Are you ready to take your first lesson? There are just a few things you need to be safe and comfortable, but the good news is, they don’t have to cost a lot, and you can ride for a long time with just a basic outfit.

First and foremost, whether you’re riding English or Western, we strongly recommend that you wear an ASTM-certified helmet specifically made for horseback riding. Falls do happen, and are usually uneventful. But having a correctly fitted helmet is your first best step to safety.

Second, you need to have the correct footwear to keep your foot in the right position in the stirrup. Both Western and English require a boot that goes above the ankle or higher, and has a low and wide heel. No fashion boots, these need to be authentic cowboy boots or, for English, something called a ‘paddock’ boot. Good news is, these items may be purchased inexpensively here at horselife.com, or by visiting one of your local western or equestrian retailers. And, they’re generally pretty fashionable, so you can use them in your daily life too.

Both of these items are to ensure your safety, other than that, you’re going for clothing comfort.

In Western, you can ride in jeans. Some brands are made specifically for riding, and you might find that investing in a pair of those to be a good choice. In English, you can also wear jeans, but within a lesson or two – if you find you’re liking it and want to make the next level of apparel commitment – you might enjoy more comfort and skill if you wear stretch riding pants (“breeches”) and leather leg coverings to protect your calves from chafing (“half chaps”).

With just these few items, you can choose to enjoy years of riding with no further investment in equipment.

Ready to buy? We have great Horselife “Let’s Ride!” packages arranged especially for you at the best prices. Choose from English riding attire for Women and Kids through our retail partner SmartPak, or Western riding attire for Men , Women and Kids through retail partner Renton's Western Wear. (Men's English attire coming soon.)

Now that I have the gear, where do I ride?

Studies show that non-riders think that there’s no place close to them. Those of us who know horses say “Yes there is!” There’s almost certain to be a quality and safe place to ride and take lessons within thirty minutes of your home…and probably much closer.

Soon we’ll have a certified riding instructor database built right here, but for now, we need to send you elsewhere. Please visit the following Web sites to look for a certified instructor near you.

• www.ponyclub.org/ (international / all-breed, all English sports / children to age 18)
• www.riding-instructor.com (national / all-breed, all-sport / all ages)
• www.cyberhorse.com/cha/ (national / all-breed, all-sport / all ages)
• www.ucanride.com (Michigan and Oregon / all-breed, all-sport / all ages)
• www.useventing.com/education.php?section=instructors&id=34 (national / all-breed, Eventing / all ages)
• www.4ahorse.aqha.com/findatrainer.html (national / Quarter Horses, all-sport / all ages)
• www.usdf.org/Programs/InstructorCertification/index.asp (national / all-breed, Dressage / all ages)

No certified instructor near you? A stable nearby you’d like to try, but you’re not sure how to judge it? Click here for how to pick a great riding instructor .