Seven Oaks : attire

For your first lesson, if you already own breeches, boots (or paddock boots & half-chaps) and gloves, please wear them.  As well, if you own an equestrian-specific SEI-approved safety helmet* that was manufactured within the past 5 years, wear that as well

If you don’t have equestrian attire, please wear exercise tights or yoga pants (not jeans) and closed-toed shoes, preferably with a hard sole and a small heel.  We can loan you a helmet and gloves.

After that first lesson, we’ll be happy to give you some websites and some brick-and-mortar stores where you can purchase the attire/equipment that you need to continue riding with us.

After that first lesson, we’ll be happy to give you some websites and some brick-and-mortar stores where you can purchase the attire/equipment that you need to continue riding with us.

*If your helmet was manufactured more than 5 years ago, current USA/SEI safety stands recommend that destroy it and replace it with a new helmet. Even if it’s still in the box, even if it’s hardly used, even if it’s your favorite helmet ever.  We value your head too much to go against these rules.

After a few lessons, you will need to purchase:
Breeches or riding tights (knee patch is fine, full-seat also ok if you prefer, but no jodphurs please)
Paddock boots
Half-chaps (make sure that they are on the looser, not tighter side)
Riding gloves
An SEI-approved safety helmet NEW in the box (we strongly recommend that you buy the helmet that fits you best, has the highest safety rating AND  is most comfortable, rather than the one that is the most economical)

Note: no need to spend a lot of money on breeches or gloves; you'l be happier, though, if you buy good quality boots and half-chaps.

Some local brick-and-mortar shops are:
Olsen Nolte Saddle Shop in San Carlos
Carousel Saddlery in Portola Valley
General Feed & Seed in Santa Cruz
Dover Saddlery in Moraga (east bay)

Some websites that we like are:
Smartpak
Dover Saddlery
Jeffers Pet
Dressage Extensions

Feel free to google other sites, just make sure that they offer dressage attire.