Riding Clothes for Beginners: Safety & Comfort Tips
Starting horse riding is exciting, and wearing the right riding clothes matters for safety, comfort, and enjoyment. If you're a beginner unsure about investing, the main must-have is a properly fitting riding hat. This provides vital protection against head injuries from falls or accidental kicks. Other equestrian clothing can be substituted initially but will improve your experience as you continue.
Buying a Riding Hat
A riding hat offers a hard outer shell to shield your head from impacts, whether from falls or accidental horse kicks. It is designed to spread the force of a blow with padding inside for shock absorption. The flexible brim bends on impact, protecting your face. A hat also safeguards your head from bumps on hard surfaces when close to horses. Fit is key: it should fit snugly about 1-2 cm above your eyebrows and close to your ears, staying firmly in place when you gently move your head. The chin strap must be comfortable yet secure. Quality helmets start around £30 and are a vital investment in safety. Avoid second-hand riding hats unless you're certain they've never sustained damage, as this compromises protection.
Boots for Riding
Two main boot styles are common: long boots reaching the knee and shorter jodhpur boots covering the ankle. Beginners often prefer short boots for comfort and practicality. Riding boots protect your feet from being stepped on and usually have small heels to prevent slipping through stirrups. If you don’t want to invest immediately, temporary alternatives must follow safety rules: no buckles or hooks that could catch, a small heel between ½” to 1 ½”, soles with light grooves rather than deep treads, and lengths that are either just above the ankle or just below the knee. Jodhpur boots are versatile for both riding and ground work, with prices starting about £20. Spending more can get you better fit and comfort.
Riding Trousers
Riding trousers come as long jodhpurs or shorter breeches. They're made from stretchy materials for comfort with reinforced inner knees to protect against saddle stirrup leather nips and provide grip, often in leather or suede. Competition trousers are light colours like cream or white, but beginners benefit from darker colours to hide dirt. Initially, close-fitting jeans or strong fabric trousers may suffice but may cause discomfort and bruising. Loose trousers should be avoided as they can catch and cause loss of balance. Half chaps are a useful accessory that convert short boots to similar protection as long boots, offering leg protection and better grip with elastic and back zips.
Jackets, Coats and Tops
You don’t need specialised riding jackets for casual riding but should ensure any coat or top doesn’t drag or flap, as this can frighten the horse or get caught in the saddle. Short tops or those with flaps or double zips work well for this. Scarves should be snug to avoid loose ends. Serious riders often invest in winter waterproof riding macs with back vents and leg straps to keep warm and dry safely during outdoor riding.
Gloves
Gloves are optional for beginners but provide warmth in cold weather and prevent blisters or burns from reins. Leather gloves are traditional but can wear quickly. Riding gloves usually have reinforced palms and finger areas for durability and improved grip. Some experienced riders forgo gloves to better feel the horse’s mouth for subtle control, but this is personal preference.
Body Protectors
Body protectors can increase safety by cushioning falls but may restrict movement, leading to possible increased accident risk. Their use depends on your own comfort level and the policies of your riding centre.
Summary
For beginners, focus on securing a quality riding hat and comfortable boots with small heels. Opt for stretchy, form-fitting trousers and tops that don’t obstruct movement or spook your horse. As skills develop, specialised jackets, gloves, half chaps, and body protectors can enhance safety and comfort. Always prioritise properly fitting gear and consult your riding school for specific recommendations. Prepared with the right clothing, your riding experience will be safer and more enjoyable.
For safe horse riding, protection without compromising comfort is essential. With sensible choices, novice riders can confidently embark on their equestrian journey.
