Here a link to a horse blog started by a group of Extension agents across the state :)
 
http://nchorse.blogspot.com/
 


Notes for Parents and Beginners

Pants and Boots
Riding pants come in two styles, jodhpur pants which have a cuff and are meant to be worn with a low, jodhpur boot, and breeches which have a smooth fitting bottom and are meant to be worn with tall boots. Both styles are worn by both adults and children but for show purposes young children wear jodhpur pants with jodhpur boots and juniors (teenagers) and adults ( 18 and up) wear breeches and tall boots. Colors worn locally for show are various shades of light gray and beige. For schooling purposes there is no restrictions on color or amount of leather on the pant, ie full seat leather. Chaps, leather leggings that zip up the sides, give a stronger grip and are used for schooling and at shows before classes to keep the show pants clean. Some riders use leather half chaps with a low boot in place of tall boots.

Safety
The most important clothing item for safety is an approved helmet. There are now riding helmets which use bike helmet design and have the advantage of lighter weight and ventilation. It also helps to have a shoe with a defined heel to prevent the foot hanging up in the stirrup. Comfort in handling a horse, knowledge in how a horse reacts and not riding a horse beyond your ability which comes with experience and knowledgeable help, help keep you safe around a horse.

Show Clothing
As mentioned before pony riders usually wear jodhpur with jodhpur pants and juniors and adults wear breeches and tall boots. Both groups wear a shirt and coat. For girls and women the shirt is called a ratcatcher shirt, for boys and men it is a mens style shirt and tie. Shirt colors are generally the same as men's dress shirt and coat colors are navy, dark green and gray. jodhpur boots can be lace front, zip front or elastic sided. Tall boots can be either dress boots or field boots.

Winter Riding
The same principles of layering clothing that have been developed in the outdoor market apply. Wear a wicking long underwear and sock layer. This keeps moisture away from the body and helps prevent chills. Then an insulating layer and an outer shell.

Summer Riding
Select fabrics that keep you cool. Remember you will be generally exposed to the sun so prepare with sunscreen or lightweight long sleeved shirts. You will still have to wear long pants so remember to be careful not to get overheated.

Horse Equipment and Their Use
Brushes -Used to remove dirt from the horse. Coarse brushes are used to remove surface dirt and finer brushes are used to remove the dust and around the horse's face.
Halters Have the same function as a dog collar.
Lead Lines A horse leash.
Hoof Pics Used to clean dirt and stones from the soft tissue groves on the bottom of horses feet.
Braiding Supplies Used to braid a horse's mane for showing.
Mane Combs Heavy combs which won't break combing the mane and tail.

Horse Supplies
Liniment Use to sooth muscles after hard work
First Aid Supplies Always have an antiseptic and bandage supplies for horses.
Bug spray Necessary for most warm weather riding.

Tack Supplies
Murphy's Oil Soap A household product which is one of the best leather cleaners.
Glycerine Soap Another leather cleaner
Neatsfoot Oil Used to break in new leather and recondition dry leather.
Lexol, Leather Therapy, etc. Commercial products used to clean and recondition leather.