I really don't want to sound petty so i'm trying not to but please give me a chance to explain.

Okay, so currently I'm en route to the mountains of south carolina. On my vacation my family and I have planned a couple of outdoor trail riding from some public riding barns. This is one of a few things we planned on this vacation but this is the one sole thing that's motivating me to come on this vacation. but something hit me and I asked my father, who packed up our car, if he had kept my riding gear in the car, like i'd previously asked him to do. But of course nothing ever turns out happy for me, and he forgot. Now that might not seem like a huuuge deal, i can just wear my sneakers, right? wrong. For one, the sneakers in question are converse, so they are flat footed. again not such a big deal for someone else, but it's very scary to me. I totally love riding, and I feel safe when i'm wearing my helmet, and my boots. but when i don't have those i get extremely anxious. what if since this helmet is old it doesn't work as well as my newer one? but my biggest fear is not being able to emergency dismount. I am so scared that because i have no heel i'll slip my foot into my stirrup and get stuck. I know it's mostly all in my head and unrealistic, but I worry because i'm riding in a different saddle on a different horse, and one that might be unpredictable because i've never ridden this horse before. So to wrap this post up, basically i have to decide whether to risk injury and be anxious on the ride while wearing converse, or cancel my plans to ride, thereby ruining my vacation and taking away the reason for wanting to come.

If you can, stop by a walmart or somewhere and get a cheaper boot or shoe with a little heel so that you can ride safely.

I used to work as a trail guide for the sort of trail rides you'll be doing (only in Florida, not SC) and not once in my time there did we have a single rider slip a foot through the stirrup, even the greenest of riders with the flattest of shoes. As much of a concern as it is, it happens so rarely, and you're experienced enough to keep your heels down, which is going to prevent that from ever happening.

As for the helmet, regardless of it's age, it will be safe. Facilities like that have to keep helmets that are safe for liability reasons.

Go enjoy your vacation. :)

Don't cancel your ride!! A lot of places (that I've been to) willlet you borrow boots and will have helmets for you (they might be old, but they will still work just as well as your new one), I don't know if you're going on a guided trail ride or not, but if you are, just know that 95% of those horses are so well trained and used to trail they could walk it in their sleep! If you anxious/nervous TELL YOUR GUIDE/SOMEONE IN CHARGE most of them will gladly help you out and give you the horse that will be the best fit for you! :D

also quite a few people at my barn often ride in sneakers/crocs/sandals, and we thankfully haven't had any problems so for one ride you should be perfectly fine <3

Tell your tour guide you have no riding experience! My own trainer says this sometimes so we get the super dead broke horses and can actually enjoy the ride. I agree with what was said above too though!

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So.... Like puck said, try to buy a cheap pair of heeled shoes. Helmet also. Maybe they will have stuff for you to borrow there? My best advice is don't lose your confidence. I'm sure they will be able to match you with a good horse, who you can keep that confidence on. And have a fun vacation!