What To Wear Horseback Riding: The Dos and Don’ts of Equestrian Dress Code

Whether you’re looking to get into horseback riding or are already an experienced rider, it’s important to be aware of the dos and don’ts of the equestrian dress code. Wearing the right clothes and equipment can help keep you safe and comfortable while on the saddle. Below, we outline the basics of what to wear for horseback riding and provide tips for putting together the perfect outfit for any riding discipline.

So, no matter your skill or experience level, you’ll be able to learn all you need about equestrian attire in this post. With the help of our equestrian experts, we’ve rounded up examples of the pieces of clothing and equipment you’ll need to stay safe and stylish while you ride. We also included a list of some items to avoid wearing for the most enjoyable horseriding experience.

Essential Clothing Basics

Wearing a proper helmet when riding horses is good etiquette and a must for safety. Choose a helmet that is certified safe by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI). Your helmet should fit snugly and comfortably, with no loose straps or gaps that could cause it to shift in place when moving on the back of the horse. It’s important to note that a poorly fitting helmet can be as dangerous as not wearing one, so you should ensure that your helmet is adjusted properly.

In terms of tops, a long-sleeve shirt is preferred for horseback riding, as it prevents chafing from the saddle. Also, choose a breathable and lightweight fabric, such as cotton or synthetic blends, so you don’t get hot under the sun.

For pants, you should avoid wearing jeans for horseback riding, as they may not be flexible enough to provide proper support and comfort on the back of a horse. Instead, opt for tailored pants or leather or light cotton breeches. The waistband should fit comfortably and securely without chafing or slipping while riding. Also, ensure comfortable lower leg protection, such as half chaps or tall boots.

As far as footwear goes, country boots are one of the most classic (and important) parts of any horseback riding outfit. Choose boots with a flat sole and slightly raised heel that fit snugly around your feet and ankles to ensure maximum control of your legs while riding. Also, ensure your feet don’t move around excessively inside the boot during your ride by wearing socks that fill up any extra space.

Extras That Enhance Safety

There are some other pieces of clothing that can offer additional protection while horseriding to improve your safety and the overall experience. Good gloves can protect your hands from blisters during long rides and provide a firmer grip on the reins for better control of the horse. Opt for gloves made of breathable fabric like leather or lightweight cotton with a non-slip grip for optimum comfort and safety even after hours of use.

For your lower half, consider investing in a pair of chaps. Also known as “cowboy chaps,” these full-length pieces of clothing are made from leather or heavy fabrics and are designed specially to protect riders’ legs from the elements while providing additional grip on the saddle horn and stirrup leathers during longer rides.

Half chaps are similar to full chaps but cover only half of the leg instead of full-length coverage. They are perfect if you want added protection without all the bulkiness of full chaps. For an optimal fit, ensure they fit snugly around your calves without being too tight on your ankles or knees so you can move freely on horseback without discomfort.

Accessories

There are also a few accessories that can make horseback riding more comfortable overall. For instance, a riding jacket looks smart and professional on riders and provides extra warmth during cold mornings or evenings. Look for jackets made from lightweight materials such as fleece or wool blends with zippered pockets for holding items like snacks and water bottles during long rides.

Scarves can be used to keep warm during cold weather rides, too, and add an extra touch of style to your outfit. Try different colors and patterns to express your personality while staying comfortable.

Belts can come in handy functionally, keeping pants securely in place and fashionably accessorizing equestrian outfits with unique buckles and straps. Make sure your belt fits comfortably without being too tight or too loose, as cutting off blood circulation around the waist can cause serious injuries during horse rides.

What Not To Wear

Now that we’ve covered what the ideal horseback riding outfit can consist of, let’s cover some examples of clothing that you shouldn’t wear to ride a horse. It’s important to avoid loose-fitting items such as baggy T-shirts, skirts, dresses, and dresses, as they could get caught up in the stirrups or saddle and cause potential injuries while mounting, dismounting, or riding. Instead, invest in tailored items designed specifically for horseback riding, which provide optimal protection during outdoor activities like trail riding and hunter jumpers.

As mentioned earlier, jeans should be avoided due to their lack of flexibility compared to other fabrics for making tailored clothing for horseback riders. In general, denim doesn’t provide enough elasticity to move freely on a horse.

Avoid wearing open-toed footwear, such as sandals or flip-flops, or other shoes that lack proper support and protection for outdoor activities. Always opt instead for something with better coverage, like paddock boots or tall dress boots with stirrups attached, to ensure your safety when doing horseriding activities.

Although they’re fashionable outdoors and can offer good sun protection, hats and caps should generally not be worn when riding horses due to their lack of staying power under strong winds. Plus, you should be wearing a helmet for optimal head and neck protection anyways.

Rings, earrings, and necklaces should also be avoided during horseback riding because of their potential risk factors. Many pieces of jewelry could get tangled, especially at high speeds, or may come loose and jab you or the horse. Always opt instead for pieces made exclusively for riders, such as leather bracelets with adequate buckle closures ensuring everything stays secure and tight around arms and wrists even after hours spent outside engaging in horse-related activities.

Conclusion

Horseback riding is a fun and healthy activity accompanied by an important sense of responsibility. Having the right clothes and gear will keep you comfortable and safe while riding and help you look stylish and professional. By following the dos and don’ts outlined above, you can ensure you’re ready to look your best for any ride. Now that you know what to wear for horseback riding, the only thing left to do is hop on your mount and train or explore!