Katie's Riding Helmet at Paradise Stables

Katie is getting a ride on a paint pony at Paradise Stables. Katie is wearing a regulation USEF safety helmet. Anyone who wants to start taking riding lessons does not need a full outfit of proper riding apparel before their first lesson, but an approved safety helmet is mandatory. It is not recommended to buy a used helmet as sometimes cracks may have happened that you cannot see.

Also very important are hard soled shoes, or boots, with a small heel. The heel is important to keep the riders foot from slipping through the stirrup irons, and it also will help keep the heel pointed down and the toes pointed up. This is not only for safety, but this is also to ensure the rider learns how to balance correctly.

Mike Smith, who owns several large equestrian schools in Maryland and is a published author on the topic of riding lessons, says the only other requirement is a sense of humor!

* What is the long, thin piece of leather called that the stirrup iron is attached to?