What to Wear Horseback Riding: English, Western and Your First Lesson

By Gayle Woods Editors Updated 5 min read

Riding clothes aren't about looking the part. Each piece does a job: keeping you safe in a fall, keeping your foot from sliding through the stirrup, stopping your legs from rubbing raw, and letting you move freely. Here's what to wear, from your first lesson to riding regularly in English or Western style.

The essentials for every rider

A certified riding helmet

A helmet certified to the equestrian standard, ASTM F1163 with an SEI sticker in the US, is the single most important piece of gear. Bike or ski helmets aren't a substitute. Most lesson barns lend helmets to beginners. See the riding helmet guide.

Boots with a heel

Riding footwear needs:

  • A small, defined heel, about an inch or a little more, which stops your foot from sliding through the stirrup. If a foot slides through and you fall, you can be dragged.
  • A fairly smooth sole, so your foot can slip out of the stirrup if you need it to. Deep hiking treads can catch.
  • Solid uppers that protect your feet when a horse steps on them, which will happen.

Sneakers, running shoes, sandals, rain boots without a heel and hiking boots with chunky lugs are poor choices.

Long pants that don't rub

Shorts let stirrup leathers and the saddle pinch and rub the inside of your legs. Long pants with no thick seam on the inside of the leg are most comfortable.

Your first lesson

You don't need to buy special gear for your first few lessons:

  • Helmet: borrow one from the barn, and make sure it fits snugly.
  • Pants: stretchy jeans, leggings or riding tights.
  • Boots: ankle boots with a small heel and a smooth sole. Work boots or paddock boots work well.
  • Top: a fitted shirt or layers. Avoid baggy hoodies that can catch on the saddle.
  • Hair: long hair tied back low, so the helmet fits.

Once you've decided to keep riding, a helmet that fits you and a pair of riding boots are the first things to buy.

English riding

Everyday riding and lessons

  • Breeches or riding tights: fitted pants with no inner leg seam. Many have knee patches or a full seat in grippy material to help you stay in the saddle. See our picks for breeches and riding tights.
  • Paddock boots: ankle-height riding boots, often worn with half chaps, leather or synthetic gaiters that cover the lower leg, give grip and protect the calf from the stirrup leathers. Compare paddock boots and half chaps.
  • Tall boots: knee-high riding boots, used for schooling and required for many shows. Field boots lace at the ankle; dress boots don't. See our tall boot picks.
  • Gloves: thin riding gloves protect your hands and help you grip the reins, especially in rain or with sweaty horses. See riding gloves.
  • A belt, often required in shows and handy for keeping a shirt tucked in.

Show attire

English show dress codes vary by discipline, but a typical hunter or jumper outfit includes:

  • A show coat in a conservative color
  • A show shirt with a stock tie or choker collar
  • Tan, beige or white breeches
  • Black or dark brown tall boots
  • Gloves, belt, and a hair net for long hair under the helmet
  • A certified helmet in a show finish

Dressage at upper levels traditionally uses a dark coat, white breeches and a stock tie. Check your organization's rules before you show.

Western riding

  • Jeans: bootcut jeans fit over boots and keep the hem from riding up. Look for jeans with a flat inner seam to avoid rubbing. See our riding jean picks.
  • Cowboy boots made for riding: a riding cowboy boot has a taller, angled heel and a smooth leather sole that slides easily out of the stirrup. Many work-style cowboy boots have rubber soles and short heels for walking. See our picks for cowboy boots for riding.
  • Shirt: a fitted button-down or pearl snap shirt. Long sleeves protect from sun and brush.
  • Hat or helmet: a cowboy hat is traditional and great for sun, but it doesn't protect your head. Western-style helmets offer protection in a less conspicuous look.
  • Chaps or chinks: leather leggings that protect legs from brush and add grip, common in ranch work.
  • Belt and, often, a belt buckle.

Layers, weather and comfort

Cold weather

  • Thermal or fleece-lined breeches or tights. See winter riding breeches.
  • Insulated riding boots, with room for warm socks.
  • A short, fitted jacket or vest that doesn't hang over the saddle.
  • Winter riding gloves that still let you feel the reins.
  • A helmet liner or headband under your helmet, never a hat that changes its fit.

Hot weather

  • A light, long-sleeved sun shirt that wicks sweat. Many riders find long sleeves cooler than short in direct sun.
  • Breathable, light-colored breeches or tights.
  • A well-ventilated helmet.
  • See riding in hot weather.

Underneath

Riding involves a lot of bouncing and friction, and the right underwear helps. A supportive sports bra and seamless underwear prevent rubbing. See sports bras for riding and underwear for riding.

What not to wear

  • Sneakers, sandals or any shoe without a heel
  • Loose scarves, long necklaces or hoop earrings, which can catch on tack or branches
  • Very baggy clothing that can snag on the saddle or flap and startle a horse
  • Shorts
  • Headphones, which block out sounds that warn you of trouble
  • Rings that can catch on reins or get crushed if a hand is stepped on or pinched

Extra safety gear

  • A body protector or air vest for jumping, cross-country, young horses, or if you're returning after an injury. See safety vests and air vests.
  • Safety stirrups with breakaway sides or a wide cage reduce the risk of a foot getting stuck.
  • Bright colors or hi-vis when riding on roads or in hunting season. See riding on public roads.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions