What to wear horse riding: a practical guide
What you wear on a horse is mostly about safety and partly about comfort. You do not need expensive kit to start, but a few items matter a lot, and a few common choices cause real problems. Here is a practical rundown, written with Irish weather in mind.
The non-negotiable: a riding hat
Every rider, at every level, should wear a riding hat that meets a current safety standard and fits properly. A cycling helmet or ski helmet is not designed for the kind of falls that happen around horses and is not a substitute.
For a first lesson, most riding schools lend hats. If you ride regularly, buy your own and have it fitted in a shop by a trained fitter. A good fit sits level, just above the eyebrows, feels snug all round without pressure points and does not rock when you move your head. The harness should be fastened every time you are on the horse.
Hats have a limited life and must be replaced after a significant impact, even if they look undamaged. Our riding hat standards guide explains the labels you will see, such as PAS 015, VG1 and ASTM F1163.
Footwear
Boots matter almost as much as the hat. The key features are:
- A small, defined heel that stops the foot sliding through the stirrup iron.
- A smooth sole, not a chunky hiking tread that can wedge in the stirrup.
- Ankle support and protection in case a horse stands on your foot.
Jodhpur boots (short, ankle-height boots) are the usual choice for lessons, often worn with half chaps that protect the lower leg. Long riding boots are common for competition. For a very first lesson, sturdy flat boots with a heel will do.
Avoid trainers, wellies with heavy tread, sandals and fashion boots with high or narrow heels.
Legs: jodhpurs, breeches or riding tights
Riding trousers are designed without thick inside seams, which is what rubs on the inside of the knee. Your options:
- Jodhpurs, full-length and worn with jodhpur boots, traditional for children and lessons.
- Breeches, finishing at mid-calf and worn with long boots.
- Riding tights or leggings, comfortable, stretchy and increasingly popular for everyday riding.
For a first lesson, ordinary leggings or close-fitting stretchy trousers are fine. Jeans are best avoided: the inside seam and stiff denim are uncomfortable after twenty minutes in the saddle.
Upper body and layers
Ireland's weather can change several times in one lesson, so layers are the sensible approach:
- A close-fitting base layer or t-shirt.
- A fleece or soft-shell that does not flap.
- A waterproof riding jacket for outdoor work. Riding jackets often have a split at the back so they sit properly over the saddle.
Avoid baggy clothing, long scarves and anything with cords or toggles that could catch on tack. Hoodies are popular but the hood can interfere with the hat and harness, so tuck it away or skip it.
High-visibility clothing is strongly recommended for riding on roads or lanes, for horse and rider. The Road Safety Authority's advice for horse riders is worth reading before hacking out on public roads.
Gloves
Riding gloves improve grip on wet reins and prevent blisters. They also keep hands warm through an Irish winter, and cold hands make for stiff, clumsy contact with the horse's mouth. Choose gloves designed for riding, with reinforcement between the fingers where the reins run.
Body protectors
A body protector is a padded vest that reduces the severity of some injuries from falls or kicks. It is required for cross-country jumping in many competitions and is often recommended for jumping lessons, hacking and young riders. Read our body protector guide for the BETA levels.
What to leave at home
- Jewellery, especially rings, hoop earrings and necklaces.
- Loose scarves and dangling accessories.
- Chewing gum, which is a choking risk in a fall.
- Phones in back pockets. If you must carry one, a zipped chest or arm pocket is safer.
Long hair should be tied back low or in a net so the hat fits properly.
Kit for children
Children grow fast, so it is tempting to buy secondhand. Clothing and boots secondhand are fine. Hats are different: you cannot know whether a used hat has been dropped or involved in a fall, so buy new and have it fitted. If your child is going to a holiday camp, our pony camp guide has a packing list.
Building a kit on a budget
You do not need to buy everything at once. A sensible order for a new rider is: boots with a heel first, then a correctly fitted hat once you know you will keep riding, then gloves and riding tights or jodhpurs, and a body protector when you start jumping or riding out. Clothing can be bought secondhand; hats cannot.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear jeans for my first riding lesson?
You can, but they are uncomfortable because of the inside seam and stiff fabric. Leggings or stretchy trousers are a better choice for a first lesson.
Can I wear wellies horse riding?
Ordinary wellies are not ideal. Most have a heavy tread and no defined heel, and they can slip through or jam in the stirrup. Some riding-specific wellington boots are designed with a suitable heel and sole.
Do I need special gloves?
They are not essential for a first lesson, but riding gloves improve grip, especially in rain, and are worth buying if you ride regularly.
When do I need a body protector?
They are commonly required for cross-country jumping and recommended for jumping, hacking and younger riders. Check the rules of your riding school or competition.
