Bay Area Equestrian Connection, LLC
~ Everything Equestrian & More ~

What should I wear:

Most importantly we require all students to wear proper boots and long pants (usually jeans or breaches).  Although there is no official testing or standards for boots you will want to find a pair with about a 1 to 1 ½ inch heel and low tread. The tread on many hiking and winter boots is too heavy and in case of a fall may jam in the stirrup. There are many different styles of boots so choose whatever is comfortable, affordable and suitable for the riding your do.

Your boots don’t have to be ‘riding boots’ as long as the sole and heel are appropriate. Inexpensive leather and running shoe style riding boots start at about $100. The consignment corner at tack shops are usually burgeoning with lightly used leather and rubber riding boots great for riders on a budget. Sometimes it is possible to find suitable boots at thrift stores or there may be something in the back of your closet that would work.

Unless you plan to go to a horse show you probably have a suitable shirt, such as a T-shirt or sweatshirt to wear. If you are going out on trail you might consider wearing bright colors for visibility. Many riders like to wear vests when the weather gets cooler. Your arms and shoulders are less restricted in a vest and they lend themselves to layering for warmth.

Helmets are mandatory for those under 18 and we have plenty for students to borrow. 

I'm thinking of taking up Horseback riding, am I too old?

As far as we are concerned, we are all students of life and you are never too old to learn how to communicate, ride, and appreciate horses.  We will do our best to make you comfortable and successful with your goals.

Do I have to show?

Nope.  In fact you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do!    While we understand and encourage our students who are interested in showing we also understand those who are working on their goals privately – without the added costs, stress, and logistics of horse shows.