What You Will Need

For his/her first lessons, a new rider will need only three things – long pants with some stretch, footwear with a firm sole and a low heel, and a proper ASTM-certified riding helmet. An approved ASTM helmet is a must-have item and you'll need to purchase one designed for horseback riding – bike helmets and hockey helmets are not appropriate for equestrian activities. Do not consider used helmets either, as there is no way to determine if there is structural damage inside the shell. Go to a local tack shop and have your new helmet correctly fitted by a trained salesperson there.

Additional Resources for New Riders and Parents:

A Child's Safe Start to Horseback Riding A great article from Practical Horseman
Horseback Riding Helmet Safety thanks to Horse Council BC for this great brochure!
THINKFIRST CANADA'S HORSEBACK RIDING INJURY PREVENTION TIPS
Long Term Equestrian Development
Concussion Resources for Coaches and Parents
Link to further concussion information

Financial Support for Children from Families in Need
	KidSport is a national not-for-profit organization that provides financial assistance for registration fees and equipment to kids aged 18 and under. Through a confidential application process we provide grants so they can play a season of sport. Nationally, KidSport is comprised of a network of 11 provincial/territorial KidSport chapters and 166 community KidSport chapters. Since its creation in 1993, over 750,000 kids across the country have been given the chance to play sport through KidSport grants and sport introduction programming. "We believe that no kid should be left on the sidelines and all should be given the opportunity to experience the positive benefits of organized sports. KidSport provides support to children in order to remove financial barriers that prevent them from playing organized sport."
	Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities was launched to address an issue of national concern; the inactivity of kids. National in scope, but local in its focus, Jumpstart helps kids in financial need participate in organized sports and physical activities by assisting with the costs associated with registration, equipment and/or transportation. Jumpstart is more than just about getting kids active. It’s about giving kids from families in financial need the same chance to participate as their neighbours, their classmates and their friends. Whether it’s the chance to try a new sport or to continue with a favourite one, no kid should be left out.
	Both of these programs are designed to help a child get started in a sport such as riding by helping with the purchase of proper equipment (such as a ASTM helmet) or with fees associated with entry into a new sport, such as a riding summer camp. A parent or guardian may apply and the process is simple.