This site contains affiliate links, please read our disclosure for more information. The content on this website was created with the help of AI.
Horseback riding is a fun and exciting sport that can help you to build strong muscles and improve your balance. It can also be a great opportunity for some alone time in nature or quality bonding time with friends. To get the most out of your experience, it’s important to dress appropriately and safely.
- Wear comfortable clothing, such as jodhpurs, breeches or jeans (avoid bell bottoms), shirts with collars (no t-shirts), and comfortable shoes that cover the heels. Avoid wearing large jewelry or anything else that could become tangled in the reins or on the horse’s tack.
- Wear tall leather boots with rubber soles if you won’t be riding in an arena (this includes schooling at a stables). If you will only ride in an arena, plain leather shoes will do.
1. A riding helmet
You may not think it, but what you wear on your head is just as important as the clothes on your back. Riding helmets are the best when it comes to protecting your head while horseback riding. If a helmet isn’t an option, you should absolutely not ride a horse.
Choosing an appropriate helmet can be tough: there are many shapes, sizes, and colors to choose from. You should look for a helmet that’s comfortable and fits securely over your head without being too big or small. A high-quality helmet will have ventilation holes to keep your head cool and moisture-wicking padding that keeps sweat off of your forehead. When riding horses at fast speeds outdoors, you’ll want a helmet with sun protection—you don’t want the glare from the sun getting in your eyes! Also keep in mind that raincoat material will keep water out of your eyes if you get caught in a storm while riding outdoors.
Before choosing which riding helmet to buy, decide what kind of riding you’ll be doing: English or Western? Each type has its own style of hat/helmet; make sure yours matches the discipline of riding that you intend to do!
Once you’ve chosen which one is right for y’all (sorry), make sure they are fitted correctly: they need to fit snug without squeezing or digging into any part of y’our (sorry again) head! You should also wear them at all times during any horse activity–including walking around outside where someone could fall off their mount!
2. A riding boot or shoe with a heel
This is the first thing you’ll need. You might already have something suitable, or maybe you’ll have to go out and find them—but whatever the case, you should plan on wearing a pair of boots with a heel.
Riding boots are designed specifically for horseback riding, and as such they’re ideal for it. However, if you don’t currently own any riding boots and aren’t in a position to buy some, knee-high fashion boots with a heel will also work well. The important thing is that your footwear have a heel to help keep your foot in the stirrup (and also prevent your leg from hitting the horse’s side while you move).
You may be tempted to wear rubber-soled sneakers or trail shoes like Merrells because they’re comfortable. Don’t do it! Rubber soles are too slippery and may cause your foot to slip through the stirrup irons without warning—a dangerous situation that must be avoided at all costs.
3. Gloves
In terms of protective gear, riding gloves are essential. Not only do they protect your hands from getting blisters when you grip the reins, they also help protect your hands in the event that you fall off the horse and land on them. Plus, they can come in handy for wiping sweat off your brow after a long ride.
There are a lot of different kinds of gloves out there, but most horseback riders prefer cotton or leather, which both offer protection while allowing you to grip the reins tightly.
4. Jeans or Breeches
Your legs will be in constant contact with leather or synthetic material, so you’ll want to protect them from chafing. This is where jeans or breeches come into play: they cover your legs and keep them warm. They also stay put on the saddle rather than get caught up as running shorts do, and they have pockets, which is essential for holding your phone (for after-ride snaps of you and your trusty steed) and mints (for treating said horse.) Yoga pants might seem like a good idea because of their stretchiness, but they lack pockets, are difficult to slide over boots if they’re tucked into them, and tend to ride up when sitting in the saddle.
5. Belt
A riding belt is an essential piece of equipment for professional and amateur equestrians alike. It helps the rider stay secure in the saddle, preventing the rider from slipping around or falling off during the ride. There are many different styles of riding belts available to suit different needs and preferences. The most common style is a leather riding belt with a big buckle, but there are also stretch belts that some may find more comfortable.
6. A shirt that’s not too loose
You may think a loose shirt is better, but that’s not the case. Not only is it dangerous if your loose-fitting t-shirt gets caught on the saddle or other equipment, but it can also affect your posture and make it more difficult for you to control the horse. A baggy sweatshirt or even a sweater isn’t ideal for riding. Plus, horses don’t like being ridden in clothes that are too heavy or uncomfortable.
7. A vest or jacket on cold days
- A vest or jacket on cold days
If you’re going out on a cold, rainy day, you’ll want to layer up to stay warm and dry. We recommend picking up a good-fitting quilted vest or jacket that will help insulate your torso while still allowing for full range of motion. If it’s just chilly, try a short-sleeved version with a turtleneck underneath—no bulky sweater getting in the way of the reins! Whatever you choose, make sure the outfit looks fashionable enough that you could wear it outside of riding (because let’s face it—you will).
8. Sunscreen!
To get the most out of your day, don’t forget to bring sunscreen! Applying sunscreen might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s important to remember that even if you’re not baking on the beach (which you shouldn’t be doing on horseback anyways), you are still exposed to harmful rays from the sun. Sunscreen is not just for the beach!
Of course, even if you didn’t bring any along with you, there should be some at the stable or tack shop where you got your gear. They’ll probably have different kinds available so ask them which kind will work best for you and your horseback riding needs.
Horseback riding is fun!
There’s something magical about horseback riding. It’s fun, relaxing, and beautiful. Horseback riding is a great way to get exercise, explore nature, and spend time with friends or family. Not only is horseback riding great for your health and relationships, but it has been shown to help reduce stress levels. So not only can you look cute in a new pair of cowboy boots while having fun with your friends and family, but you can also learn how to better manage stress!
Conclusion
In conclusion, horseback riding can be a great way to spend time outdoors and bond with an animal. However, it’s important to protect yourself when you’re near large animals. Make sure you wear a snug shirt and pants that can’t get caught on the saddle or spurs. You’ll also need protective eyewear and sunscreen, as well as a riding helmet to stay safe. With the correct equipment, you’ll have the most fun possible while horseback riding!
- Although horseback riding is a fun and liberating activity, it’s important to outfit yourself in appropriate gear.
- If you’re attending a formal horseback riding event, there are certain dress codes you should keep in mind.
- However, for the most part, informal or casual horseback riding can be done wearing comfortable, everyday clothing.
- Make sure to wear boots and pants that cover your ankles and shins, respectively. This will protect against any accidental injuries from spurs or the stirrups on the saddle.
