Debbies Reins and Things

Photograph: Roxana Marroquin

All stables have helmets for customers, and most won’t let you ride without one. You should also wear long pants that you can do a deep knee-bend in and closed-toe shoes with a very small heel. You usually don’t need your own gear for beginner-trail rides (the stables frequently have everything you need, except trousers), but below are some excellent retail resources for more advanced riders looking to gear up.

Jamaica Bay Riding Academy and Forest Equine Center both offer small on-site saddle and apparel shops. The former is well-stocked with boots, helmets, saddles, horse soaps, brushes and other accoutrements, while the latter carries saddles, but no boots.

Owned by Debra Singleton, an equestrian with 30 years of experience, Debbie’s Reins and Things (332 Douglass St between Third and Fourth Aves, Park Slope, Brooklyn; 718-797-5288, debbiesreinsnthings.com) specializes in Western and English riding accessories, including Wrangler jeans, Justin cowboy boots, bits and bridles, as well as leather vests. If you’re looking for an opportunity to sport your Texas-style garb uptown, Singleton is hosting a hoedown at Windows Over Harlem (163 W 125th St at Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd [Seventh Ave], 212-665-4337) on Apr 19, 2008.

Wanna-be British royals can get kitted out with gleaming saddles, helmets and boots at massive emporium Manhattan Saddlery (117 E 24th St between Park and Lexington; 877-673-1400, manhattansaddlery.com), which specializes in English gear, dressage, competitive horse training and polo accessories. Its website lists every item available in the shop, and often offers Internet-only deals.