What do you wear around Horses and at the Stables?

To ensure the best instruction and safety during your riding lessons, please adhere to the following guidelines for wearing your stable shirt:

• Well-Fitted Shirt: Your shirt should be well-fitted or slim fit. If your shirt is baggy, it should be tucked in. This is crucial for allowing your instructor to see your entire body clearly.
• Why It Matters: A significant part of your riding strength comes from your core. For your instructor to provide effective guidance and corrections, they need to be able to see your core and how you use it while riding. Proper visibility helps in assessing your posture, balance, and overall riding technique.

Thank you for your attention to this detail, which helps in maximizing the effectiveness of your riding lessons.

Footwear Requirements for Riding

As responsible equestrians, it's crucial to adhere to the following footwear guidelines to ensure our safety and the well-being of our horses.

• Jodhpur Boots: These ankle boots are specifically designed for riding. They feature a rounded toe and a low heel, providing optimal support and protection. Jodhpur boots help prevent the foot from slipping through the stirrup and offer proper placement.
• Acceptable Footwear: Boots at or above ankle height with stiff soles and a distinct heel are preferred. This combination offers the most protection—proper foot placement in the stirrup.
• Tennis Shoes: While tennis shoes are acceptable, they do not offer the same protection and support as riding boots.

Prohibited Footwear:

• Moccasins
• Sandals
• Flip-flops
• Clogs
• Fashion boots
• Cowboy boots
• Similar soft or non-supportive footwear

Remember, proper footwear is not just a rule. It makes you confident in the saddle, ensuring effective riding and an excellent experience.

Thank you for your attention to this critical aspect of your riding attire!

Pants Requirements for Riding

For comfort and optimal performance while riding, please adhere to the following guidelines regarding riding pants:

• Preferred Pants: Jodhpurs (English riding pants) are recommended for riding. They are designed for equestrian activities and feature a knee patch enhancing grip and balance. Jodhpurs also help with correct form and prevent chafing that can occur with jeans.
• Jodhpurs vs. Jeans: While you can ride in jeans, the inside seam may start to rub on your legs, which can be uncomfortable over time. Jodhpurs are designed to avoid this issue and improve your overall riding experience.
• Fit and Color: The right fit and color of your riding pants are crucial. Well-fitted, dark-colored, boot-cut riding pants are preferred. Make sure they are long enough to cover your legs down to the ankles.
• Prohibited Attire: Shorts and capris are not allowed while riding. They do not provide the necessary coverage or protection for riding activities.

Why It Matters: Proper riding pants enhance comfort and help you maintain balance and correct form, making your riding experience more enjoyable and effective.

Thank you for your attention to these guidelines. By following them, you are ensuring a safe and comfortable riding experience for yourself and your horse.

Jewelry and Safety Guidelines

To ensure the safety of all riders, please follow these guidelines regarding jewelry:

• No Dangly Jewelry: Please avoid wearing dangly earrings, necklaces, or any other jewelry that could become caught on the saddle or tack. Such items can pose a risk of injury.
• Medical Alert Bracelets: If you need to wear a medical alert bracelet, ensure it fits snugly to prevent it from becoming caught on equipment or posing a safety risk.

Why It Matters: Jewelry that dangles or is not properly secured can become entangled, potentially causing serious injury. Keeping jewelry to a minimum and ensuring that it is secure helps maintain a safe riding environment.

Hair Guidelines for Riding Lessons

For safety and comfort during your riding lessons, please adhere to the following hair guidelines:

• Pull Back Loose Long Hair: Long hair should always be pulled back and secured for every lesson. This practice ensures that your hair does not interfere with your helmet’s fit, and it also contributes to a neater and safer riding experience.
• Helmet Fit: Keeping hair secured helps your helmet fit properly and comfortably, enhancing your overall riding safety.
• Hair Ties Available: Don’t worry if you forget your hair tie! We always have extra (new) hair ties available in the stable store.

Why It Matters: Securing loose hair prevents it from becoming entangled or obstructing your helmet, which can impact both your safety and performance.

Riding Gloves Policy

To enhance your riding experience and ensure safety, please follow these guidelines regarding riding gloves:

• Gloves Required: Leather (synthetic or genuine leather) riding gloves are REQUIRED for all riders when the day's high temperature is below 50 degrees. They are also recommended for all riders, regardless of the temperature.
• Glove Types: Our most experienced riders often use winter and warm-weather riding gloves to suit varying conditions.
• Benefits of Gloves:
  • Protection: Gloves help protect your hands from wear and tear, reducing the risk of blisters and discomfort.
  • Grip: They assist in holding the reins securely and maintaining proper control of the horse.

Why It Matters: Proper gloves enhance your comfort and control while riding, helping to prevent hand fatigue and improving your overall riding experience.

Stable Gear Available

Enhance your riding experience with our stable gear! You can purchase stable gear either online or at the stable store. Our selection includes:

• Shirts: Available in various sizes.
• Logo Shirts: Show your support with our branded logo shirts.
• Sweatshirts: Stay cozy with our stable sweatshirts.

Sizes Available:

• Small
• Medium
• Large
• X-Large

Where to Buy:

• Online: Browse and order through our online store.

Equip yourself with our stable gear for comfort and style in and out of the saddle!

For riders using crops, here’s important information about their use and specifications:

• Purpose and Design: The length of a crop is designed to provide sufficient leverage for a controlled flick of the wrist, allowing it to be accelerated rapidly without affecting the rider's balance.
• Competition Considerations: If your child progresses to competitions, they may want or be required to have their whip. For such occasions, we recommend a whip no longer than 30 inches long, precisely the English saddle seat style.
• Recommended Specifications:
  • Length: No longer than 30 inches.
  • Style: English saddle seat style riding whip.
  • Color: Typically, a black shaft with a white handle.
• Purchase Information: These whips can be easily purchased from equestrian supply stores or online.

Why It Matters: The right length and style of the whip are essential for both control and compliance with competition rules, ensuring a positive and balanced riding experience.

Spurs Information for Riders

Spurs may be an option if you need additional assistance in communicating with your horse. Here’s what you need to know:

• Types of Spurs:
  • Rowel Spurs: These spurs have a rotating rowel (small wheel) that can provide a more distinct cue to the horse.
  • Blunt Spurs: These spurs have a smooth end and are generally less intense than rowel spurs, making them a good choice for gentle guidance.
• Optional Equipment: Spurs are optional and should only be used if needed for effective communication with your horse. They are not required for all riders.
• Straps: If you use spurs, don’t forget to get the proper straps to secure them in your boots.

Why It Matters: Using spurs correctly can help you communicate clearly with your horse, enhancing your riding effectiveness. Always use them responsibly and follow your instructor's guidance.