at both ends -- the feet and the head. Everything in between can vary according to type of riding and personal preference, with comfort as the priority. Network in your local horse community to find good, used horse clothing for children; several online stores also carry children's lines in both English and Western disciplines.

  1. Boots

    • Hard-toed boots with heels are essential for riding and handling horses.

      Hard-toed boots with a slight heel are very important for not just riding horses, but also for handling them. It would not even take the full weight of a horse's hoof on a child's toe to cause severe pain and possibly even break a bone. While a hard-toed boot may not completely prevent that from happening, it can certainly decrease the odds and eliminate unnecessary discomfort. A slight heel keeps the foot from slipping out of the stirrup. For English riding, you will want a paddock or barn boot, For Western riding, just about any quality cowboy or other Western boot will suffice.

    Protective Headgear

    • Riding helmets are an important safety item.

      Protective headgear should be non-negotiable for your child. You can easily find children's helmets in tack shops and supply stores, as well as through online stores. If you are using a used helmet, make sure it is cleaned and disinfected. All equestrian helmets should bear a sticker noting ASTM certification for equestrian sports, which is required by many equestrian governing bodies and particularly for competition. A bicycle helmet is better than no helmet, but should only be used until you can get your child an ASTM-certified helmet.

    Legwear

    • Riding breeches are comfortable and easy to find in equestrian supply stores.

      Comfort is key in legwear. If your children prefer to ride in jeans, look for seams that will not rub and cause painful sores. English riders who use half-chaps may have difficulty wearing them with bulky denim; riding tights and breeches are a more comfortable option and also required for competition. You can get full chaps for both English and Western disciplines, but that is usually not necessary at a child's level, unless for Western show.

    Shirt

    • A polo shirt is a good riding option.

      Again, comfort is key, as well as adherence to required show attire in competition. For lessons or other schooling, your English rider should wear a polo shirt or other comfortable pullover shirt suited for the temperature in which she is riding. Make sure there is plenty of room for freedom of movement and to keep tucked into her breeches. Western riders can school in any comfortable shirt as well, but may need more traditional Western wear for showing.