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Important Information

If you're new to riding, you'll find that all the information can get a bit overwhelming at first. So, this section is here to help you keep track of the things you need to know.​

What to wear, what to bring

When you're first getting started there's no need to run out and buy a bunch of expensive equestrian gear. But we do have some requirements and guidelines.

  • Long pants. These can be jeans, leggings, or riding breeches. Leggings and breeches are comfortable because they stretch. Jeans can get twisted and bunch up. Please avoid jeans with a wide leg, as they are easier to get caught on things.

  • Boots with a heel. Just a half to one inch heel is fine. You don't want a super thick heel or one that's narrow. This is to help keep feet in the right place in the stirrup so in case of a fall your foot will come out of the stirrup and you won't get dragged.

  • A properly fitting equestrian helmet. Absolutely no bike helmets! We will provide a helmet for your first few lessons, but if you know you're going to continue lessons long term, you will need your own. This is more sanitary, and when you have your own helmet, you don't have to worry about adjusting the fit every time you ride.

  • Sunscreen! We ride outside, so make sure you protect yourself from sunburn!

  • Water Bottle. It's super important to stay hydrated, even in cooler weather. Riding is exercise and we expend energy and sweat, especially in the summer. We try to keep some water bottles on hand, but it is really the students responsibility to make sure and bring something to drink.

  • Gloves. A pair of riding gloves is not required but is recommended. Gloves help you keep a better hold on your reins.

Barn Rules

For the safety of all our horses, riders, instructors, and guests, we do have a few barn rules that need to be followed. Anyone who repeatedly fails to follow any of these rules could be asked to leave.

  • No smoking in the barn - hay is very flammable.

  • No flip flops. This rule applies to parents and guests, not just students.

  • All children who are accompanying a student MUST be supervised by an adult. There are areas where it is acceptable for family and friends to play while they wait, but please do not let your children run unsupervised on the property.

  • Anyone who will be handling and working with our horses must have a signed release form. Parents, please list any and all family members on the release form who may at some point accompany your child. 

  • The owners of Harmony Horse Center live on the property. This is their home. Please respect that. We do not have a restroom in the barn, but there is a restroom in the house designated for students, boarders, and visitors to use. Please don't hesitate to ask and we will happily direct you!

  • Our dogs are our family and they live here too. Some are very friendly, some are timid. Please do not approach our dogs. You are welcome to pet them if they approach you, and push them away if they are too friendly for your liking! Please be aware that two of our small dogs are rescued from bad situations and may bark or bite if they feel threatened. We do our best to ensure that the dogs are not in the way, and we confine them if they bother you, but remember that they live here and some have special needs.

  • Always follow your instructors guidance while you are riding and working around the horses. Please don't feed or handle horses without permission.

  • Some of our fences are electric. Please be careful.

Helpful Links

Where to buy riding gear

Woodard Mercantile sells helmets and some gloves.

1313 E US Highway 54Andover, KS 67002

www.woodardmercantile.com

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State Line Tack, a catalog with lots of apparel and gear. Good prices on riding breeches and tights.

https://www.statelinetack.com/

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Dover Saddlery, a little more pricey than State Line Tack, but good quality and customer service is great.

https://www.doversaddlery.com/

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If you want to look for others, here are some good keywords to put in your search bar:

English riding boots

Paddock boots

Equestrian helmets

Riding breeches

Equestrian gear

English tack

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