Related Sponsors

Equestrian Wear You Will Need

Home » Horse Riding » Learn To Ride Equestrian » Equestrian Wear You Will Need

Riding clothing, especially English riding clothing, has evolved for comfort and safety. Breeches or jodhpurs are stretchy, allowing you to lift your leg up to the stirrup without cutting into you behind the knee. They often have knee patches of suede, or faux-suede. These give you a little added security in the saddle, while at the same time giving your leg some protection from getting pinched in the stirrup leathers. Riding boots protect the lower leg and support the ankle.

Most riding schools will supply you with a hat when you begin lessons, however if you continue to ride it’s a good idea to get your own. Make sure you buy a new hat rather than second-hand. There is an increased safety risk with old hats as most are designed to only take one impact and then they are weakened; this may not show on the outside until it’s too late. All hats must be to the latest standard, otherwise the riding school is not covered on their insurance policy and will not allow you to ride wearing the hat.

Shorts are a definite out. Whether you ride English or western, after an hour in the saddle your inside leg will be rubbed raw without the protection of long pants of some sort. Jeans are best, as an alternative to breeches. If you've got stretch jeans, preferably without a seam on the inside leg, you're in great shape for your first horseback ride.

On your feet, you'll want shoes with a good shank to give your feet support in the stirrups. A small heel will lessen the chance that your foot will slip all the way through the stirrup. Sandals are definitely out, since as well as giving no support, they don't protect your vulnerable toes from getting stepped on before you mount. Sneakers are not really a good choice either, since they don't offer the arch support you'll need, however there are many selections of riding sneaker that offer the correct support and can also be used as everyday wear. Western boots are also a suitable choice for your first horseback ride.

You will usually find that if you're learning to ride English, you'll be expected to wear a safety helmet. Many instructors and lesson barns have helmets available for beginners to use, but if you're planning on a course of lessons consider buying a well-fitting helmet of your own.

It's less common to see western riders wearing safety helmets, but increasing numbers of riders are starting to see the light. Generally they wear the same safety helmets as English riders, but there are also special helmets available which fit under western hats.

Next Page: First Equestrian Lessons

Related Learn To Ride Equestrian Articles