Question 1

Do children need gloves for riding?

Julia Lühr · Accepted Answer

For the very first riding lesson gloves are not absolutely essential, but they are highly recommended. According to the German Equestrian Federation (FN) riding gloves protect sensitive hands from injuries caused by the reins and help to prevent blisters.

They are also useful when leading: if a horse pulls away, gloves prevent the lead rope or lunge line from rubbing the skin sore. In cold and wet weather they also keep children’s hands warm.

Question 2

How do I measure my child’s glove size?

Julia Lühr · Accepted Answer

Measure the circumference of your child’s hand with a soft tape measure directly below the knuckles, without the thumb. Then compare the measurement with the size chart of the respective manufacturer.

Age indications are only a rough guide, because children’s hands grow at different rates. Do not buy the gloves too large, because excess length at the fingertips makes it harder to hold the reins.

Question 3

Do gloves help you use the reins more lightly?

Julia Lühr · Accepted Answer

Yes, one study suggests that riders wearing gloves exert less pressure on the horse’s mouth. Six riders of different ability levels were tested on a simulator, with and without gloves.

With gloves, the measured rein tension was lower. This can be helpful especially for children, who are still learning to keep a steady hand.

Question 4

What should I look for in children’s riding gloves?

Julia Lühr · Accepted Answer

Good children’s riding gloves fit closely without cutting in and are made from a grippy material. Reinforcements between thumb and index finger and between ring finger and little finger are more hard-wearing because this is where the reins lie.

Gloves that are easy to put on are practical, so that children can put them on and take them off by themselves. For winter there are lined models available.

Kids' Gloves

HKM Kids' Riding Gloves Aymee, dark blue

HKM Kids' Winter Riding Gloves Alva, purple

Uvex Glove Kids' Glamstar, blackblue

Uvex Glove Sportstyle Kids

Roeckl Keysoe Glove Winter

Waldhausen Riding Glove Pico, white

Roeckl Warwick Junior Glove black

Roeckl Roeck Grip Winter Junior Glove, black

Roeckl Kapriole Kids' Glove

HKM Riding Glove Polar with Fleece Lining, black

Roeckl Glove Kids' Tryon

Roeckl Glove Kids' Roeck Grip Lite Junior, black

Roeckl Kids Grip Junior Riding Glove black

Do children need gloves for riding?

How do I measure my child’s glove size?

Do gloves help you use the reins more lightly?

What should I look for in children’s riding gloves?