Horseback-Riding Outfits for Toddlers

Safety is the most important thing to think about when dressing children for horseback riding. Very young children do not have the cognitive or physical ability to control a horse or pony on their own, which is even more reason to make sure they are clothed appropriately for riding activities, as they are more likely to be injured by mishaps. Toddlers should not ride or interact with horses in any way if an adult is not in full control of the equine. Children do not understand the dangers horses can pose or how they should behave around horses unless they are taught.

  1. Helmet

    • The helmet is the most important piece of your child's riding outfit. Prior to allowing your toddler to even sit on a horse, you should make sure he is wearing a ATSM/SEI certified protective riding helmet that fits her head with minimal movement or slippage. The chin strap should be snug and buckled properly. Cowboy hats may seem cute, but they do not to protect your child's head in the event of a fall.

    Boots

    • Riding boots will provide protection to your child's toes and feet if the horse happens to step on their foot. Young children are more likely to get stepped on because they do not understand to get out of the way and stay away from the horse's hooves. Ideally, toddlers should wear well-fitting riding boot, which are available in all sizes and shapes. Some styles may not be available for all ages, as the boots a child can wear will depend on the length of the child's leg and the size of their foot. Paddock boots are appropriate for toddlers, as are cowboy boots.

      Sneakers are the bare minimum requirement for riding a horse. Never allow your child to ride a horse barefoot or in sandals.

    Jeans

    • Your child should always ride in sturdy pants. Blue jeans are a good choice for toddlers. Blue jeans will protect children's legs from twigs or branches as well as prevent them from developing a rash where their bare skin rubs against the leather saddle (saddle burn). Shorts, skirts, capris and skorts are inappropriate for riding.

      Specially made riding pants, such as jodhpurs and breeches, are also available in small children's sizes, though these are intended for children who are involved in serious riding lessons and competition. Chaps and half-chaps come in extra-small sizes, though they can be prohibitively expensive since toddlers will outgrow them quickly.

    Other Clothing to Avoid

    • Children should not wear distracting or otherwise dangerous clothing items. For example, loose clothing can get caught on the saddle or other obstructions. Children have been dragged and injured by horses after their clothing hung up on part of the saddle when they started to fall off. Dangling jewelry is also a no-go.

      Distracting clothing items include toys masquerading as jewelry or clothing. Children need to be focusing their attention on the horse as much as possible, not playing with the fringe on a jacket or with a fake cowboy gun in a fake holster around their waist. Adults are ultimately responsible for children's safety while riding.