What to Look for in High-Quality Riding Clothes

Whether you’re just starting out with horseback riding or have a few years of experience, there’s a lot to be excited about – like shopping for your perfect riding wardrobe!

However, before you start thinking about equestrian fashion, you need to start with the basics and understand the practical side of horse riding clothes.

When looking for riding clothes, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Blisters are common with riding, especially on the hands and feet. The right riding clothes can help prevent blisters from forming.
• Chafing is another common problem, leading to rashes and discomfort.
• Poor-quality or ill-fitting riding clothing can mean the skin can’t breathe properly, and this can cause allergy flare-ups and other issues that make riding less enjoyable.
• Riding clothes should allow for free movement and not be restrictive. This means they need to fit snugly but not be so tight that they hinder mobility.
• Properly tailored clothing is always the best bet, especially if you’re frequently riding, as it ensures maximum comfort and means you can enjoy riding without any worries.
• You should avoid loose clothes and jewelry when horseback riding because it can get caught in your tack or create an unsafe situation by distracting the horse.

With this in mind, here are some of the most important items of clothing for riding, and what to look for when you’re shopping for them:

1. Riding pants

Firstly, pants that are designed for horse riding are a must-have item. They go by different names, like jodhpurs,breeches, riding tights and leggings, but they’re all suitable for riders.

Riding pants have patches of grippy material on them that stop you from sliding around when riding. They also typically have no seams along the inside of the leg, although this varies by brand, and are made of super-stretchy material that prevents chafing and blisters, helping to keep you safe and comfortable at all times.

2. Horse riding shirt

Next, like with pants, horse riding shirts offer more flexibility than regular, every day shirts because mobility is extremely important.

Horse riding shirts are made of a breathable fabric and often have UV protection built in to protect your skin against the sun, as you’ll probably be spending a lot of time outdoors when riding. Built in UV Protection is a great feature but is not standard in all riding shirts, so be sure to pay attention to labeling.

3. Riding boots

A high-quality pair of riding boots is an essential purchase – not just for comfort, but also for safety. Wearing regular boots or shoes isn’t a good idea as they don’t have the extra features needed to make sure you’re secure when riding a horse.

Riding boots have a heel of at least 1 inch to stop your foot from sliding through the stirrup. They’re soles are also lightly textured for extra grip and have a firm toe box to protect your toes from getting banged up or stepped on by a horse.

4. Helmet

Another crucial item for horseback riding is a helmet. This is essential for all equestrians, from beginners to professionals. It’s important to remember that horses are flight animals and that falling comes with riding. A well-fitting helmet will protect your head and can even save your life.

Equestrian sports can be dangerous at times, Investing in a helmet that is tested and approved specifically for riding is a must.

5. Riding gloves

Lastly, your search for horse riding clothes should include a pair of riding gloves. Holding rubber or leather reins for long periods of time can be uncomfortable, especially if you’re not used to it or you’re riding a horse that likes pulling them out of your hands.

Not wearing gloves can also become a safety issue as sweaty hands can impact your grip. Riding gloves should fit property and be made of grippy material such as leather or synthetic to keep your hands in place and free of blisters, making sure you feel confident whenever you ride your horse.