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Did you know? English riders rarely wear cowboy boots.
TakeawaysEveryday jeans can be uncomfortable for the serious rider because the inseam can rub the wrong way.ATSM approved helmets are the only safe way to go.Some riders prefer crops to spurs because they are rarely accidentally used.So you've decided to take horseback riding lessons? Or you're visiting a dude ranch this summer? Great! Now all you need are the right clothes to wear. Fashion sense aside, clothes are extremely important when working with and around horses, both for safety and comfort reasons. Choosing the wrong wardrobe for horseback riding and horse care can leave you uncomfortable and in harm's way.
How you dress will largely depend on what kind of riding you intend to participate in, as well as the dress code required by the stable. Some farm owners are strict about how their riders dress, while others require only the minimum necessities.
WESTERN RIDERS
Boots: Shoes with a heel are required for riding so that your foot cannot slip through the stirrup and get caught. If you were to take a fall while riding, and not be able to slip your foot free, you could end up being dragged until the horse decides to stop. Western riders usually wear cowboy boots, which have no laces and are decorated in any number of ways. You can find appropriate cowboy boots at almost any shoe store, in all different kinds of leather.
Jeans: Regular, everyday jeans can be uncomfortable for the serious rider. The inseam will rub at your legs and the seat and legs must have enough give to mount and dismount safely. Many equine stores and catalogs offer jeans just for riding, such as StateLine Tack.
Chaps: There are two different kinds of chaps: full chaps and half chaps. They come in a variety of styles and colors; some have fringe on the outside, some are leather, and some are suede. They can be expensive, so make sure that they fit and that you won't grow out of them in a year or two.
Shirts: For casual riding, your shirt does not matter. You can wear a colorful western style blouse, or just a t-shirt. If your shirt is long, tuck it into your pants to avoid catching the tail on the back (cantle) of the saddle.
Hats: Most stables require that riders under the age of 18 wear helmets, but you can also wear a cowboy hat. For young show riders, they are making helmets that are covered by a cowboy hat, and look as though the helmet isn't there. Either way, you need to protect your skull, and I recommend helmets approved by the ATSM.
Spurs: For a slow-poke horse, spurs can be used at your discretion. Some horses don't take well to spurs, while others tolerate it. Western spurs are usually long with pointed ends that swivel as you squeeze your horse's sides, and have a leather strap that attaches to your boot.
ENGLISH RIDERS
Boots: English riders rarely wear cowboy boots. The most common type of boot is called a Roper, which is a lace-up shoe that comes only to the ankles. It is the most comfortable for regular wear and looks great with half-chaps. For showing, you might want to wear field boots, which are black and come all the way to the knees. You can find these in both leather and rubber.
Jodhpurs: Also called breeches, jodhpurs are skin-tight pants that come in a variety of colors. White jodhpurs are required for dressage, but other than that, feel free to pick and choose.Some come with "stirrups" that go around the bottoms of your feet to keep the breeches from riding up on your calf.
Chaps: Half chaps are most common for English riders, and only extend to the knee and zip up the inside. They can be worn with breeches, jeans, or even shorts if you are a daring rider in the hot summer months.
Shirts: Show riders must wear ratcatchers, or white blouses that button up the front. For lessons or casual riding, however, t-shirts are perfectly acceptable, and much more comfortable.
Helmets: English helmets are usually black velvet, and are used for both casual riding and the show arena. You can also get plastic helmets that have openings to vent air in the summer, and you can buy black covers to make them more visually appealing.
Spurs: The most common English spur is the Tom Thumb spur, which measures from ¼ inch to 1 inch in length, and is used as a secondary aid.
EXTRAS
Hunt Coats - these are long-sleeved coats used in English show arenas. They come in a variety of colors, and are usually waived if the show is during the summer.
Gloves - some riders prefer to wear gloves when they ride, both to increase their grip on the reins and to provide protection from the leather. They are also helpful in the winter, when exposed fingers get rather cold.
Medical Arm Bands - if you are riding on a trail or in a dangerous activity, you might want to purchase a medical armband. They are plastic sleeves attached to an elastic band, and you can write your name, your address, your emergency contact information, and allergies on the insert.
Crop - some riders prefer crops to spurs because they are rarely accidentally used. Inexperienced riders sometimes bang their heels against the horse's sides, which causes confusion for the animal. Crops - sometimes called bats - are available in numerous colors and lengths. Check with your instructor to inquire about its purchase. |
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