What Kids Need to Get Ready for Their Riding Lessons
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Your child's first riding lesson is scheduled, and you're excited (and maybe a little nervous). Now comes the practical question: What do they actually need? Do you have to buy everything right away? Is there essential gear? What can wait? We're breaking down the must-haves, the nice-to-haves, and what your instructor probably has covered.
The two-minute answer: a certified helmet and boots with a real heel. That's it for day one. Here are our kids helmet picks and our kids riding boot picks.
The Must-Haves
A Properly Fitting Helmet
This is non-negotiable. A helmet protects your child's head in case of a fall and is required at any reputable facility. But don't just grab any bike helmet—riding helmets are specifically designed for equestrian use with reinforcement in different areas.
Helmet guidelines:
- ASTM/SEI or CE certification (look for these labels)
- Proper fit: snug but comfortable, not tilting forward or backward
- Should sit level on the head, covering the forehead
- No gaps between head and helmet
- Budget: $40–$200 depending on brand and features
Most riding facilities require a helmet before your child can mount. Some facilities have loaner helmets, but we strongly recommend getting your own—and we'll explain why in another post.
Our recommendation: this budget-friendly ASTM-certified kids helmet — or compare all four of our kids riding helmet picks.
Pro tip: Don't buy a helmet your child will "grow into." Kids' heads grow, but the helmet needs to fit properly now to provide protection.
Appropriate Footwear
Your child needs closed-toe shoes with a real heel—roughly an inch, with a genuine angle to it. That heel is what stops their foot sliding forward through the stirrup, which is the injury every instructor is quietly watching for.
Good options:
- Riding boots (western or English, depending on the style)
- Paddock boots (shorter, easier to find in kids' sizes)
- Sturdy sneakers with a heel (fine for a first lesson or two)
- Cowboy boots for western riding
What NOT to wear:
- Flip-flops or sandals
- Clogs or shoes without heels
- Flat "western-inspired" fashion boots — they look the part and stop nothing
Budget: Beginners can absolutely start in sturdy sneakers ($30–$80). Real riding boots start around $44 for kids and run to $120 for something that will last.
Our boot picks: every boot in our kids riding boot collection has a real heel and no laces to catch a stirrup — from a $44 starter pair to boots that will last a few seasons. For the full explanation of what separates a riding boot from a boot that just looks western, read The Best Boots for Riding.
See it in action: our Kid's Western Riding and Kid's English Riding Lesson collections show exactly what kids wear at our ranch — boots included.
Pro tip: Check with your instructor about footwear requirements. Some have specific preferences.
Long Pants
Riding in shorts leaves legs exposed to chafing and scrapes. Long pants provide protection and comfort.
Good options:
- Jeans (a classic for a reason)
- Riding pants or breeches (specifically designed for comfort in the saddle)
- Sturdy athletic leggings
- Chinos
Why long pants matter: The friction of the saddle and horse can chafe skin. Good pants protect and make for a more comfortable experience.
Budget: Start with what your child already has. Actual riding pants ($40–$120) can come later.
Pro tip: Avoid baggy pants that could catch on the saddle or stirrups. Fitted pants are safer and more comfortable.
The Nice-to-Haves (But Totally Optional at First)
Riding-Specific Clothes
Once your child is a few lessons in, they might want actual riding apparel. But for the first lesson or two? Regular clothes work fine.
- Riding shirts or polos: Help you look put-together for shows (not needed yet)
- Riding jackets: Required for formal English riding later
- Riding gloves: Help with grip and blister prevention (optional but nice)
Upgrading Their Boots
Some kids come to their first lesson in sneakers, and that's perfectly fine. But once it's clear they're sticking with it, proper boots are the first upgrade worth making — they're more comfortable in a stirrup, they last, and the heel does a job sneakers can't. Here's what we'd buy.
Hairnet or Bun
If your child has long hair, keeping it contained in a bun or braid keeps it out of their face and looks polished. This matters more for lessons down the road than the very first one.
Horse Grooming Supplies
As your child learns more, they might want their own grooming kit (brush, hoof pick, curry comb). But the facility typically has these available.
What the Facility Usually Provides
Don't panic—you're not buying everything from scratch:
- The horse (obviously!)
- Saddle and bridle
- Stirrups and reins
- Saddle pads
- Grooming supplies (brushes, hoof picks, etc.)
- Loaner helmets (though we recommend your own—more on that later)
- Safety equipment like mounting blocks
What Your Child Should Bring
- Water bottle: Riding is work! Your child needs to stay hydrated.
- Snacks: Healthy snacks for before/after (not before riding, as a full stomach isn't comfortable)
- Change of clothes: They might get dusty or sweaty.
- Sunscreen: Lessons are often outdoors.
- Hair ties: If they have long hair.
Budget Breakdown: What to Spend Now
Bare minimum for first lesson:
- Helmet: $40–$80 (used options available)
- Sturdy shoes/sneakers: $30–$80 (you probably already have this)
- Long pants: $0 (use what you own)
- Total: $70–$160
If you want to invest a bit more:
- Quality riding helmet: $80–$150
- Riding or paddock boots: $44–$120
- Riding pants: $40–$80
- Total: $165–$350
The key: Don't feel pressured to buy everything expensive right away. Many kids start with basics and upgrade as they progress and realize they love riding.
Money-Saving Tips
- Check used gear: Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and local tack shops often have gently used boots at 30-50% off retail. Helmets are the exception — only buy used if you know for certain it has never been in a fall.
- Ask your instructor: They often know where to find deals or might have recommendations.
- Wait on specialty gear: Skip the fancy riding jacket and leather gloves for now. Invest in them later if your child stays committed.
- Borrow if possible: Ask if friends have spare gear for the first lesson or two.
- Buy as you go: See what your child actually needs after a few lessons before investing heavily.
- Use a curated list: our kids helmet picks, kids riding boots, and Kid's Western / Kid's English lesson outfits gather everything your child needs in one place.
Safety First: The Helmet Exception
We'll say it again: The one thing you shouldn't compromise on is the helmet. It needs to fit properly, meet safety standards, and be in good condition. A used helmet is fine if it hasn't been in an accident. But fit and protection are non-negotiable.
Getting Your Child Psyched
Beyond gear, the best preparation is mental:
- Read horse books together (like Black Beauty or The Black Stallion series)
- Watch horse movies or clips of riding lessons
- Visit the facility ahead of time if possible
- Talk positively about the experience without pushing too hard
- Help them imagine what they'll do (brushing the horse, riding at a walk, etc.)
A confident, excited kid is ready to learn. Gear is just the practical side of the equation.
Ready to Go?
Your child is almost ready for their first lesson. Grab a helmet, throw on some long pants and sturdy shoes, and show up with enthusiasm and an open mind. That's truly all they need.
The rest—fancy boots, riding clothes, all of it—can come as they fall deeper in love with horses. And trust us, if they catch the riding bug, they'll let you know exactly what they want next!
Shop the essentials: kids riding helmets · kids riding boots
More in this series — Kids & Riding