WHAT TO WEAR

What Should I Wear?
If you have not ridden before, or at least for sometime, please note the following requirements for riding at NWEC.

Hats
Hats must comply to the current B.S.I standard (BSEN 1384/PAS015) and must carry a British kite mark; they must be worn when mounted correctly fitted and fastened. We can loan you a hat for your first few lessons. It is expected that you have your own hat by the time you join a group lesson.
If you have a riding hat, bring it along and ask in the office for it to be checked that it meets current standards – this is for your safety.
PLEASE BE VERY CAUTIOUS ABOUT PURCHASING HATS FROM LOW COST SUPERMARKETS. THEY ARE NOT KITE MARKED AND WILL NOT HAVE BEEN PROFESSIONALLY FITTED. EVEN THE MOST EXPENSIVE OF HATS ARE USELESS IF INCORRECTLY FITTED. We can recommend Jackie Roberts Saddlery which is just a few minutes drive from NWEC who are qualified in fitting hats correctly, contact number 01562 710343.
Hi Viz Gear
As we operate on a split site and also conduct hacks, you are required to wear Hi Viz clothing at all times when riding or leading on the road. We are able to loan Hi Viz clothing , however, we would encourage you to purchase your own. Please ensure that your Hi Viz gear is both fluorescent and reflective – BE SAFE BE SEEN!

Footwear
Riding boots or Jodhpur boots ideally should be worn, however, any closed toe flat shoe or boot with a smooth sole and a small heel would be acceptable. Trainers are not acceptable, so please don’t turn up in them expecting to ride. They are unsafe. RIDING IS NOT PERMITTED IN TRAINERS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES

Lower Body
Thick leggings or trousers that offer freedom of movement. Jeans have been known to cause friction. Legs must be covered at all times i.e no shorts or skirts.

Upper Body
Clothing should be suitable for the weather conditions. Arms should be covered no riding will permitted in vest type tops no matter how hot.
We recommend body protectors to be worn whilst mounted. Please ensure that body protectors are professionally fitted and meet current safety standards. Jackie Roberts Saddlery, just a few minutes drive from NWEC will be pleased to assist you and can be contacted on 01562 710343.

Hands
We strongly recommend that riding gloves are worn whenever riding.

Jewellery
No jewellery should be worn whilst riding or handling horses. The only exceptions are the wearing of a wedding ring and watch.

Ultimately it is your responsibility to be dressed correctly in accordance with the above information before riding.