It is best to avoid purchasing a used helmet, since the new helmets are designed to absorb the brunt of one serious impact, and then be replaced. Some helmet companies will replace helmets free of charge after a serious fall. Most barns require a hard soled shoe with a definable heel. There are riding sneakers available wchich have a heel, but some barns prohibit such foot gear, since sneakers do not offer much protection for the foot if a horse steps on it. Tack store consignment shops are always full of outgrown footwear for children.
Jeans are standard attire.
Western boots tend to have a bigger heel than English boots. It is not common practice to wear a safety helmet when riding Western. There are, however, Western safety helmets available. There is also nothing against wearing an English hemet for lessons and schooling. Summer Camps For many children, summer camp is their first initiation into horseback riding.