What to buy to start horseback riding: Essential gear for beginners

A helmet or riding cap

This item is an essential piece of riding gear for beginners. Wearing a helmet when riding a horse is mandatory as it will protect your head in the event of a fall. Your helmet must conform to the rigorous Canadian safety standards (all Decathlon helmets do) and it must fit your head properly in order to ensure maximum protection. Some horseback riding schools rent helmets but, for safety and hygiene reasons, it is preferable to have your own.
Always avoid wearing used riding gear.

Be careful: If you do experience a fall, it is strongly recommended that you buy a new helmet as the impact may have damaged the interior of your helmet—even if the damage is not actually visible. This is true of all sports where a helmet is worn: After a fall, you need to get new gear for a safe experience.

While riding a horse, breathability and freedom of movement in your clothing are key. In summer, short-sleeved shirts or polos are the best because they allow you to spend hours outside without feeling the heat. In winter, long-sleeved shirts are preferable because they provide warmth and breathability, without restraining any movements. 

They are not necessarily required, but gloves are strongly recommended to reduce the friction of the reins in your hands and also to keep your hands warm. 
Note: Your gloves should be soft and flexible to ensure you still have a good sense of contact with the reins and the horse.

A protection vest is a body protector in case of a shock while horseback riding. Indeed, it absorbs shocks to the back and spine, and protects the ribs in the event of a fall. A protection vest is recommended for both experienced and beginner riders. These vests are generally used for cross-country or obstacle jumping. All Decathlon equipment conforms to current regulatory standards. Always make sure the protection vest is the perfect fit for your body.

Once you have purchased your horseback riding gear, it is a good idea to buy a practical transport bag that will make it easier for you to carry your gear with you. Opt for a model with wheels (like the pros use) this will make it easier than ever for you to transport your gear with minimal effort. 

To avoid getting too cold, adopt the three-layer technique. You’ll be nice and warm from the start and you can then adjust the layers as the workout intensifies.
- A breathable base layer to keep you dry (ideally made with Merino wool).
- A fleece or down jacket to shield against the cold.
- A protective layer to block the wind and rain.

For particularly harsh winter weather, a riding jacket can serve as layers 2 and 3. The jacket’s long cut covers the lower back while the gussets (side zippers) at the hip optimize comfort when you’re seated in the saddle. This small detail also allows you to better regulate your body temperature.

COVER YOUR HEAD
The body loses most of its heat through the head; so, in periods of intense cold, it’s important to cover your head. Your best bet is to wear a fleece top with an integrated neck warmer and a hood worn under your riding helmet.

PROTECT YOUR HANDS & LEGS
When horseback riding in the winter, you need two pairs of gloves: a very warm pair for the stable and a thinner pair to allow for close contact with the reins while riding. You may also want to consider hand-warmers, especially for longer outings.
Winter riding pants are an essential piece of equipment. Made with thicker fabrics, these pants are often water-resistant and wind-proof. While walking with your horse before and after the session, you can also cover your legs with your horse’s exercise rug or sheet. You take care of them, and they will take care of you!

DON'T FORGET YOUR FEET
As you know, the extremities get cold quickly and more easily than the rest of the body. To avoid having cold feet, go for socks with a high percentage of wool. You will also need boots lined with wool, polyester, or fake fur.

Handy tip: When dismounting from your horse in cold temperatures, try to let yourself down smoothly. If you jump while your feet are cold, you may feel something like a rather unpleasant electric shock.

New riders generally need to be reassured when purchasing riding gear for the first time, and they help finding progressive equipment adapted to their level. Decathlon experts understand these issues because they are riders themselves. They know exactly how to choose the right gear when you start your practice! Their expertise and active listening help you make the right choice. Together, let's make horseback riding accessible and fun, so your first practice can be unforgettable moment.