How to Dress to Ride a Horse

Riding a horse means that it’s important to dress correctly to stay safe and warm. Items which need to be worn when you’re an established rider include boots, clothing such as jodhpurs and a riding hat.

If it’s your first lesson, don’t worry about having to buy a pair of jodhpurs. You can ride wearing tight fitting trousers or leggings. Jeans aren’t a good choice as the material can be too restrictive. It’s important to wear strong shoes until you get some riding boots, but not trainers. You probably won’t have a hat for your first lesson but that will be fine as the riding school will lend you one until you have decided you want to ride more regularly.

When you want to take the step of buying a riding hat, ensure you go to a reputable stockist as it is the most important item of clothing you will buy. Specialist stores will stock hats in a range of styles and sizes and a member of staff will measure you to ensure that you are offered the choices which are correct for your head size. Don’t be tempted to buy a cheaper hat which doesn’t have the necessary safety marks on it as the hat protects your head from injury which is vital.

The next thing to buy is a pair of boots. The choice will be long boots or short boots and chaps. Use your usual shoe size as a guide for fitting. If you decide to buy half chaps, these will help to keep your legs from pinching on the leather of the stirrup. Another option is to buy a pair of boots which have a steel toe cap, this will mean that your toes are kept safe when your feet are trodden on by your horse. 

Jodhpurs come in a range of colours but are often cream or beige. Measure your waist to get a size fit. Breeches are a good choice for anyone who wears long boots because you won’t end up with a bulge inside your boots.

Gloves will protect your hands when being pulled through the reins and will help stop chafing, particularly in the winter. They will come with pads sewn into them for where the reins lay between the fingers.

With your clothing purchased you are ready to take to the saddle and experience the excitement of riding. You’ll fall in love with the sport and will soon be spending as much time at the stables as at home.