First-Time Basics

Could you please post some info on appropriate clothing/equipment for riding? I have a very limited knowledge of horses. I am trying to prepare my girl scout troop for a visit with a horse groomer. I would like info on clothing, safety equipment, any basic horse "etiquette" would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Diane

Clothing
Proper clothing is needed to ensure your safety. You may wear any type of shirt, as long as it is not too large or loose. Loose shirts may snag on the saddle horn or other equipment. A button-down shirt is a good choice, because if it were to be caught on the saddle horn, the buttons would come off and free you if you were stuck. Tucking your shirt in, like cowboys do, prevents the shirt from being caught around the horn or anything else.
Jackets should be appropriate for the weather, but should fit well, and should not have any swinging or loose parts-- again, loose clothing may catch on something, get in your way, or blow and spook the horse.
Most pants are acceptable, and almost any type of jeans can be worn. It's best if they have a wide bottom, so that they will fit over your boots (a little on that later), and a long leg so that they will not 'ride up' on your leg when you ride. You don't want any sweat pants, or anything of that type, because they collect dirt and grass seeds easily. If all you have is a pair of old jeans, that's fine, because you may get dirty anyway around horses.
Next, you need appropriate footwear. This is probably the most important part of the clothing! A pair of 'cowboy' boots, or any boots with a heel on them, will work. Never bring high-heel shoes, sandals, metal-toe boots, or other such 'dress' articles. Make sure that your footwear will cover your entire foot, and has some type of heel. This is important, because when around horses, it is possible that your foot could get stepped on. With a good pair of boots, or good shoes with heels on them, it will not hurt so much. Sandals or the like won't provide good protection. Boots with a metal toe for style are a poor choice because if a horse steps on your toe, the metal will bend, possibly pinching your toes. It is very uncomfortable!

Heeled boots are designed to keep your foot positioned properly in the stirrup. Shoes without heels will allow your foot to slip forward, and if this happens, your foot could be trapped on the stirrup, and it's possible you could be dragged if you were to fall off. Boots with a heel are a must- if you can't get them, you may ride without stirrups, but it is harder for beginners.

Another important thing for beginners to have is a helmet. If you are taking lessons or riding at a stable, most likely they will have helmets provided. Ask anyway. If they do not have helmets (shame on them if they don't), then you must bring helmets for yourself and anyone else who may be riding. If you will be taking turns with another person, you may get by with one helmet. What type of helmet? It's best if you get an approved riding helmet, but if that's not possible, ask the stable if it's OK to use a bicycle helmet. Either way, be sure you get some kind of helmet! When around horses, you never know what may happen.

Other articles of clothing you may want to bring are hair ties (for anyone with long hair), gloves, and thick socks (new boots can be uncomfortable).

Avoid anything that dangles, makes noise, or could be caught up in the horse's mane, the saddle horn, or anywhere. Bracelets, long necklaces, large watches, purses, large coats, and scarves are examples.

When selecting clothing, you need to think about two things: 'Will it get caught on something or get in my way?' and 'Can it flap in the wind, or make noise, or in any way scare the horse?'.

Equipment
It's most likely that the horse facility will furnish you with any equipment you need. You should ask, anyway. If you will be riding long, you will want to bring a bottle of water, and maybe lunch. Besides proper clothing, there is not much else you will need. Most stables will supply everything.

Etiquette
One of the most important things to remember around horses is to be aware. Although they are mostly sweet and wonderful, they are big, strong animals, and they can unintentionally hurt you. Another thing to remember is that horses are animals, not machines, and they are alive and have feelings, too. You can't just run up to them and jump on their backs-- they can get angry or scared, too. Being flight animals, instead of fighting animals, their natural response to danger is to run away. They naturally want to jump away from any threats, called 'spooking'. Most well-trained horses are used to noises, sudden movements, and such 'scary' things, so they do not mind, but since you do not know the horse, always act as though it's wild. While most well-trained horses won't spook, kick, or bite, it's still a good idea to be aware around them. That's one reason why it's important to wear proper clothing. Something that is loose may be caught up when a horse spooks, or it may blow in the wind and cause a horse to spook.

When around horses, you should also do what the riding instructor or person in charge says. They know the horse, so they know how it acts, and what you can and can't do with it. Follow their instructions, and don't be afraid to ask them questions.

Do not yell, jump up and down, or make sudden movements around horses. Throwing things around horses is a big no-no, and so is running suddenly up to them, grabbing them, or whacking them. Horses cannot see right in front of their nose, or directly behind themselves- whacking or suddenly patting these areas can startle the horse. They can see everywhere else but those two blind spots. Their vision is not as clear as ours, and when something suddenly moves, some horses may jump away- that's why you don't run up to them or throw things near them.

Don't go behind or in front of the horse unless you're asked to. Crawling under the horse's head or belly is a good way to get kicked, since many horses do not like that. Do not go behind the horse, either, unless you've been told it's ok. Some horses kick if you do that, and some do not, so it's best to be safe.

Most people have a tendency to pat a horse, but they usually don't like that. Instead, stroke or rub the horse, but don't pat with the flat of your hand-- the horse may think you are slapping it. Move slowly, and be sure not to yell or shout at the horse, but you can talk nicely to them, most horses like that.

Always listen to the instructor or person in charge, and do what they say to stay safe. Be aware around horses, because they can be unpredictable. Most important, be sure to tell the person in charge that you are a beginner, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Asking questions is the way to learn, so don't be worried you'll sound stupid. Most horse people are friendly and will be glad to answer your questions.