We recommend that if you do not own riding clothes, that for safety you should wear the following for horse riding and associated activities: 

• Sensible shoes or boots with a small heel, and fairly smooth sole, preferably which cover the ankle. Not trainers.
• Boot socks, or socks which cover you ankle are much more comfortable than trainer socks.
• Comfortable strong trousers, which cover the whole leg. Something with some stretch in would be best.  Be careful of thick seams on the inside of some jeans which may rub.
• Long sleeved clothing on your upper body is advised. You may prefer to wear layers which can be removed as you can get quite warm once you start moving. A cotton shirt or rugby top is ideal. Low cut or strapless tops are not appropriate.
• Sensible, comfortable and supportive underwear. 
• Gloves provide better grip on the reins and are a good idea for everyone in cold weather. They also protect finger nails from getting caught in horse hair and protect from rope burn during ground work. For stable management sessions gloves help keep hands cleaner and protected from the weather. 
• Jewellry is not recommended.
• Unreasonably long fingernails or nail extensions are not recommended
• Long hair should be tied back, in a style which does not have clips or lumps under your hat.
• A Riding hat conforming to the current safety standards must be worn. A limited selection of Hats are available to borrow from Valley Farm.  Hats and boots are required for those coming on Pony Camp and on School Activity Days.
• You do need to be dressed for the weather. If wearing a coat you may find you are more comfortable in a short coat so that you don't sit on it. Please ensure that coats or jackets can be fastened shut.
• Body protectors are recommended for jumping and cross country.
• Sun block is advised in the summer.

Hats and Boots

We do have a small selection of hats and boots available for people who are just starting riding or for people who are only riding once such as for birthday parties, but we recommend buying your own. Children attending Pony Camp or school activity days are required to bring their own named hat and boots with them. Please note we are happy to offer a good home to any riding boots that your children may have outgrown! This helps other children in the future.

If you decide that you would like to continue riding, we strongly advise that you buy the correct riding wear.  You will probably prefer your own approved standard hat and will also want some jodphurs or riding leggins, long riding boots, or short riding boots with half chaps, gloves, long sleeved shirt, and if you wish to compete you may also need a tie or stock, a hair net and a riding jacket. You may also require a body protector. If you need any advice before you purchase then please ask. We do not advise purchasing second hand hats as these may have been damaged. You can find lots of helpful information about what to wear and things to consider when purchasing on the British Horse Society's website. BHS  

Visitors to the yard

We also recommend that parents who come onto the yard with their children wear sensible shoes (not flip flops, sandals or canvass). 

We do have some riding boots available to borrow if you do not have suitable footwear.

If you wish to watch lessons please dress for the weather, or you can watch from the comfort of the Camargue Cafe if you prefer.

Before you book:

Please ensure you have read our Horse Riders Code of Conduct  before you book your lesson

Please note that in the interests of animal welfare, our weight limit for horse riding is 12 stone 76 kgs. (Fully dressed in boots and a riding hat)  For Side saddle, Western and our other specialist disciplines it is 11 stone.  Our weight limit for Children's residential holidays and activity days is 10 stone (63kgs).  

It is embarrassing for us and for you to have to ask you to stand on the scales when you arrive, so please weigh yourself at home in your riding gear before booking.

People who exceed our weight limit may be interested in carriage driving lessons, horse agility, or stable management and horse care lessons. 

Updated June 2026