What should I wear to my first lesson?

Fantastic question. We know this can be the most intimidating part of getting started, and we want new students to be comfortable so that they are able to focus on their horses and riding, so let’s start with safety first: helmets and a heeled boot.

Cowboy boots, paddock boots with or without chaps (though we recommend with), or English riding boots. Boots protect feet from hooves and keep you firmly in the stirrups when you’re riding!

Helmets protect your head and are non-negotiable.

Riding pants or tights/leggings are recommended for tucking into boots and are chafe-free, and long socks protect your ankles from any rubbing. Avoid long scarves or anything too loose or billowing that can get caught on your horse’s tack, or accidentally fly off while riding. Common sense goes a long way here, but ultimately you want to ensure that your clothing and footwear won’t get in the way of your riding, so don’t hesitate to ask us if you’re unsure.

Do I have to ride Western or English?

Most of Kheystone’s students ride (or “go”) English, but we’ve been known to do a barrel racing exercise or two in our jump saddles, and even cowboys have their own dressage! Vijoa works with each rider individually to determine what their goals are and how to build a solid foundation no matter what discipline they ride.

Do you offer trail rides?

Not the kind you might see or expect on vacation or galloping on a beach, no. But if you’re main interest is trail riding, nobody knows our trails better than Vijoa! She’s been riding them for decades, and she offers lessons on trail to her students. Reach out at our Lessons/New Students page to explore the options.

When can I start jumping?

Whoa, there! Depending on your riding experience, including any jumping, Vijoa will first assess your skill level and either build or refresh your basic riding foundation, whip your equitation into shape, and help you make a plan for tackling your first jump. In the meantime, working with ground poles and cavalettis are lots of fun and fantastic exercise for you and your horse. But this is Vijoa’s specialty and passion, and Kheystone’s group jump lessons are a treat once you’re ready to join the herd.

What helmets do you recommend?

We could write an entire book on helmets! If you’re just getting started, you can find solid options under $100 from Troxel, Tipperary, and Tuffrider.

If you’re looking to spend more or are interested in MIPS technology, our favorite brands are OneK, Charles Owens, Samshield. Trauma Voids are an excellent compromise between the two price tiers and can be found for under $200, with a few different style and color options.

If you’re in a hurry to get your hands on one, you can try-on at Dover Saddlery in Moraga (they have great COVID-19 protocol in place), otherwise SmartPak and Dover online have fast shipping, and Riding Warehouse offers Free Golden State Overnight Delivery for CA residents!