When choosing riding clothes for your next horseback riding excursion or lesson, you want the most comfortable items available while allowing for function. The best clothes allow for movement while protecting your body from injury. Enjoy your trail ride or lessons more with these basic horseriding clothing items.
Boots
Boots may be the most important part of your outfit besides your helmet. The riding clothes and equipment you choose will affect the comfort and safety of your ride. Choose boots with a low tread so your foot doesn’t get caught in the stirrup if you fall and a width that can comfortably slide over your riding pants without making your boot too tight. You’ll also want a heel that is one to one and a half inches high.
Helmet
While you can save money buying used equipment and clothing, your helmet should be brand-new to prevent injury from damaged inner liners. Helmets are available in English and Western styles and come in a variety of colors to suit your fashion sense. Choose a helmet that is ASTM/SEI certified to ensure it meets the safety requirements for horse sports.
Pants
Many pants work well for horseback riding, but you want to take care to avoid any that will bunch up around the inside of your legs and near your knees. Jeans can be worn if they fit tightly around your legs. The best option is riding tights, which can come with leather knee and seat patches for greater durability, and fleece linings for extra warmth in the winter months. For extra grip and protection from the wind, leather chaps can be purchased. Half-chaps cover your leg from your knee to your foot to provide extra grip while riding.
Shirts
Just about any shirt is suitable for horseback riding, as long as your not headed to the show ring. Your favorite t-shirt or sweatshirt will be perfect for a casual riding day. Vests are often worn when the temperatures start to drop to give you extra mobility in the arms, while keeping you warm. To stay warm when it’s extremely cold in the winter, you can purchase a riding jacket. These are made with extra roominess in the shoulders to allow your arms to move.
Putting your horseback riding outfit together can be easy, stylish and functional. Consider buying any additional accessories, such as gloves, socks and undergarments, for additional comfort.