So your learning to ride and you love it. And have stuck with it enough to start to learn the lingo, as your aching muscles accustom themselves to the isometrics and streching of riding. 

Now the clothing. Riding attire has had it's own fashion changes throught the decades, but basicially, it's all still the same, just tweeked up through the years with improved fabrics and streamlined design .. So don't get caught up with whats hot now, as much as what's the best quality for my dollar. Your best bet is to follow the basics. Be a bit conservative. If you are going to ride hunt seat, get yourself a good helmet that FITS perfectly and comfortably, equipped with a great harness. There is nothing more annoying than a harness that is in your mouth or blocking your airway.. With sources such as sellers on Ebay, you can find a multitude of upper quality helmets to choose from. Stay away from any discount helmets and make sure that they are ASTM certified.

I really like body protectors for the trail rides. Well fittied, they should cover your spine, kidneys and ribs. They truly should be fitted by a professional. If you are planning to be regulary out on the trail or cross country, it is very advisable to have one.

Try not to ride in jeans, but allow yourself a pair of well fitting breeches. Jeans have seams and are very abrasive on the inside for your leg, and wear the saddle.  There are many different types of fabrics that are being used nowaday, so make sure that  the material is not slick on leather. Knee patches are there for a little extra stick, not to hold you from slithering off of the saddle. Find a pair that you can comfortably bend and kneel in, that you can extend you legs in. If you are to wear paddock boots and leggings or full tall boots then get breeches, not jodphers. Jodphers are designed to be full to the ankle with a cuff. These are generally worn with strap gaiters (a small leather buckled strap just below the knee) by leadline or very young riders. The cuff is very obtrusive and uncomfortable under leggings and in tall boots.The style is up to you, hip or waist, but it's probably best to leave the hipsters to the kidsters.

Boots today really have options. A super option for the neophyte is paddock boots and leggings or gaitors. Brown is a more casual look, as black touches upon formality. Lace or zip is a personal preference. The leggings should fit to the back of your knee when you bend your leg. They should be of a leather type product and when worn , should be tight and not bag or sag. After all ,the function is to emmulate a tall boot. Used tall boots are fantastic if you can be lucky enough to find a pair that fit. And I mean fit. No three fingers aroung the tops and not so tall and stiff that you can't bend or use your leg.However, leather boots should always fit tall enough to fit behind the knee when bent. Rubber boots are hot in the summer and freezing in the winter. They are stiff and make it difficult to allow your weight to drop down through your heels. They will fatigue a childs leg quickly. Finally leather chaps, rough side out or smooth side out are also grand, but my personal preference as an instructor is that a better leg and position is obtained from boots and paddock boots and leggings. Don't forget the gloves.  It helps hold the reins and does tend to develope a softer hand. I like my students to have leather and they are affordable and obtainable.

So there is a start to the choices. Remember, Cheep and poorly made products don't break in, they break down. They have no resale value at all. If you purchase with some quality, your item could possibly be sold again to someone else who is starting out, as you upgrade to the next level. Have an experienced person go with you to a tack shop and try on everythig that you have an interest in purchasing. This is the way to familiarize yourself with which maker and style is the best for you. Also, if you don't see what grabs you at the store, then when your on Ebay, you will have educated yourself  for a better purchase.

Ebay  is a wonderful venue for shopping for equestrian items. Every day I see the best in boots, leggings, breeches,helmets and horse equipment, so go shopping for yourself and don't forget to ask questions. That's how we all learn!

I hope that you enjoyed this article and found it informative. Good Riding!