Beginner Horseback Riding Clothes for Girls: A Parent’s Complete Guide

Hi There, Emily Here! 

So many of us have been there - a mom with a little girl who is SO exciting to start horse back riding 🐎 I have two of them that started at 5 and 7 years old. Whether they have begged for years or got hooked on ponies after a ride at a friend's birthday party, you're going to want to buckle up 😝 A horse girl, is a horse girl through and through. It is rarely a passing phase. Their love for horses and riding is often ingrained deep into their soul. When it comes to the English riding hunter/jumper world...we've got you covered!

...not only with our affordable and durable clothing line designed specifically for young riders, but also with all the advice on what they will need to be prepared for their first lesson and even onto their first year in the saddle. Here is our well-thought-out guide of beginner rider MUST haves! Stay tuned for our first show guide coming soon ✨

LEGGINGS → You will want tight fitting, but comfortable leggings for your young rider. With riding leggings, we prefer a silicone knee grip so that they have more stability in the saddle. This is so important when starting out and learning the foundations as well! Our SSE riding leggings have belt loops that are wider than other brands to accommodate all widths of elastic belts that your daughter might want to add to their wardrobe. Our leggings also have two deep pockets on each side for pony treats, phones, or anything they need to keep with them! Did we mention how well our leggings wash? They are SO durable no matter how many times your daughter wears them!

BELT → An elastic belt will be imperative for not only a polished look in the saddle, but it is also extremely functional as they will keep the leggings in place while they are riding..and playing at the barn after their lesson ;) We LOVE our SSE stirrup logo belts and we also have bit belts too. All of our belts have rose gold hardware that adds extra polish to their equestrian ensemble. TOP SECRET...We are developing a new one of a kind belt coming early Summer!

SHIRT → Believe it or not, a riding shirt is just as important as the leggings for your young rider. They will need one that is made up of tech fabric...think moisture wicking, 4 way stretch, breathable and comfortable. Riding is also an outdoor sport, so UPF protection is imperative in a riding shirt! All of our riding shirts have a UPF of 50+ blocking 98% of the sun's rays ☀️ Our shirts are all kid approved at SSE. The seamless options and tech fabric are oh so comfy for those long days at the barn!

SOCKS → Your daughter will want some comfortable boot socks to wear with her paddock boots. They need to be tall, but not too tall for children! They'll need to pull over her leggings above her paddock boots for optimum comfort. We know how picky kids are about socks- that is why ours are a TOP seller. Don't forget to get those croc charms so they can sport their equestrian style outside the barn too! PS- Most girls like to wear crocs to the barn then change into their paddock boots to ride 🐎

LAYERS → Fall through Spring can be imperative for layers based on where you live. You'll want to make sure that you have a vest or pullover handy for those cooler temperatures that they can easily shed when needed - especially in the saddle! 🌬

Don't worry we won't leave you hanging...here are additional items that you'll want to bring to the barn for your beginner rider!

FIRST LESSON → 

• Helmet: You can find some affordable riding helmets on Amazon until you make sure they will stick with it and upgrade down the line.
• Paddock Boots: They will need to ride in a boot with a heel. Sneakers in stirrup irons are NOT safe. Cowboy boots are likely fine for the first lesson, but eventually you'll want to purchase your young equestrian paddock boots to ride in.
• Half Chaps: A lot of young riders wear half chaps over their paddock boots so that the stirrup leathers will not pinch and rub their legs while they are in the saddle...another important reason for good fitting leggings as well!
• Saddle Pads: A lot of trainers will provide these, but we also know that bringing an adorable saddle pad is a fun part of lessons for young equestrians. We have plenty of adorable SSE colors for you to choose from that will match with their Short Stirrup Equestrian clothing!

We hope that this guide can help alleviate the stress of how to dress your young rider and what to expect the first few times (of many!!) that you head to the barn with your young equestrian. Rest assured that we have your young rider's clothing covered at Short Stirrup Equestrian. We designed our clothes with my own young rider's needs of comfort and function in mind as they grow...and they have been tested, proved and loved for over five years! Get ready...

Check back every week and be sure to sign up for our newsletters to follow along with our journal- and share with your young rider! 💌

WARNING- SO much pony cuteness & Short Stirrup Equestrian fun ahead! ✨🐴 Don't miss our upcoming Show Day clothing guide!

XOXO, Emily