The Essential Guide to Riding Kits for Children

By Oakfield / August 5th, 2026 / There are currently 0 comments

Since 1988, Oakfield Saddlery has been helping generations of young riders take their very first steps into the saddle. However, we know that finding the right kids’ equestrian clothing can feel a bit overwhelming with all the technical jargon around safety levels and fabrics.

Whether your child is starting regular lessons at a local riding school or preparing for their first pony club competition, this guide will help you select the perfect gear to keep them safe, comfortable, and looking the part.

TL;DR: You will need

Safety First: A correctly fitted riding hat and body protector.
Legwear: Stretchy, durable jodhpurs or riding tights to prevent chafing.
Footwear: Proper jodhpur boots with a distinct heel to prevent the foot from slipping through the stirrup.
Upper Body: Breathable base layers and a weather-proof jacket (avoid hoodies with drawstrings for safety).

Content

Essential Kids’ Equestrian Clothing: The Starter Kit
Prioritising Safety: Riding Hats & Body Protectors
Footwear for Young Riders
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Experience the Oakfield Difference

Shop all Children’s Equestrian Clothing

Essential Kids’ Equestrian Clothing: The Starter Kit

When looking for children’s riding wear, the priority should always be a balance of safety, durability, and comfort. Regular sportswear often slips or chafes in the saddle, which is why purpose-built equestrian wear is so important.

Clothing Item	Key Feature to Look For	Recommended Brands
Jodhpurs / Tights	Four-way stretch & knee patches	Aztec Diamond, Shires Aubrion, LeMieux
Base Layers	Moisture-wicking & breathable	Aztec Diamond, LeMieux, Shires Aubrion
Riding Boots	Smooth sole with a defined heel	Dublin, Shires Aubrion, LeMieux
Body Protectors	Snug, adjustable fit that covers the ribs and lower back	Racesafe, Evoke and Gatehouse

Riding Jodhpurs & Tights

Standard trousers or jeans have thick inner seams that can rub painfully against a saddle. Dedicated children’s jodhpurs and riding tights are designed with flat seams and reinforced fabric or silicone grips on the inner knee.

Riding Tights: Perfect for everyday summer riding. They pull on easily like leggings and offer incredible flexibility.
Jodhpurs: Slightly thicker and more traditional, making them ideal for colder weather and Pony Club events. Brands like Aztec Diamond and LeMieux offer fantastic, hard-wearing options designed specifically for growing kids.

Performance Tops & Layers

Riding is an active sport, and children can warm up quickly. Layering is key to keeping them comfortable in the unpredictable British weather.

Base Layers: Look for moisture-wicking fabrics that pull sweat away from the skin.
Jackets: Choose a breathable, waterproof jacket that sits comfortably at the hip. Avoid oversized coats or long coats that can catch on the back of the saddle.

Browse Children’s Jodhpurs and Breeches

Prioritising Safety: Riding Hats & Body Protectors

While clothing keeps them comfortable, safety gear protects them. At Oakfield Saddlery, rider safety is our absolute priority. We strongly advise against buying safety equipment online without a professional fitting.

Important Note on Safety Gear: Children grow quickly, but safety gear should never be bought “with room to grow.” A loose riding hat can shift during a fall, and an oversized body protector can push up against the helmet, causing injury.

If you are near our purpose-built superstore (conveniently located just off the M6, M61, and M65), our fully trained and qualified advisors can provide expert, specialist fittings for:

Riding Hats: From trusted safety leaders like Shires Karben, Evoke, Gatehouse and Premier Equine.
Body Protectors: Designed to protect the spine and ribs from brands like Racesafe, Evoke and Gatehouse

Footwear for Young Riders

Proper footwear is just as critical as the right kids’ equestrian clothing. Children should never ride in trainers or standard Wellington boots, as these lack the correct tread and heel structure.

The Safety Heel: Riding boots must feature a small, distinct heel (usually around 1 inch) to stop the foot from sliding entirely through the stirrup iron.
Jodhpur Boots: Short, ankle-high leather or synthetic boots are perfect for children. They offer great ankle flexibility and can be paired with half-chaps to prevent the stirrup leathers from pinching their legs.
Top Brands: We stock a wide selection of durable youth boots from Dublin, Shires Aubrion, and LeMieux that withstand both riding and muddy yard duties.

Shop all Children’s Footwear

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should a child wear for their first horse riding lesson?

For a first lesson, most riding schools will allow stretchy leggings or tracksuits (no jeans) and a fitted jacket or sweatshirt. Many schools hire out riding hats, but it is best to check in advance. If they choose to continue, your first step should be investing in proper jodhpurs and safety boots.

How should kids’ riding clothes fit?

Riding clothes should be snug but non-restrictive. Jodhpurs need to sit flat against the skin without bagging at the knees, which causes friction. Sleeves on jackets and base layers should reach the wrist comfortably when the child’s arms are bent in a riding position.

What is the difference between children’s jodhpurs and breeches?

Jodhpurs are traditional ankle-length trousers worn with short jodhpur boots. They often have a fold-up cuff at the bottom. Breeches are slightly shorter, ending mid-calf, and are designed to be worn comfortably inside long riding boots or with tall socks and half-chaps.

Experience the Oakfield Difference

Choosing the right kit for your child is an investment in their safety and enjoyment. At Oakfield Saddlery, our greatest strength lies in our friendly, knowledgeable team. Every member of our staff undergoes regular product and specialist safety training to ensure you get the right advice every single time.

Explore our full range of children’s equestrian clothing online today, or visit our superstore to browse the major country fashion and equestrian brands in person. If you need any assistance with sizing or style recommendations, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team!