How to Dress for Horseback Riding

To be appropriately attired in the saddle, check out the following suggestions - and ride into the sunset in style.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Jeans
• Jodphurs
• Sports Bras
• Riding Boots
• Riding Breaches
• Riding Helmets

1. Put on riding breeches, jodhpurs, or straight jeans that are not too tight or too baggy.

2. If the temperature is warm, wear a shirt in a light, breathable fabric such as cotton. If it's cold, layer long-sleeved shirts with a jacket or sweatshirt.

3. After putting on socks, pull on long riding boots or short lace-up jodhpur boots. If you wear cowboy boots, don't tuck your jeans into them.

4. Fasten your riding helmet under your chin.

5. Pull on your riding gloves, if you wear them. They should have a leather palm to prevent slipping.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear clothes that are comfortable and well-fitting.
• Tie up long hair.
• Women should wear sports bras.
• Make sure your helmet fits correctly.
• Always ride with your coat or jacket fastened.
• Wear light or fluorescent clothing when riding on the roads.
• Hard-toed leather shoes with a one-inch heel are best for riding.
• Leave your jewelry at home when riding.
• Avoid sleeveless tops and noisy waterproof jackets.
• Never wear sneakers.
• Don't attempt to take off pieces of clothing while mounted.

Who Can Help:

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[activegirl1986]

on 11/26/2007 Even if you've got small breasts, you'll probably notice that they still move a lot when you're riding. This leads to saggy breasts which none of us want! Because of the nature of horse riding it is important for all women to wear a sports bra - if nothing else they are far more comfortable than wearing a normal bra, and there are even some nice looking ones around nowadays. Try www.moveactive.co.uk and look for the highest support ones.

[stayinthesaddle]

on 1/30/2007 Trust me - you can wear your cowboy boots on the outside. Just ask any "real" cowboy. :)

on 8/16/2006 When you're buying a helmet, be sure that if it has a brim it is flexible, detachable or a very small one. This is because if you fall off and do a face plant, the brim will break off or bend for your protection. Believe me, I know. I broke my nose when I was 14 because I was wearing a stiff brim, and my neck was jarred and strained because of the pressure and awkward angle of the fall.

on 8/8/2006 1. A halter top - you will get all scratched up if you fall.
2. Jackets with attached mittens - when you don't have the mittens on, the bounce around on your horse's withers. I've known quite a few horses that spook at that, thinking it is a crop on the shoulder.
3. Boots with long laces - the end of your bootlaces could get caught in the stirrup if you fell off, and you'd be dragged.
4. Short socks - they are likely to get rubbed down while you are riding, which makes your ankles get chaffed.

on 7/2/2006 If you carry a cell phone with you on rides, please, leave it off! Always dismount before using your phone. It must be left off however, because if it starts ringing, it could spook your horse and cause a nasty accident.