Hey, sometimes buying digital animals fills the void just enough xD

That's wonderful you are in your final weeks - congrats! Taking horseback lessons is a fantastic reward to yourself for all of your hard work. Have fun with them!  And enjoy the pixel ponies in the meantime. ^_^ 

Congrats on entering the final stretch for school! and riding lessons would be the perfect way to chill once school is done. I used to have a couple adult students and I think they looked forward to their weekly lessons/barn time more than my kid students!

Thanks for taking the time to respond, everyone.

I was getting a bit nervous about the horse lessons, especially after seeing all the different options for riding gear (a bit overwhelming even when I am just looking at the basic helmets, boots, and riding vest). But it does make me feel better to hear from kind people and riding instructors. 
I really am enjoying the ‘pixel ponies’ in the meantime, all while doing my best to get these final assignments off my plate.
I'm counting the days till my freedom!

I just bought a Tiperary Sportage to replace my old helmet. It's highly rated on the Virginia Tech safety test (you can google that to find lots more info on different brands and how they rank) and it's relatively inexpensive. I got my mom to upgrade too. We did look at vests for her, but ended up not getting one. They aren't mandatory (at most places).

To start out, I'd go with some basic paddock boots and a pair of half chaps. Dublin makes good options for both. Or if you want to start very simple, some hiking boots (1" ish heel and ideally come just above your ankle) and stretchy jeans or leggings will get the job done. 

You can also ask the riding school you are looking at if they have anything to borrow. I always kept a ‘borrowing closet’ for new students. Just be sure any helmet you use has a manufacture date from the last 5 years (they do ‘expire’!)

Welcome to HoFa! Sending the best vibes for your capstone. I was able to avoid a capstone by doing a solo project. Based on how my peers managed, the capstone is difficult for good reason and they all felt like the hard work made them much better geologists. The last few weeks feel amazing and stressful but be sure to soak up the last bit of it! You got this!

Hey Turn, thank you so much for the gear advice. I will be sure to check them out. As for the vest, I was just thinking it would probably be best to get one, even though they are really expensive. 
The last time I was allowed on a horse, they did spook a bit, and the first time I was put on a horse (that I can remember), the horse threw me because the adult I was with put my sister on the same horse, and she wasn't on the saddle. I now know my sister was likely sitting on his kidneys. 

After all that and spending four years in college, I figured it is best not to get my back broken and hopefully the riding vest helps.

Hey Curly, pretty jealous that you got to avoid the capstone. I am having to do a solo project for my capstone, and I must admit, I have been procrastinating these last couple of weeks. 
My greatest struggle is that I have already landed a job in my field, and now I just want to work; I don't care that much about school now.  I have 2 weeks left after this Friday, and I'm just crossing my fingers that my project is good enough.