Horseback riding is one sport where you can turn heads with what you’re wearing. While style is one factor that most of us look for in an outfit for horseback riding, clothes for horseback riding should not just reflect your style but be safe and comfortable. When it comes down to what to wear for horseback riding there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. You don’t have to look out for expensive attire. Instead, choose something that is durable and trendy.
Your outfit for horseback riding will also depend on your riding discipline. You can’t wear Western boots if you’re riding English, and a pair of jeans won’t do either. The outfit that you choose for a showing will not be the same as what you wear on the trail. If you know the right attire, you’ll not only look your best but be comfortable too. It goes without saying that the clothes you wear are as important as the best equipment for horseback riding.
How To Choose The Best Outfit For Horseback Riding
When choosing the best outfit for horseback riding, the first thing you need to know is your riding discipline. It’s easy to pick out what to wear for horseback riding when you know that part.
Discipline
The main difference between the outfit in English riding and Western riding is in the horseback riding shoes and the horseback riding pants. English riding has more formal attire such as dressage boots, breeches, and sometimes a jacket. Western riders can get away with a pair of comfortable jeans combined with a long-sleeved, well-fitted shirt. While riders in both disciplines wear paddock boots, English riders generally pair the short boots with half chaps. Western riders and those on the trail prefer cowboy boots while riders who multitask prefer versatile shoes.
Weather
Quite obviously the outfit for horseback riding should also match the weather conditions. The clothing that you wear in the summer will be lighter than the winter clothes for horseback riding. You’ll probably need a warmer jacket in the winter and insulated boots too. One thing to keep in mind with clothing is that it should not be too long especially at the back or it can get caught in the tack. So a jacket that’s shorter will work well. A handy accessory to add to your summer outfit for horseback riding is a cooling towel for your neck.
Fit
Whether you’re looking at the best horseback riding boots or the best pants for horseback riding, a good fit is extremely important. Shoes that don’t fit well will ruin your riding experience. The same goes for riding pants. Ill-fitting clothing will not only make you uncomfortable but will knock off a few points on the style quotient.
Safety
Although your outfit for horseback riding may seem quite harmless, you need to make sure that there’s nothing about what you wear that can endanger you. While horseback riding is enjoyable, it can also be quite a dangerous sport if you don’t have the right gear. Look for shoes that are durable and have a one-and-a-half or two-inch heel. The sole should also have a low tread so that it doesn’t get stuck in the stirrup. Another important item that you will need is a helmet. More and more riders are realizing the importance of keeping their heads protected.
What Is The Best Outfit For Western Riding?
Apart from the difference in the size of the saddle, the outfit is the most distinctive feature between the two riding disciplines. The best outfit for horseback riding in the western style is a pair of jeans paired with a matching belt, a long-sleeved shirt, western-style boots, and a traditional western hat. However, more western riders are opting to wear sporty-looking helmets these days.
What Is The Best Outfit For Showing At An English Horse Show?
While specific shows have their own regulations about the clothes for horseback riding, there are general elements that are common to all. Tall boots, a riding jacket with a white shirt, coordinating breeches or riding pants, and the conventional black velvet helmet is commonly worn for shows. A belt completes the outfit for horseback riding. Some shows allow half chaps and paddock boots but it’s always a good idea to enquire about the regulations.
Gloves
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A pair of gloves may seem like the least of your concerns when looking for what to wear for horseback riding, but this small item of clothing offers excellent protection. Whether it’s the winter chill or chaffing from the reins, your hands will be well protected with a pair of gloves. Additionally, a stylish pair of gloves will complement your outfit for horseback riding.
Gloves are an essential part of your attire if you’re showing your horse in an English horse show. It’s important that your gloves match your sleeves when showing as they should not be a distraction. A good pair of gloves for showing is the Heritage Premier Show Gloves.
Horse riding gloves are available to wear year-round or specifically for winter. Winter gloves are thicker and padded while gloves for summer are more breathable. As with any item of clothing, your gloves should fit snugly or you’ll find them to be more of a hindrance than a help.
Non-chafing underwear
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Another item of clothing that new horseback riders tend to overlook is the undergarment. While Western riders may not feel too much discomfort from regular underwear because of the wider saddle, it’s important that you wear undergarments that are comfortable. You’ll generally find a selection of non-chafing undergarments designed for horseback riding in a tack shop. These undergarments are stretchy, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying with anti-odor technology. Some biker shorts will also work well under your horseback riding pants as these come with a high waist and breathable pad.
Horseback Riding Socks
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Horseback riding socks may not be high on your list of items to add to your outfit for horseback riding but boot socks are also important. Pairing the wrong socks with your boots can end in a disaster as you could end up with blisters or socks that won’t stay in place.
The material of your socks will go a long way in ensuring a comfortable ride. Socks made from 100% cotton should never be part of your summer wear as they tend to absorb and hold moisture. When choosing socks for horseback riding look for those that are thicker in the foot area. Socks that have a thickness in various areas will provide cushioning where it’s most needed. Some riders raise the style quotient by pairing colorful socks with short boots.
Western Boots
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If you’re a Western rider you’ll naturally want a functional yet stylish pair of Western boots to complete your outfit. Western boots or cowboy boots have an easily distinguishable style. They are generally made from leather or vinyl and have a slightly higher heel than English boots. You’ll find that the heel is also angled. Many cowboy boots also feature attractive embroidery on the upper part.
These boots are easy to wear with pull tabs and also easy to clean. Not all Western boots come up to the knees or mid calves. You can even get ankle height boots that can be paired with half chaps. Some renowned brands of Cowboy boots are Justin, Ariat, Corral, and Lucchese.
While cowboy boots are one of the most popular and recognizable types of western boots, there are other western boots too. Roper boots are generally lower than a cowboy boot while Harness boots come with a square toe and an ankle strap with metal rings.
Another comfortable pair of western boots that double up as a work boot is Packers. These ‘old style’ boots are popular with people who work in barns and ride. They’re sturdy and look smart too. What sets these boots apart from other western boots is the toe box and heel. The toe box is tapered but not as pointed as dress shoes. It’s often referred to as a roper or almond toe by boot makers. The heels on these boots are raised and have a sloping edge similar to cowboy boots. These shoes however are not suited to riders with wider feet.
Paddock Boots
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One of the most popular boots that you can add to your outfit for horseback riding is the Paddock Boot. These boots are favored for the versatility that they provide. Since they’re big on the comfort they can double up as casual shoes to wear around town or for working in the barn. Many riders choose to pair these boots with half chaps for a better riding experience.
Paddock boots are more popular with casual riders and as training shoes for competitors. They’re also more popular with children who pair them with jodhpurs when riding or showing. Paddock boots are generally an English style of riding boot that goes only to the ankle.
These boots are easy to wear and can be either pulled on or come with a zip. If you’re a newbie to horseback riding, these boots are a good option. That being said, some competitions do not allow half chaps or paddock boots so if you’re looking for competition clothes for horseback riding, you’ll need to check the dress regulations.
Tall Boots
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Tall boots are mainly associated with English riding and are of two main kinds – dress boots and field boots. The traditional tall black or brown boots are the standard footwear in the dressage ring and in eventing. They provide flexibility and support which makes it easy to perform in them. However, many riders enjoy wearing them as regular riding boots as they enjoy the comfort and protection that these boots provide. Others find them a bit too stuffy.
Field boots are easily distinguishable from dress boots as they have a lace-up over the instep. This makes them slightly more flexible than the dress boots and easier to put on too. These boots are generally worn in the hunter or jumper show ring. So if you’re looking to compete in these shows, you’ll need to add a pair of field boots to your outfit for horseback riding. Trail riders also prefer field boots as they give extra protection.
Both dress and field boots may or may not feature a zipper at the back. The ones that do have a zipper are much easier to get in or out of. One thing you need to keep in mind if competing in a horse show is that your boots should be well polished.
Half Chaps And Gaiters
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Many riders who prefer short boots generally pair them with half chaps or gaiters. Though half chaps or gaiters are not going to prevent any major injuries, they do save your legs from scratches or chafing from the saddle. These also help if you’re riding a trail with short boots as a sweaty horse can cause some discomfort to your calves. Chaps are an affordable option if you don’t want to spend on tall riding boots.
If they fit well they also offer muscle support and the functionality of a tall boot. When picking out a pair of chaps choose something that will match your boots. Also, make sure that the height is right. Choose your half chaps based on your skill level. Beginner riders should look at synthetic half chaps as they provide ample protection and are also good value for money. Expert or advanced riders, on the other hand, would be better off with leather half chaps for more contact.
For the outdoors or the trail, a split leather model is a good option as it will stand up to the scratches from branches and brambles. If riding in a schooling yard, look for shapes that will give you better contact with your horse. Half chaps were traditionally fashioned from suede material and gaiters from smooth leather. These days, however, you’ll find them in a wide range of materials.
Vest
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Vests are a good option when you’re thinking of clothes for horseback riding. These are great for cooler weather as they allow you to layer and don’t restrict your arms. In colder weather, you can also look at a lightweight heated vest. This vest provides long-lasting warmth and has three temperature levels with four heat zones.
While safety vests are not the norm, they provide good protection. You can add a safety vest to your outfit for horseback riding if you want to be safe and chic at the same time. Safety vests are of two main kinds, body protectors that feature a lightweight and comfortable foam and air vests. Air vests are designed to inflate if the rider falls off the horse and are generally seen in cross-country jumping. Since there is a danger of falling during a jump, safety vests are part of the attire. Unlike body protectors, air vests don’t fall under ASTM standards.
Shirt
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This is probably the easiest apparel to consider when looking for clothes for horseback riding. Depending on your riding discipline and the weather, you can wear anything from a good-fitting T-shirt to a long-sleeved shirt. Synthetic shirts are best in the warmer season as they dry quickly and are generally moisture-wicking. In winter you’ll need something with long sleeves. Shirts that have a thermal base layer keep you warm and help with less layering.
When showing in English riding, however, you’ll need to be more careful about the shirt that you wear. While hunters and jumpers may be allowed natural colors, dressage calls for white shirts only. For jump shows, shirts may be worn with a tie, a stock collar, or choker.
Western showing is generally more flexible when it comes to the outfit for horseback riding, but monochromatic colors are a better option. During speed games in Western riding, you should wear long sleeves. A long sleeve shirt in a solid color or a nice plaid is a good option for the casual western rider.
Jacket
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Jackets add a fashionable touch to your clothes for horseback riding. However, if you’re riding in warm weather it may cause a bit of discomfort. Horseback riding may look like a glamorous sport but your comfort should override everything else. No one wants to be hot and sweaty after a day in the saddle because of the wrong outfit for horseback riding.
That being said, a warm coat or jacket will be an absolute necessity in freezing temperatures. Make sure that you pick something that is appropriate for riding. Coats for horseback riding generally have gussets that allow them to spread over the saddle. They also have more room in the shoulders. You’ll find many jackets for horseback riding with patches or reflective tape for better visibility on the trail. When it comes down to what to wear for horseback riding, it’s important that your clothes are not long at the back.
For English showing the jackets that you wear are generally more formal. A good option for a hunter would be a brown check jacket or a black jacket with a white shirt. Jackets for jumpers are shorter and can be in any dark color, tweed, or subtle check. Dressage jackets on the other hand are longer. While black is the preferred color, modest tweed jackets are allowed at schooling shows.
Jodhpurs or Breeches
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The next part of your outfit for horseback riding is the pants. The best pants for horseback riding are those that fit comfortably without an inner seam. Casual riders can invest in a pair of inexpensive riding tights that come with patches for the knees and seat. Tights provide more grip and also a closer connection with the animal. If you’re wearing short boots, a good idea would be to get a pair of riding chaps as they’ll provide extra protection over your tights.
Jodhpurs and breeches are the preferred choice of riding pants for more serious riders. There’s a distinctive line of difference between the two. While jodhpurs come all the way down to the ankle, breeches are shorter and cut off at mid-calf. Breeches come with full seat styles to keep you firmly in the saddle. They also fit comfortably into boots. They’re generally the preferred choice of clothing for shows.
When it comes to English shows, hunters and jumpers wear neutral breeches or riding pants and generally pair them with a belt. Dressage demands that riding pants are in light colors such as fawn, white or pale beige. White is the preferred color for the dressage ring but since they stain easily, it’s best to go for a beige pair that hides dirt.
Jeans
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Who doesn’t love a good pair of jeans! This wardrobe staple is generally the preferred attire for Western riders when picking out clothes for horseback riding. Jeans are one of the most versatile pairs of pants that allow you to go straight from the saddle to the barn. While most jeans will work for the casual rider, it’s better to get a pair that’s specifically for riding.
Jeans should not have prominent inner seams that can rub your legs against the saddle. The jeans should also be long enough so that they don’t cause discomfort by riding up your leg. What you want to make sure about the jeans for horseback riding is that they don’t bunch along the inside of your legs or wrinkle. They should also be high-waisted and not sit low on the hips. If you’re wondering what to wear for horseback riding in western shows, a dark pair of jeans is a good idea with a matching belt.
ASTM (American Society for Testing Materials) Approved Riding Helmet
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Many western riders prefer wearing a cowboy hat to complement their outfit for horseback riding. However, it goes without saying that one of the most important parts of your outfit is a helmet. Whether it’s a helmet for skiing or a helmet for mountain biking, a sport that can cause a head injury should have added protection.
As with any sport that uses a helmet, the helmet for horseback riding should be brand new. Helmets tend to lose their protective value if they are dropped so with an old helmet, you’ll never know how safe it really is. You’ll find all kinds of helmets to suit your riding style, but it’s important that you pick one that is ASTM/SEI certified.
Make sure that the helmet fits well and doesn’t move when you nod or shake your head. It should also have an adjustable harness that fits snugly. Helmets for horseback riding are designed to cover the whole skull so that the brain is well protected. If your helmet comes with a brim make sure that it can break off easily if you face plant. English riders will require the traditional black velvet helmet, especially for showing.
