1. Go Along for the Ride
Horseback riding is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, interact with animals and other horse fans, and is a great form of exercise. When deciding how to dress for the ride consider whether you will ride in an arena, on a trail, or on the road; the style of riding, for example English or Western; and the length of time you intend to spend in the saddle. Above all, choose clothing and accessories that will keep you safe during while you are around the horses.
2. Stay Ahead of the Game
The most important piece of riding apparel is your helmet. A cowboy hat or a cap with a picture of your favorite equestrian sport on it may look really cool, but neither can protect your head in a fall. Your helmet should fit comfortably on your head and stay securely in place. Choose one with a chin strap, otherwise if you fall from the horse, the helmet will fly off your head. Wear a helmet with vents to keep you cool and with pads inside where it rests against your forehead. You will ride comfortably for hours.
3. Footwear for Safety and Style
Wear boots when riding and working around horses. Boots protect your feet from getting stepped, and support your ankles while you ride. Boot heels keep your foot from sliding forward through the stirrup where it could get caught. Both western cowboy boots and knee-high English riding boots work well. Ankle-high boots called paddock boots are popular among both English and Western riders. English riders wear paddock boots with leg coverings called chaps or half-chaps. In English riding the boots or chaps protect your leg from getting pinched by the stirrup leathers.
4. Options from Breeches to Blue Jeans
Wear either jeans or riding breeches. One of the advantages of riding breeches is that they do not have seams down the inside of your legs. Seams pressed between you and the saddle can chafe your skin, especially if you are sitting in an English saddle. Breeches are necessary with English riding boots, because the breeches fit down inside the boot. This allows you to put the boot leather against the horse's side to hold on better. However, Western riding jeans and cowboy boots also work quite well. Avoid loose-fitting trousers, like sweatpants or bell-bottom jeans.
5. Top it Off
Tee-shirts, sweat-shirts and flannel shirts all work well, as do fleece jackets and down vests. In cool weather, dress in layers so that as you warm up you can shed some clothes. Safety vests are also available. These densely-padded vests protect your ribs and back in case of falls. Riders who are jumping or galloping over variable terrain often wear them. If you are riding on the road, wear a reflective vest so that you are highly visible.
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