Do You Need Gloves for Horse Riding?
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Riding with Farris
Protect little hands, build good habits early — and check the fit every season, because kids grow fast.
Young riders learn faster and ride more confidently when their hands are protected and their grip is secure. A good pair of children's riding gloves prevents blisters, keeps small hands comfortable, and helps kids build steady rein contact from the very first lesson. Here's how to choose the right pair.
Do children need riding gloves?
They're not always mandatory, but they're strongly recommended. Reins can rub and blister soft young hands quickly, and gloves give a far more secure grip — which helps a child learn good contact rather than clinging on. They're one of the most affordable, worthwhile pieces in a beginner's kit.
What to look for in kids' riding gloves
- A comfortable, snug fit with no loose fingertips — but room to make a relaxed fist.
- A grippy palm so small hands hold the reins securely without over-gripping.
- Breathable, flexible material that's easy to move in and easy to wash.
- Durability, because kids are hard on their gear.
- Easy on and off, so a child can manage them without a fight.
Getting the size right
Measure around the widest part of your child's palm, just below the knuckles, without the thumb, and match it to the size chart — our sizing chart shows how. Because children grow so quickly, check the fit each season rather than assuming last year's pair still fits. A glove that's too big bunches and slips; one that's too small restricts movement.
Helping kids build good habits
Comfortable, well-fitting gloves make a real difference to how a child rides. When their hands aren't sore or slipping, they can focus on soft, steady contact and enjoy the lesson — which is exactly how good habits form. It's a small investment that pays off in confidence.
Frequently asked questions
Do children need riding gloves?
They're strongly recommended. Gloves protect young hands from rein friction and blisters and give a more secure grip, which helps children learn good, steady rein contact from their very first lessons. They're an inexpensive, worthwhile addition to a beginner's kit.
How should kids' riding gloves fit?
Snug but comfortable, with no loose fabric at the fingertips and room to make a relaxed fist. Because children grow quickly, check the fit each season — a glove that's too big bunches and slips, while one that's too small restricts movement.
What size riding gloves does my child need?
Measure around the widest part of your child's palm, just below the knuckles, without the thumb, and match it to the size chart. Children's hands change fast, so measure each season rather than assuming last year's size still fits.
From the makers
Built around feel
We design and ride in our own gear. The Farris Flexigrip riding gloves are lightweight, grippy, and tough — and as a Canadian brand we ship free with 30-day risk-free returns, so if a pair doesn't fit, send it back.
Farris · shopfarris.ca · #RideWithFarris
