Beginners Equestrian Clothing
As with other types of sport, equestrianism is associated with certain items of clothing that only make sense in the equestrian world. Horse riding and other horseback pursuits are perhaps the best example of sports that include a lot of specific kit that can be confusing for beginners to get their heads around. The terminology often doesn’t help as unfamiliar words are used to describe niche versions of everyday things which just adds to the confusion.
It can be easy for beginners to feel lost following their introduction to equestrianism and all the equipment and clothing they need, and for those who are yet to give it a try this can be even more daunting. If you are interested in learning a horseback riding discipline but want to pick up some information on the basic clothing worn by equestrians then read on.
Horse riding clothing
Riding a horse can be dangerous. Not only is there the risk you may fall from the animal, it is also possible to encounter incidents such as a horse stepping on your foot while you’re dismounted or that the horse may kick out. It is important to keep your most vulnerable areas properly protected while engaging with the animal and the piece of equipment you should take your time to choose and invest in is the helmet.
If you plan on joining a class or working one on one with a trainer they will more than likely require you to wear a helmet. Your helmet is your best defence against injury as bumps to the head are relatively common in this pursuit. It is possible to become seriously hurt or even killed, with head injuries being one of the most common causes of death in regards to incidents involving horses.
Your helmet needs to be properly fitted and needs to offer the right level of protection in order for you to benefit from it. They can be expensive, but if there’s one thing you need to rely on in terms of safety gear, it’s your helmet. Buy the best one that you can afford and remember that children will need a new helmet more often than an adult who has finished growing.
You can wear pretty much anything on your legs when riding a horse, though certain kinds of clothing such as jeans can cause chafing due to the placement of seams, and some materials are too delicate or not soft enough to be suitable. Opt for something classic like womens jodhpurs which are designed to be comfortable, durable, and practical as well as giving you a classic equestrian look. Mens and childrens jodhpurs are also available so you will be able to find exactly what you need.
Riding jackets always look effortlessly cool and chic on men and women. They are a little formal for everyday wear and most people will prefer to use something like a down jacket or light outdoors coat regularly, but they are a must for formal events and certain riding disciplines. A nicely tailored riding jacket can also be worn for a rustic look on a weekend walk with the dogs.
Something you won’t want to miss out on is a good pair of riding boots. These are designed to provide optimum comfort for the rider and the horse because they offer ankle support for the rider and will not irritate the horse. They are not strictly necessary, but they do provide better grip in the stirrups, and therefore a more comfortable and well balanced ride. They should be waterproof, often leather, and you can choose insulated ones for winter or lighter versions for summer.
In a similar vein, stable boots are another piece of kit you might like to invest in. Unlike riding boots, stable boots are worn when you’re not riding but are otherwise engaging with your animal. They offer toe protection to fend off any misplaced hoofs, are waterproof and comfortable, and are designed to be easy to pull on and off.
You can buy special stable boots, but something like a sturdy, waterproof chelsea boot with toe protection would also work. It is a good idea to choose something that you can easily hose off because your stable boots are likely to get mucky.
Resources: