Riding Attire

Helmet- This is the most important piece of equipment. When parents complain that a helmet costs $250+ my response is, "How much is your child's head worth?" Ice hockey & Football players are constantly getting new helmets. Equestrian's should be doing the same. I replace my helmet every six months REGARDLESS of falls. 
Additionally, the helmet must FIT your head. Two fingers should be able to go snugly under the chin strap and when you bend forward the helmet should not move down and cover your eyebrows. It should sit tightly just above them. The inside foam stretches with use. It's great if you're wearing a helmet, but if it's not fastened correctly it is not going to serve its actual purpose. 
Helmets should be replaced if a fall occurs. The manufacturer will replace them within two years of their production date. In year three or four of a fall, a discounted rate will replace the same helmet model.  Every four years you should be buying a new helmet because that is their life expectancy. My preferred brand is Charles Owen. I wear the Wellington Pro model and it fits my head shape the best. Safety of myself and my students is my number one priority. 

http://www.doversaddlery.com/m/charles-owen-wellington-pro-15/p/x1-36520/

Hairnet- This piece of equipment goes hand in hand with the helmet component. The hair net is a very important piece in the helmet equation. If you're trying on a helmet to purchase one wearing a hairnet, then that is how you should be wearing your hair when wearing the helmet. However you have your hair when you are trying the helmet on determines the fit. If you like to wear your hair down when schooling at home, then I recommend having a helmet for schooling and for showing. Both ways you wear your hair determines this. Messy hair is a no fly zone in my world! Braids should be re-braided if you start seeing flyaway hairs. Guys, you don't know just how lucky you are! My preferred brand is the Aerborn heavyweight hairnets. For thicker hair I use two. 

http://www.doversaddlery.com/m/heavyweight-hair-nets/p/x1-36051/

Gloves- Gloves are great for anyone from beginner to professional. They help keep fingers from slipping through the reins and being subject to blisters. My preferred brand is Roeckl Equestrian. They don't stain my hands black from the dye. These are solely my show gloves. My everyday gloves are my Nike brand batting gloves.

http://www.doversaddlery.com/m/roeckl®-chester-riding-gloves/p/x1-3959/ 

Boots- Should be clean and polished for BOTH lessons and shows. My preferred tall boot brand is Cavallo Couture Company designed DeNiro boots with caprice leather. For schooling I love my Ariat International, Inc. Paddock boots paired with my Custom Leather Designs half chaps hand crafted locally in Pennsylvania by Pat Young. 

Belt- If your riding breeches have belt loops, a belt should always be worn with those pants. I love something traditional that matches my boots and crop. My show belt is handmade by the Amish In Lancaster, PA, but I love my C4 Belts Equestrian custom Welsh Wear one that I wear when schooling at home. 

http://welshwear.com/products/ambassador-item

Shirt- A well fitted shirt is a must. I try to avoid very large graphic print on shirts with writing. Absolutely no tank tops or any other spaghetti strap type shirts should be worn when riding. Keep those girls under cover, no matter how endowed you may be! In winter, fitted sweatshirts without hoods are great. I like riding in a vest so that my arms are not restricted by a bulky coat.  Too much clothing prevents me from being able to view & correct my students position. You will catch me in my Welsh Wear tees daily. Thank you Welsh Wear for your continued sponsorship! 

http://welshwear.com/products/where-corgis-meet-blue-womens-vneck

Breeches- should be free of stains. Colored pants for lessons are fine, but always tan breeches for showing. My absolute favorite breeches are the R.J. Classics Gulf low rise sock bottom breeches! I got rid of every other pair of riding pants I have owned. These are the most comfortable pants I've ever worn in all the years I've been riding! Get your pair at Devon from Andrea in the Boot & Bridle booth. 

Crop- if you own your own crop it should be either all black or brown. It should be no longer than 18" in total length. I love the fleck brand. If the crop is too long it will spook the horse.  It flops around in little hands when resting on the thigh. 
http://www.doversaddlery.com/m/fleck-rubber-grip-bat/p/x1-14159/

Your overall presentation shows respect to both your trainer and the establishment in which you are taking lessons. Even if you are not riding in the clinic but are there to audit, show respect and dress like you actually WANT to be there to learn. In IEA & IHSA shows your attire helps you to stand out. Clean and neat is key!