Horseback is a magnificent and unforgettable experience. There are many factors that you must take into consideration when you hop onto the saddle. These include your posture and how to interact with your stallion. Another important thing to remember that if fundamental to a safe and comfortable horse riding experience is your outfit. It may seem extravagant to think about this, but there are specific clothes that are appropriate for you to wear to participate in this activity.

Wearing the correct attire will help you be comfortable when riding your horse as well as increase safety. In addition to this, you will also look professional and elegant, which is essential if you are planning to attend equestrian shows and other events. In this article, we will advise you on what to wear when horseback riding.

Riding Trousers

The type of trousers you wear is highly important to ensure that you are comfortable. You can imagine how difficult it must be to wear a horse in skin-tight jeans as your movements would be significantly restricted when sitting in a saddle. Your selected pair of trousers should be made of stretchy material that will allow you to move freely in them. You may not necessarily like the way they look at you when walking around, although this should not be a priority for you. 

It is also important to note that the trousers should be long enough to cover the skin on your legs to avoid chafing against the saddle. You may also go for a pair that has additional padding on the knees and bottom area, to increase levels of comfort. Even though there is a range of colors available, you should aim to buy something of a darker color and avoid whites for the obvious reason that it may quickly get dirty.

Riding Hats

Safety is a must when riding a horse. No matter the level of experience you have, there is always the possibility of an accident. It is fundamental that you have a safety hat or a helmet on you at all times when horseback riding. There are specific hats and helmets that meet the equestrian safety standards, and you will need to look into these before sitting in a saddle. If you are attending classes as a beginner, they usually provide you with the appropriate safety equipment. 

However, it is recommended that you consult with a trained fitter, who can guide you on the type of hat and helmet to get and they can also ensure that it is custom made, fit for your needs. This is the best option if you are a consistent horse rider.

Body Protector

As we mentioned previously, accidents can happen as you are horseback riding. For this reason, it is important that you protect yourself and wear a body protector under your equestrian clothing whenever riding a horse. Those who are inexperienced may be reluctant to learn how to ride properly as they fear falling off the horse and getting hurt. These body protectors are created to soften the impact from a fall or even a kick from a horse, which will make you feel more confident. Body protectors need to meet the appropriate requirements for this activity and must be fitted by a professional so that you have one suitable for your own body.

Footwear

What goes on your feet is just as important as what you wear on the rest of your body. You may think that a pair of trainers is the most comfortable option for any activity but this is certainly not suitable when riding a horse. Do not forget that you will be around horses and that it is likely that they may stand on your toes, as you can imagine this can be extremely painful and it can result in severe injury if you are not wearing the appropriate footwear. Professional riders usually wear boots with a small heel. You can decide between long or short boots. Whereas the long ones will provide additional protection to your legs, they can be more restrictive and it may take more time for you to get used to them. Ariat horse riding boots can provide you with a wide selection of footwear.

Riding Gloves

Your hands need to be protected as well as you will be grabbing the reins to control the horse. This can cause calluses and blisters, which will be painful and prevent you from riding your horse sometimes or holding on to the reign properly. To prevent this from happening, you must wear a pair of suitable riding gloves. You should not wear just any ones, but a pair that is created specifically for riders. These are usually made of stretchy materials, enable you to grip on to the reigns and they have additional padding in the areas that make contact with the reigns for extra protection and support.

What to wear for equestrian riding is crucial for increased safety and comfort for you and your horse. Make sure to wear the items discussed on this page whenever you go horseback riding. This will ensure that you can enjoy yourself to the fullest.