When it comes to dressing for your horse-riding activities there are lots of things to consider. What are you going to ride? Depending on your goal and your skill level, you might want to focus on certain types of attire. And what you wear will also depend on the weather and the type of trail you’re riding on — muddy trails require different footwear, for example, than a groomed trail that might be icy in winter.There are so many different types of riding attire that it can become overwhelming. And while it might be tempting to try to cram everything you want to wear into one outfit, it might not be a good idea. When you’re putting on clothing for horseback riding, make sure it’s something that will keep you safe and comfortable without being restrictive. You want to be able to move freely without having to worry about it chaffing or getting in the way. But there are lots of things to keep in mind when picking out your clothes. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the right riding attire.
What to wear on your bottom half
You’ll want to start with your bottom half. Depending on the type of riding you’re doing, you’ll want to wear something that protects you from chaffing and irritation.If you’re on a trail that’s muddy, you’ll want to wear clothing with a bit of grip.If you’re on a groomed trail, a pair of shorts is your best bet.If you’re doing cross-country, you can wear whatever you want as long as it’s kept clean and dry. You’ll also want to keep your legs warm, especially if you’re riding in the winter.
Shoes and boots
When it comes to your feet, you’ll want to make sure they’re in good condition. If you’re using them for horseback riding, they should be the same as if you were going out for a hike.You’ll want to make sure they have good grip to keep you stable and confident on the horse. If you’re worried about slipping on the trail, you can even add a layer of grip to your shoes.You’ll also want to make sure your shoes or boots have enough support. If they’re getting worn out, you might want to get a new pair.
Jumpers and jackets
If you’re going on a trail ride and you’re not planning to stay long, you might want to skip the jacket.But if you’re going to be out there for a longer period of time, it’s important to have a jacket that will keep you warm.When it comes to jackets, look for something that has pockets. You can put your phone and wallet in them if you’re worried about losing them in the mud.If you want to make sure your jacket fits right, you can measure yourself and use that as a guide.
Dressing for rain
Whether or not you get caught in the rain while riding, it’s important to have the right attire. If you’re out in the rain, you’ll want to make sure you have a waterproof layer on top of your top layer.If you’re in a wet climate, it’s also important to make sure your bottom layer isn’t too thick. You’ll want to make sure it’s not too heavy or thick. If it is, you’ll get too warm too fast, and you might not be able to regulate your body temperature.If you’re out in the rain, you’ll also want to make sure to cover your legs to prevent them from getting too wet.
Dressing for muddy conditions
If you’re going on a muddy trail ride, you’ll want to make sure you have protection from the mud.If you don’t have a mud-proof layer on, you’ll get all those nasty bacteria and germs from the mud on your clothes.If you’re in muddy conditions and you’re wearing a pair of shorts or a skirt, you might want to put a mud-resistant layer on the parts of your clothes that are going to get dirty.You’ll also want to make sure you have a pair of waterproof gloves.
Dressing for icy conditions
If you’re riding in winter and you’re going to be riding on an icy trail, you’ll want to make sure you have protection from the cold.If you don’t have a waterproof layer on, you’ll get extremely cold and may even get frostbite.If you’re wearing a short-sleeved shirt or a vest, you can put a waterproof layer on top of it.If you have a long-sleeved shirt, try to put a waterproof layer under the sleeves.
Bottom line
The best way to know what to wear for horseback riding is to know your body. You want to make sure it’s covered and not too constricting. For that reason, you might want to stay away from spandex and tight clothing.Depending on the type of ride you’re doing, you might want to choose a certain type of shoe or a certain type of jacket. You want to make sure you’re covered and can move freely.