What to Wear

Riding Hats
All riding hats must meet a minimum safety standard of PAS 015:2011 or VG1. Click here for the full list of accepted hat standards.
On arrival, your hat will be checked and tagged by a member of staff. If your hat does not meet the current standards—or if we feel it is not properly fitted or shows signs of damage—you will be asked to borrow one of our hats.

Body Protectors
We ask all riders to wear body protectors that meet the BETA 2018 standard (minimum). If you don’t have your own, we have body protectors available to hire.

Footwear
Riding boots are an essential safety item. They should have:

A small tread
A heel between 1 inch and 1.5 inches high

This helps prevent your foot from slipping through the stirrup.

For your first lesson, if you don’t have riding boots, please wear a sturdy shoe or boot with a smooth sole and small heel. Walking boots are usually unsuitable due to their chunky soles and wide fit.
If we feel your footwear is not safe, you may not be allowed to ride or may be restricted to the lunge or lead rein only.

Clothing

Shoulders must be covered for protection while riding.
Legs must be fully covered: jogging bottoms or gym leggings are suitable if you don’t have jodhpurs.
Shorts or skirts are not allowed, and jeans with thick inner seams may be uncomfortable.

Hair
Long hair should be tied back low at the nape of the neck. Please do not wear hair bands, clips, or pins under your hat, as they can cause pressure points.

Eyewear
If you wear prescription glasses, they must be secure and shatterproof.
If possible, contact lenses are preferable for riding, especially during windy or rainy conditions.
Sunglasses are not permitted while riding, as they can slip or interfere with hat fit and vision.

Equipment Hire
If you do not have your own safety equipment, we offer a full hire kit for £5 per session. This can include a riding hat, body protector, and riding boots.
Please note: we currently carry riding boots in sizes Child Size 10 to Adult Size 9 only.

Want Your Own Riding Equipment?

We stock a range of essential riding gear for purchase directly from The Chestnut Stables. Starting prices include:

Child jodhpurs – £15.99
Adult jodhpurs – £22.99
Child jodhpur boots – £24.99
Adult jodhpur boots – £34.99
Child body protectors – £155.00
Adult body protectors – £200.00
Riding hats – £95.99

📘 Want to browse the full range? Please speak to a member of staff for a copy of our latest catalogue.
Bundle discounts are available—just ask!