| We'll all have seen movies with characters riding | | | | buttoned up and that you are able to move |
| on horseback, whether it's a western or a period | | | | freely so you are able to keep control. It's |
| drama it seems that riding a horse is often the | | | | advised to refrain from short sleeved shirts or |
| most dramatic method of transport. The trouble | | | | t-shirts as these don't provide protection to the |
| is that they can often present a false image of | | | | arms from objects or brush. |
| what clothing is best for horse riding and if | | | | Footwear and horse riding boots |
| emulated in real life can have bad consequences | | | | Footwear is important and careful consideration |
| from discomfort to serious injuries. | | | | needs to be taken with regards to the sole of the |
| Your riding style may dictate different fashions | | | | shoe or boot. Flat shoes are not advised as in the |
| but essentially the clothing you'll be wearing will be | | | | event of some sort of accident then your foot |
| similar. | | | | could slip through the stirrup and get your leg |
| Riding Jodhpurs, Breeches or Jeans | | | | caught. The solution is to go for a proper horse |
| Typically western style riding is associated with | | | | riding boot or cowboy boot with a defined heel of |
| wearing jeans, it's important not to wear loose | | | | around 1 inch; this would keep your feet in the |
| jeans as these can cause nasty chaffing. Western | | | | correct position preventing your foot becoming |
| riding is typically associated with chaps too, made | | | | caught. |
| of leather these do well to protect against the | | | | Headwear for protection and safety |
| elements but also any brush or branches you | | | | Typically western styles depicted in TV and film |
| may encounter. English riding is often associated | | | | show horse riders wearing cowboy hats and |
| with jodhpurs which are fitted trousers with a | | | | whilst this protects the rider's head and neck |
| cuff near the ankle. This allows the wearer to | | | | form the sun it becomes pretty ineffective in the |
| wear shorter boots as opposed to knee high | | | | event of an accident or a fall. New riders and |
| riding boots. | | | | experienced riders alike will normally wear a riding |
| Shirts, Jackets and coats | | | | helmet; make sure that they are fully certified to |
| For the upper body it's normal to wear a long | | | | current standards when buying. |
| sleeve shirt to protect the rider from the sun, | | | | There are many retailers who sell horse riding |
| especially in hotter climates. For cold weather | | | | supplies who will be able to inform you of the |
| conditions a jacket or coat may be more suitable | | | | correct gear to buy and what safety equipment |
| to wear over any usual garments. With coats and | | | | you should buy for the safety of you, the rider |
| jackets it's important to keep them closed | | | | and your horse. |