FAQ
What do I need for my first lesson?
Long Pants
All riders need to wear long pants. These can be jeans, leggings, or riding pants. See below for some of my favorite pants and links to purchase them.
Boots
Boots with a heel must be worn at each lesson. They do not need to be riding specific boots. However, if you plan to ride consistently it is a good idea to purchase riding boots.
FAQ
Other items
A helmet is required after your initial trial/evaluation lesson. The other items are not required but will help riders be more comfortable in the saddle.
Helmet
I highly recommend the Ovation helmets for new riders. They tend to fit well and have a dial on the back to adjust fit. These are perfect for everyday schooling. If you are looking for the safest product on the market, a MIPS helmet is proven to drastically reduce concussions. These are more expensive but I have listed one of the lower cost options. You can find these on Amazon or an online equestrian retailer (Dover, State Line Tack, Smartpak, etc) or in store at Cavender's Horsetown, Dover, or Atlanta Saddlery.
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Ovation Schooler
Ovation Protege
Uvexx with MIPS
OneK Junior with MIPS
Riding Pants
Riding pants or tights are a great purchase as they are made specifically for riding. These have a knee patch that helps keep riders leg in a secure position and also reduces rubbing on the riders leg. Below are a few options, you can also search for riding pants, riding tights, breeches, or jodphurs.
TuffRider Breeches
TuffRider Tights
FitsT4 Tights
Kerrits Performance Tight
Boots
Most riders will want Paddock Boots. These are the shorter boots, just above ankle height. There are zip and laced options with most riders preferring zip boots. Ariats are my favorite brand, my current pair is going on 8 years of riding and still in great condition. You should clean your leather boots to get any mud off and use a leather cleaner monthly. ​There are cheaper brands which I will list below, however once your foot stops growing I highly recommend spending more in a nicer boot that will last.
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Ariat Heritage Paddock Boot
Saxon Childrens Boot
TuffRider Childrens
TuffRider Ladies
Other Items to Consider
A good pair of riding gloves will keep riders from developing blisters, can help riders have more grip, and keep hands warm in the winter.
Childrens Riding Gloves
Personal set of brushes. With our current environment having your own set of brushes reduces point of contact with other riders. Tractor Supply carries a good selection, or you can find them online in a variety of sizes and colors. Make sure you get one of each: Curry Comb, Hard Brush, Soft Brush and Hoof Pick. You can also get a face brush, sweat scraper and mane/tail brush.
Local Stores to Visit
Dover Saddlery
Dover is located in downtown Alpharetta. They have everything you will need as well as plenty of stock to try on items in person. Their staff is very knowledgable. ​
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Address: 670 N Main St, Alpharetta, GA 30009
Cavenders Horsetown
Horsetown has everything you will need with a great selection of items.
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Address: 1231 Shallowford Rd, Marietta, GA 30066
Snooty Fox Tack Exchange
Snooty Fox is also located in downtown Alpharetta. It is a great consignment store where you can find higher end items at low prices. I have shopped here for years and am a very happy customer. They will also help you find what you need and try on the items.​
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Address: 11940 Alpharetta Hwy #129, Alpharetta, GA 30009
Atlanta Saddlery
Located just behind Wills Park in Alpharetta.
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Address: 1600 S Main St, Alpharetta, GA 30009