Anonymous wrote:I'd drive to Dover in Chantilly. Helmets, boots, riding tights - all nice for summer.

Yes this is where we go. It's a nice store with plenty of help. The first time, we did drive all the way to Middleburg, but I wasn't impressed with that store. We ended up buying used boots for the price of new ones at Dover. And the people at Dover were so much nicer IMO. I felt the Middleburg store was somewhat disorganized, not very helpful and had no bathroom!

Anonymous wrote:And then you'll have to buy the bucket full of stuff - brushes, sponges, lead ropes, etc., etc., etc.

You don't need all this stuff for lessons. I started out slowly because I wasn't sure my dd would stick with it. First, we bought boots, and she wore regular pants and the helmet from the stable. After awhile - well after she ripped her pants dismounting, and she had been going to lessons for 6 months, I got her the helmet and riding pants. She has been going for 1.5 years so far, and that's all we've purchased. The only other thing is that we are allowed to bring carrots or apples for the horse.

when my daughter started and I didn't know if she'd continue, I sent an email out on the elementary list serve and within hours had boots, jodpurs and gloves for my daughter and her friend. Better to buy the helmet new. We go to the Surrey on Rte 28 in Darnestown.

Anonymous wrote:also, don't borrow a helmet from a stable for lots of reasons… lice potential and helmets only remain safe if they are not too old or if they haven't had too much impact to them. you'll have no way of knowing this if you borrow.

Lice doesn't live in hats or helmets. Can't survive off the hair/head.

And helmets from the stable for kids? You really think there are that many impacts that are occurring by kids that the helmets are damaged? Please.

And then you'll have to buy the bucket full of stuff - brushes, sponges, lead ropes, etc., etc., etc.

The stable where your child is taking lessons will not allow a bicycle helmet due to liability issues.

http://cha-ahse.org/store/pages/114/BICYCLE-HELMETS-FOR-RIDING-HORSES.html

Why wouldn't a bike helmet work?

also, don't borrow a helmet from a stable for lots of reasons… lice potential and helmets only remain safe if they are not too old or if they haven't had too much impact to them. you'll have no way of knowing this if you borrow.

you definitely need them to try on the helmet and boots in person. I'd take them to the consignment shop at Meadowbrook Stables (upstairs, called the loft), or a consignment store in middleburg to buy the jods/breeches and boots. You need someone to help you size the helmet… agree with the recommendation of Dover Saddlery in Chantilly for that.

how much can i expect to pay?

I would find out if you can borrow a helmet first from the stables. You might want to find out if your kids will stick with it before investing.

I'd drive to Dover in Chantilly. Helmets, boots, riding tights - all nice for summer.

You can't use a bike helmet and it is important to have the helmets fitted correctly. I would go to a brick and mortar store.

Whoops- I meant to say I'd waaay prefer online sources, esp Amazon if possible, if it's okay to measure the kids' heads and go from there...

I'm considering enrolling my 8 and 4 year old in riding lessons - I'd need at least a helmet for each of them (or can they use a bike helmet?) and boots, right?
How important is it that they try on in person? Any good places accessible to DC?