“I Want to Start Horseback Riding—What Do I Actually Need?” 🤠🐎
A practical guide from Danika at Real World Horsemanship
You take one lesson, fall in love with a horse, go home smelling like the barn—and suddenly you’re online looking at boots, helmets, jeans, tack, and everything else with a horse on it.
Welcome. You’re officially hooked.
Whether you’re an adult finally taking those riding lessons you’ve wanted your whole life or a parent whose child has caught the horse bug, it’s easy to feel like you need to buy everything immediately.
You don’t.
As a mom with two kids who ride with me daily, I understand wanting good equipment without spending a small fortune every time someone grows.
Real World Horsemanship is primarily Western, so here’s my practical guide to getting started without buying half the feed store.
And no, this isn’t sponsored. Nobody paid me to include their business or brand. I’m sharing options and information to help our riding families.
START WITH THE BASICS
For regular riding, focus on:
• Properly fitted riding boots
• A properly fitted equestrian helmet
• Comfortable long pants
• A breathable shirt
• Water. Plenty of water. This is Florida.
Before buying anything, ask your instructor what you need for your first visit and what you can borrow. At RWH, we have helmets available.
You do not need a saddle, bridle, bit, saddle pad, spurs, chaps, show clothes, or a $200 cowboy hat to start taking lessons.
We provide the horse and tack. Please don’t buy equipment for a lesson horse unless we’ve discussed it first. Tack needs to fit the individual horse—not just match your outfit.
Horses and riding involve risk, and no equipment can prevent every injury. Choosing appropriate gear and learning how to use it are part of getting started thoughtfully.
BOOTS: LOOK PAST THE CUTE STITCHING
Your boots don’t have to be expensive, but they should be designed for riding.
Look for:
• A completely closed toe
• A defined riding heel, generally around one inch
• A relatively smooth or lightly textured sole
• A comfortable, secure fit
• Enough clearance inside the stirrup
The heel helps limit how far your foot can slide through the stirrup. The sole should allow your foot to release without heavy tread catching. Neither feature guarantees that a foot can’t become trapped.
Some chunky work boots, hiking boots, and very wide boots are poor matches for riding stirrups. A square toe can be perfectly fine—the actual width, sole, heel, and fit matter more than the toe’s appearance.
For kids, please don’t buy several sizes too big. They need boots they can control their feet in today.
Ariat, Durango, Justin, and Smoky Mountain are brands you can explore, but check the individual style. A Western-looking boot isn’t automatically a riding boot.
Tell the person helping you: “These are for horseback riding.”
HELMETS: BUY FOR THE HEAD WEARING IT
At Real World Horsemanship, helmets are required for riders under 18, and we have helmets available to borrow.
Once you or your child plans to ride regularly, having your own is a worthwhile purchase. You know its history, it can be fitted specifically to you, and nobody else has been sweating in it. That last part is a real bonus around here.
For lessons, choose an equestrian helmet carrying SEI certification to ASTM F1163. Bicycle helmets are tested to different standards and aren’t a substitute for an equestrian helmet in this beginner shopping guide.
Check that the helmet:
• Fits snugly without painful pressure
• Sits level
• Doesn’t rock or slide excessively
• Has a correctly adjusted, securely fastened harness
• Meets your riding program’s requirements
• Has no previous impact history
Never buy a child an oversized helmet to grow into.
Different models fit different head shapes, so trying them on is ideal. An adjustment dial helps fine-tune fit, but it can’t fix the wrong helmet shape or size.
For a first personal helmet, I recommend buying new. Hidden impact damage is one reason a secondhand helmet can be a risky bargain.
You can explore options here:
Troxel:
https://www.troxelhelmets.com/
Ovation:
https://www.ovationriding.com/
You can also compare independent results through Virginia Tech. Check the exact model and version—brand names alone don’t tell the whole story:
https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/equestrian-helmet-ratings.html
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
You don’t have to dress like you’re headed into the rodeo arena.
A few comfortable barn outfits are plenty:
• Jeans, riding leggings, breeches, or fitted stretchy long pants
• Lightweight, breathable shirts
• Socks that don’t bunch inside your boots
• A light jacket or rain layer when needed
Jeans are traditional, but not everyone enjoys stiff fabric or bulky seams. Choose long pants that let you move comfortably.
Skip shorts and anything excessively loose or flowing that could catch on tack or equipment.
Wear clothes that can handle horse hair, dust, sweat, slobber, mud, and possibly manure.
Barn clothes live a real life.
SHOP SECONDHAND: SPECIAL EQUESTRIANS’ MIRACLE BOUTIQUE
Here’s a local option to put on your calendar!
Special Equestrians’ Miracle Boutique in Fort Myers offers new and gently used tack, equestrian apparel, and equipment in exchange for donations. It’s worth a look when you’re putting together your barn wardrobe.
Open the first Friday of each month, 10 AM–1 PM.
Special Equestrians
5121 Staley Road
Fort Myers, FL 33905
239-226-1221
Follow their Facebook page for updates before making the drive:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1A1wYRbQZR/?mibextid=wwXIfr
More information:
https://specialequestrians.net/used-tack/
Go looking for boots, riding clothes, and useful basics—but remember, finding a bargain saddle doesn’t mean you need to bring it home yet.
I know. It’s tempting.
OTHER PLACES TO SHOP LOCALLY
Bits & Pieces Tack Shop
9521 Bayshore Road
North Fort Myers, FL 33917
It’s across from Lawhon’s gas station. Look for the storefront marked “Purses and Accessories”—the little tack shop is in the back.
Check current hours before making the trip.
Boot Factory Outlet
16430 S. Tamiami Trail
Fort Myers, FL 33908
239-484-5948
Monday–Saturday: 10 AM–9 PM
Sunday: 10 AM–7 PM
The store is known for its buy-one-pair, get-two-pairs-free offer. Check current promotion details and eligible styles before buying. This can be worth comparing when several family members need boots.
Current location and hours:
https://www.twofreeboots.com/locations
Tractor Supply and Rural King are also places to check for basics. Call your local store about sizes and selection before heading out.
Wherever you shop, make sure the boots are suitable for riding before falling in love with the color.
WHAT’S WORTH BUYING USED?
Secondhand can be a great choice for:
• Riding boots in good condition
• Jeans and riding pants
• Shirts and jackets
• Belts
• Boot bags and helmet bags
Check boots for loose heels, separating soles, damaged stitching, and excessive wear.
For helmets, buy new. For tack, wait until you have a specific horse and knowledgeable help choosing equipment that fits.
WHAT CAN WAIT?
Your personal saddle can wait.
So can the bridle, bit, spurs, chaps, show outfit, and collection of matching saddle pads.
Please don’t purchase or wear spurs unless your instructor has recommended them and taught you how to use them.
Start with the basics. Take lessons. Figure out what feels comfortable, what you enjoy, and what kind of riding you want to pursue.
There will be plenty of time to spend all your money on horses later. Trust me.
At Real World Horsemanship, we teach more than how to sit in a saddle. Riders learn grooming, tacking, groundwork, horse care, communication, and practical Western riding skills.
Bring your questions. You don’t have to show up already knowing everything—or owning everything.
Ages 3 to 103. Meet me at the tack room. 🤠❤️🐎
Lessons, prices, and online booking:
https://www.realworldhorsemanship.com/booknow-1