[ ] Equine Lifestyle Magazine Article Copies
[ ] instructor’s helmet/protective hatbox, and other riding attire
[ ] OEF brochures
[ ] Introduction of Instructor with credentials
DISCUSSION OF FIT, WITH DEMONSTRATION:
It’s important that the helmet fit properly, and equally important that the child wear and secure the helmet correctly. Most helmets come with fitting instructions.
Shake head side to side and back and forth, no movement
helmet should sit top of head with a snug fit that covers forehead, two fingers above eyebrow, without pinching temples and/or tipping back
Snug chinstrap, yawn test
One note on helmet fitting: I frequently see riders with their helmets tipped back like baseball caps. If your helmet is bouncing around, it is too loose! When your helmet is fastened and you move your helmet up and down, the skin on your forehead should move with it.
Boots:
many experts I visited reasearching this topic suggested proper Footwear.is just as important as your helmet.
Sandals are not even allowed in the barn at Manestay.
At Myrddin, riders are expected to wear a firm soled, and heeled (min 1.5cm) boots, that will also provide protection from a horse’s foot if stepped on.
Vinyl vs rubber boot, vs. leather
My favourite is the blundtstones, half chaps combo ($150+$50?)
Tops:
I like to recommend protective vests for jumping, and I think some stables sell them directly to their students.; The first time I fell off wearing one I felt like Superman because I could jump right up without the wind knocked out of me, after hitting the ground hard.
Both Myrddin and Manestay, prefer a shirt with collar and sleeves, and Myrddin she suggests you avoid sitting on your shirt tails and think cuffs that don’t cover your hands. I have a personal warning about hoods. I like a fleece and then down vest in colder months.
Gloves: recommended
Breeches or pants without inseam (tight jeans not recommended); a polo bandage can be wrapped around the lower leg of riders without tall boots or chaps.
Care of riding pants
Tights – most tights are a cotton lyric mix so don’t put them in the dryer or they are likely to shrink both in length and width.
Breeches – it is not necessary to dry clean breeches. Simply wash in cold water. Hang to dry, if there are leather parts, and stretch those leather patches while pants are drying. If the leather becomes stiff, apply a small amount of fabric softener to wet leather every few washings. If they are white breeches, add vinegar to the water instead of bleach to get them white again (this works for saddle pads too!)
Remember that by taking care of them, they will retain resale value if you outgrow them.
Hair: tied back, braided or in a hairnet,
Other Notes: No Jewlery, no scarves, sports bra, no tanks, no chewing gum, rain coat, extra sweater, sun screen, bug spray). Crop recommended, spurs optional.
Thoughts about Branded Clothing Orders:
I am a big fan of the $22 turtleneck, and would take it in a few different colours! I think hooded garments should be marketed as SPECTATOR items. Fleece vests have got to be a no-brainer right? all riders wear/want VESTS, don't we? Why doesn't anyone ever do RAINCOATS?Winter Coats and toques should be provided as good marketing to instructors!