an approved riding helmet.  You'll need a helmet that meets all ASTM/SEI safety standards.  Approved riding helmets are available at: 

	Atlanta Saddlery  Highway 9 and Wills Road in Alpharetta.    It's best to go here on Mon, Wed or Fri. and speak to Leslie. 770.475.1967 Open Mon-Sat;  advise them you ride with Tawn at Willow South.   We recommend the Tipperary Sportage helmet (left) or the International ATH helmet (right).

To be properly fitted for a helmet, you should visit an area tack shop.   Helmet should fit snugly without causing pain.

Footwear: You need leather shoes that cover your toes to be around the horses and for riding. The shoes should have at least a 1/4" heel to prevent your foot from slipping through the stirrup. 

Tall boots are not necessary for beginning riders.  Paddock boots (left) are more appropriate and cost effective.  With paddock boots, most riders will also want half chaps (right) for leg protection and to help prevent slipping.

What you will want: 

Riding breeches or jodhpurs. The seams in breeches make for comfortable riding in the saddle. Their light elasticity makes them more comfortable than jeans.  Remember if you get tall boots, buy breeches.  If you buy short boots (jodhpur boots) buy jodhpurs.

Riding gloves are nice in the cold weather and they also protect your hands from blisters and soreness.