How to Dress for Horse Riding

Last Updated: December 27, 2022 References

In the saddle, you want to be safe and comfortable, and dressing correctly is key. Put together a simple basic outfit before you head out on your first ride. Then, make sure to use the appropriate safety gear and take other precautions to ensure that you have a safe and comfortable ride!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing an Outfit for Your First Ride

1
Wear a comfortable pair of jeans or pants to prevent chafing.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Alana Silverman
Certified Equine Specialist
Expert Interview. 17 March 2020.} Opt for pants that fit you well and that have a little stretch to them. This will ensure that they will move with you as you ride the horse. If you want something made for riding horses, get a pair of riding jeans, riding tights, or riding pants.^{[2]
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- Avoid baggy pants since these may get caught on a branch while you are riding, which may result in a fall.
- Don't choose pants that are too tight to sit down and move in comfortably. This will make your ride an unpleasant experience.
- Make sure to avoid slippery pants as well. This may make it hard for you to stay on the horse.
- You also want to avoid jeans with embellishments on the butt pockets since they might hurt while you're riding.^{[3]
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  Expert Source
  
  Alana Silverman
  Certified Equine Specialist
  Expert Interview. 17 March 2020.}
Tip: Unless you plan to ride often, don't worry about buying expensive riding pants or other special attire. Just use comfortable items from your closet.
2
Go with a t-shirt or long sleeved-shirt depending on the weather. You can go with a tank top or short-sleeved shirt in warm weather, or opt for a long-sleeved shirt or sweatshirt in cooler weather. If you will be riding on a trail, then you might want to choose a brightly-colored shirt or sweatshirt to improve your visibility.^{[4]
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- Avoid choosing a shirt that is too loose or baggy on you. This will put you at risk of getting caught on something while you ride, which could lead to a fall.
- Steer clear of shirts that are too tight as this may make you uncomfortable while you are riding the horse.
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3
Select a pair of riding boots with a 1 to 1.5 in (2.5 to 3.8 cm) heel.^{[5]
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Research source} Boots are the best option for horse riding since they cover your toes and offer support for your ankles. Choosing a boot with a small heel if you can.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Alana Silverman
Certified Equine Specialist
Expert Interview. 17 March 2020.} This will ensure that you have some traction when you put your feet in the stirrups, which will make it easier to stay in the saddle.^{[7]
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- Opt for a pair of compact boots to ensure that they will fit into the stirrups easily. Avoid bulky or clunky boots which may be too big to fit in your stirrups.^{[8]
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- Avoid wearing sneakers, flip flops, high heels, or slip-on mules. These are not safe footwear choices for riding a horse.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Staying Safe

1
Choose a helmet that fits you well. Your helmet is the most important part of your riding attire. It can protect you from serious injury if you fall off of your horse.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Alana Silverman
Certified Equine Specialist
Expert Interview. 17 March 2020.} Wrap a soft tape measure around the part of your head that is about 0.5 in (1.3 cm) above your eyebrows. Use this measurement to help you find your helmet size. Other features to look for in a helmet include:^{[10]
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- The helmet fits you snugly, but not so tight it pinches you.
- It sits 0.75 to 1 in (1.9 to 2.5 cm) above your eyebrows.
- The chinstrap fits snugly under your chin.
- The helmet stays on your head when you bend over.
- The back strap is snug and prevents the helmet from slipping forward.
- The side straps meet just below and in front of your earlobes.
- It has ventilation openings throughout to prevent overheating.
Tip: Visit an equestrian clothing supply store for a helmet fitting. This will help to ensure that you get the right size helmet.
2
Wear a safety vest for cross-country jumping or trail riding. It is important for you to be visible for certain types of horse riding. You can get a brightly-colored vest to wear over your shirt, which will make it easier for other riders to see you.^{[11]
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- Check an equestrian attire store or website to find a vest in your size. Make sure to get one that fits you well and is not baggy.
3
Get a pair of leather gloves for a better grip on the reins. It can be difficult to keep a good grip on the reins if the horse struggles or if the reins become damp. Wearing a pair of leather riding gloves will help to ensure that you can keep a good grip on the reins during your ride. Gloves will also help to protect your hands from blisters.
- You can also purchase a pair of gloves meant especially for riding.
4
Tie your hair back if it is long. Long, flowing hair may blow into your eyes and obstruct your vision during a horse ride. Prevent this by tying it back in a ponytail, bun, or braid. If you have long bangs, make sure to tuck them back into your helmet before the ride.^{[12]
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- You can also keep your hair out of the way with a hairnet. This is a good option if you have styled your hair and don't want to put it up in a ponytail or bun.
5
Put on sunscreen to protect your skin during the day. Riding outdoors in the daytime exposes your skin to harmful UV rays, so apply a layer of sunscreen to your face, neck, arms, shoulders, and any other areas of your body that will not be covered by clothing.
- Make sure to bring some sunscreen with you to reapply it as needed during your ride.
- You should wear sunscreen whether it is hot or cold out. You can get sunburnt in any season if the sun is shining.
Tip: Check with the horse stable for recommendations about any other items you may want to bring along. Depending on the length of the ride and weather, they may recommend bringing your own water or snacks.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Dressing for Hot or Cold Weather

1
Opt for layers so you can adjust if you are too warm or cold. Whether you are going out on a winter ride or a summer ride, layers are your best bet to stay comfortable. In winter, start with a turtleneck as your first layer, then cover that with a t-shirt, then put on a waterproof jacket over the shirt. In summer, start with a tank top, then cover that with a t-shirt.
- If it is very cold, then you can also wear a vest.
- Even in the summer time, you may want to bring along a lightweight jacket just in case the temperature drops during your ride.
2
Select clothing that wicks moisture away from your skin. Certain materials will become wet if you wear them and then sweat onto them, while other types of clothing wick moisture away from your body to keep you dry and cool. Look for synthetic materials that feature moisture-wicking technology.
- Check the labels on clothing to see if they are moisture-wicking.
- In general, natural materials will hold onto moisture, so avoid things like cotton and wool if you expect to sweat a lot.
- Moisture-wicking socks are especially important to prevent your feet from getting sweaty in your boots.
3
Wear a waterproof jacket that is compatible with sitting on a horse. If you are going to be going on an evening ride or if the weather is on the cool side, then wear or bring a jacket along just in case. Make sure to choose a jacket that fits you well and that is not baggy or loose since this is a safety hazard.
- You can find jackets meant specifically for horse riding, such as by checking an equestrian attire store or website.
Tip: Depending on how cold it is, you might also want to wear some earmuffs or a hat over your helmet. Look for earmuffs and hats that are compatible with your helmet to ensure that you will be able to use them if needed.
4
Select light colors to reflect light away from your body in hot weather. Pastels, whites, and other light colors are your best bet for staying cool when the sun is shining and the weather is hot. Steer clear of black and other dark colors since these will attract heat and make you feel even warmer.
- For example, instead of choosing a black t-shirt, opt for a white t-shirt.
- In place of black riding pants, go with a lightweight pair of white or pastel pink jeans.

Expert Q&A
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Question

Can I wear shorts?

Alana Silverman
Certified EAGALA Equine Specialist
Alana Silverman is a Certified EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) Equine Specialist and the Assistant Manager of Paddock Riding Club, a 200-horse premier equestrian facility based in Los Angeles, California. Alana has over 25 years of experience caring for and riding horses and specializes in English riding and riding instruction. She has a BA in Psychology from the University of Arizona.

Alana Silverman

Certified EAGALA Equine Specialist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Definitely wear pants. If you wear shorts, your legs will rub and be chafed for days. It hurts and isn't worth it. Wear pants—jeans are okay.
Question

Where do I get horse gear?

Community Answer

Go to a local tack shop or even a Tractor Supply or Rural King. You can find some stuff on Rods and Stateline Tack. All of these stores sell helmets, horse brushes, clothing, horse blankets and sheets, and all horse-related needs.
Question

Does plaid look good for riding?

Community Answer

Sure; wear whatever you'd like.

Warnings

Always wear a helmet when you ride a horse! You can be seriously injured if you fall off a horse and hit your head.

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