While barns will almost always provide all the equipment their horses need and lesson helmets for the riders, riders often buy their own gear, and competitions require a certain uniform.
For lessons, riders need a snugly-fitting helmet and boots with a flat, at least 2” heel. They can also buy their own crop if necessary, although barns will usually provide them. Also recommended are breeches, although for lessons riders can simply wear form-fitting, comfortable pants such as jeans.
For competitions, riders need a show helmet (often velvety), a form-fitting jacket, a show shirt, breeches, show boots that extend almost to the knee, riding gloves, and their own crop if preferred.
Equipment can be bought at local tack shops–ask your barn for any recommendations–or online. For online shopping, we highly recommend Dover Saddlery for their price and quality.
In addition to formal riding equipment, the Yale Equestrian Team sells its own team gear every year. In the past we have offered jackets, vests, knee-socks, and more. If you’d like to learn more about YET team gear and purchasing information, please contact our president Christina at christina.stankey@yale.edu.