the cost of the riding gear doesn't have to be very expensive, simply find good condition riding gear in the papers, ebay etc, spend the most on safety least on decorative, good helmet is a must, pretty joddys not so much lol, then as you go along and decide this is a hobby you will want to continue with definately just buy one thing at a time to replace the second hand items, lay by / lay away is your best friend here and i can't recommend the " smart rider safety stirrups" enough, absolutely the best invention ever i think, no fears of being dragged in a fall ever, i fell off at a gallop was lucky enough not to even get a bruise but i was able to be relaxed with the fall and not tecse up which would have increased my injuries just because i knew i wouldn't get dragged. horse riding is a very addictive hobby but soooo worth it..