Horse Riding Tips - What to Wear For Horse Riding

Planning on going horse riding this weekend? You need to wear the right horse riding wear not just for comfort but also for safety. We will tell you why you should never wear sneakers.

LAYER UP

On a warm day, wear a shirt in a light fabric that breathes. Cotton works well. When it's colder, it is better to wear layers as you might feel warmer as you ride. A long-sleeved cotton shirt with a jacket or sweatshirt works well. Make sure you clothes are loose enough so that you can move comfortably. Double check to make sure there are not loose fastenings, ties, ribbons, string hanging out which could get caught up in the saddle.

RIDING BREECHES

Try to wear proper riding breeches or jodhpurs. These fit well, being neither too tight and nor too baggy. Jodhpurs remain tight from the knees to ankles so you can easily put on your boots, but sit loose above knees so you can move around comfortably. If you do not have proper jodhpurs or breeches, then pick straight pants that are not too tight. Avoid shorts if you want to avoid chafing. Jeans tend to get all stiff and inflexible when they are wet.

RIDING BOOTS

Wear riding boots if possible. If not, pick leather shoes with hard toes. Your foot wear needs a one-inch heel or thereabouts so that your foot does not slip through the stirrups. Wear pull-on boots or shoes without laces. Laces might get caught up in the stirrups or in the saddle as you are mounting your horse. Don't wear sneakers for horse riding as they do not have the heel for grip, they are too soft and do not offer any protection and they have laces.

HORSE RIDING HELMET

Always...ALWAYS wear a well fitted helmet and ensure it has been properly fastened around your chin. If you have long hair, tie it back so it will not get in your eyes or caught up in anything. Don't just wear any other helmet you might happen to own such as a motorcycle, baseball, bicycle or hockey helmet. Riding helmets are specifically designed to protect you from a fall at a height or a hoof kick to the head. Other helmets do not have these factors in mind. And do not take your helmet off because you are finding it hot and uncomfortable, or because you think your horse is docile and nothing could possibly go wrong.

PROTECT YOUR HANDS

Wear leather-palmed gloves to ensure a good grip and also to prevent potential chaffing from the reins.

The right horse riding wear will make your riding experience a safer and more comfortable one.

Gemma Swansburg is a writer/researcher and animal lover. Read her latest article, a series of Luminess Tan reviews about the at-home self tanning system featured in Allure Magazine. For BEST PRICES, special offers and great before/after images for the Luminess airbrush system and other airbrush make up equipment, visit her site at airbrushmakeupfoundation.com