The beginner rider's equipment: the complete kit
Are you new to riding, or has your child just joined a club, and the equipment list is overwhelming? Good news: to ride safely and comfortably, you don’t need to buy everything at once or aim for high-end gear. At Sellerie Bucéphale, we support many riders taking their first steps — and we always prefer to help you invest wisely rather than spend a lot.
In this guide, we review each item in the beginner’s kit, in the order it’s smart to buy them. For each, we link to our detailed guide if you want to explore a specific criterion (size, material, care).
Safety first: the helmet and proper footwear
The helmet is the only piece of equipment on which you never compromise. It’s also often the rider’s first personal purchase: clubs lend helmets, but a helmet that fits your head and is worn by only one person is safer and more hygienic. Several standards and certifications exist: always check the label and the current certification inside the shell rather than relying on price alone. A more expensive helmet isn’t necessarily “safer”: it’s often lighter, better ventilated, or more aesthetically slim, but protection mainly depends on a good fit.
Practically, a helmet must be well fitted: the helmet doesn’t move when you shake your head with the harness undone, and once fastened, the harness should be adjusted with one to two fingers under the chin. Also, consider the shape of your skull (more round or more oval): two helmets of the same size don’t fit the same way.
To learn more about standards, fit, and anti-rotation systems, read our complete guide to choosing your riding helmet. You will find our selection in the Riding Helmets collection.
The second safety reflex concerns the feet. You ride with a shoe that has a small heel (about 2 cm) and a smooth sole: the heel prevents the foot from slipping through the stirrup, and the smooth sole allows the foot to release in case of a fall. Avoid sneakers at all costs, as their ridged soles can get caught in the stirrup. To start, a pair of boots (ankle boots) paired with mini-chaps is the most economical and versatile solution; tall boots will come later, once your riding practice is more established.
For comfortable riding: footwear, breeches, and gloves
Once safety is ensured, comfort makes all the difference in the pleasure of riding — and therefore in progress. Three areas take care of this.
Boots + mini-chaps, or tall boots? Boots are low, flexible ankle boots that are easy to slip on. Worn alone, they are sufficient for grooming and initial sessions; paired with mini-chaps (half gaiters that reach the knee), they replicate the support and protection of a tall boot at a fraction of the cost. This is our number one recommendation for beginners. If you prefer tall boots right away, know that the right fit (size, calf circumference, shaft height, among other measurements) is crucial: we explain this in our guide to choosing the right boots. Find boots and mini-chaps in the Footwear collection, and tall boots in the Riding Boots collection.
The breeches are the technical garment that will save you from many irritations. Their special feature: reinforcements (the knee patches) inside the legs and at the seat, which protect against saddle flap friction and improve grip. To start, an entry-level pair of breeches with knee patches does the job perfectly; there’s no need to invest in full silicone right away. Choose them close-fitting but not tight, with a stretchy material that follows your movement. Our riding breeches guide details the types of knee patches and sizes; the Riding Breeches collection gathers our models.
Gloves complete the comfort trio. They protect hands from blisters caused by rein friction, improve grip when leather is wet, and keep hands warm in winter. A breathable entry-level pair is enough to start. We discuss them in our riding gloves guide, and you can find them in the Gloves collection.
The aids: the crop
The crop is not a punishment tool: it is used to confirm an aid, usually when the leg has not received a response. It extends and clarifies your request, never used in anger. To start, a short crop (jumping/outdoor, around 65 to 75 cm as a guideline) is versatile and easy to handle; the longer dressage stick comes into play if you focus on that discipline.
When buying, check the quality of the handle (a good grip to prevent it from twisting in your hand) and the condition of the lash or flap. Our crop and stick guide covers lengths, uses, and leather care. The Crops collection features our models.
Good to know: a protective vest and cross-country helmet are not essential for starting flatwork in the arena but become recommended as soon as you approach jumping or outdoor riding. Discuss this with your instructor.
Your first sessions: focus first on your position
The best equipment doesn’t replace good habits. From your first sessions, take the time to establish a correct position: heels down, back straight, eyes forward, steady hands. This is what makes the equipment truly effective — leather-seat breeches and good boots only support your balance if your seat is correct. To set healthy foundations from the start, read our complete guide to correct riding position.
Where to start: our purchase order and budget
You don’t have to buy everything on the first day. Here is the order in which we recommend investing, from most important to least.
| Priority | Category | Why | Starting budget* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified helmet | Non-negotiable safety, personal purchase | from €56 |
| 2 | Footwear (boots + mini-chaps) | Foot safety + calf comfort | from €60 + €55 |
| 3 | Leather-seat breeches | Prevents irritation, improves grip | from €20 |
| 4 | Gloves | Protect hands, better grip | from €25 |
| 5 | Crop | Confirms aids | from €18 |
| Complete starter kit total | ≈ €234 | ||
*Indicative entry-level prices observed in our store, subject to change. A rapidly growing child will benefit from starting with entry-level clothing and footwear.
Our advice: start with the helmet and footwear, borrow the rest from the club for the first sessions, then complete with breeches, gloves, and whip as you progress. And never hesitate to ask: trying on a helmet and footwear in store is the best way to avoid a sizing mistake.
Our essentials for a good start
Prices and availability are up to date on each product page. Some sizes fit better when tried on: come see us.
Unsure about a size, want to try a helmet?
Let’s take the time to talk and equip you properly.
Your frequently asked questions
What is the first equipment to buy when starting horseback riding?
The helmet. It’s the only item you don’t compromise on, and it’s also the first personal purchase that makes sense, because a helmet well-fitted to your head protects better than a shared loaner model. Next comes appropriate footwear (low-heeled shoes, or boots + mini-chaps).
Should you buy boots or ankle boots to start?
To start, we recommend boots (low ankle boots) paired with mini-chaps: it’s more economical, more versatile, and offers calf support close to that of a tall boot. Tall boots are justified once the practice is confirmed.
What budget should you plan to equip a beginner?
By aiming for entry-level gear where possible (breeches, gloves, whip) and not compromising on the helmet, a complete starter kit remains manageable — expect about €234 for the whole set. You can also spread out purchases: helmet and footwear first, the rest as you progress. For a growing child, it’s better to start simple with clothing.
Can you ride with a bike helmet or other protection?
No. A riding helmet is designed for impacts specific to horse falls and must have certification suitable for equestrian use. Always check the label and current certification inside the shell, and avoid any second-hand helmet whose history you do not know.
How often should you replace your helmet?
After any significant impact, even without visible damage, and approximately every 3 to 5 years (a manufacturing date is engraved inside). Materials age, and so does the protection.
