| Planning on going horse riding this weekend? You need | | | | with hard toes. Your foot wear needs a one-inch heel |
| to wear the right horse riding wear not just for | | | | or thereabouts so that your foot does not slip through |
| comfort but also for safety. We will tell you why you | | | | the stirrups. Wear pull-on boots or shoes without laces. |
| should never wear sneakers. | | | | Laces might get caught up in the stirrups or in the |
| LAYER UP | | | | saddle as you are mounting your horse. Don't wear |
| On a warm day, wear a shirt in a light fabric that | | | | sneakers for horse riding as they do not have the heel |
| breathes. Cotton works well. When it's colder, it is | | | | for grip, they are too soft and do not offer any |
| better to wear layers as you might feel warmer as | | | | protection and they have laces. |
| you ride. A long-sleeved cotton shirt with a jacket or | | | | HORSE RIDING HELMET |
| sweatshirt works well. Make sure you clothes are | | | | Always...ALWAYS wear a well fitted helmet and |
| loose enough so that you can move comfortably. | | | | ensure it has been properly fastened around your chin. |
| Double check to make sure there are not loose | | | | If you have long hair, tie it back so it will not get in your |
| fastenings, ties, ribbons, string hanging out which could | | | | eyes or caught up in anything. Don't just wear any |
| get caught up in the saddle. | | | | other helmet you might happen to own such as a |
| RIDING BREECHES | | | | motorcycle, baseball, bicycle or hockey helmet. Riding |
| Try to wear proper riding breeches or jodhpurs. These | | | | helmets are specifically designed to protect you from |
| fit well, being neither too tight and nor too baggy. | | | | a fall at a height or a hoof kick to the head. Other |
| Jodhpurs remain tight from the knees to ankles so you | | | | helmets do not have these factors in mind. And do not |
| can easily put on your boots, but sit loose above | | | | take your helmet off because you are finding it hot |
| knees so you can move around comfortably. If you do | | | | and uncomfortable, or because you think your horse is |
| not have proper jodhpurs or breeches, then pick | | | | docile and nothing could possibly go wrong. |
| straight pants that are not too tight. Avoid shorts if you | | | | PROTECT YOUR HANDS |
| want to avoid chafing. Jeans tend to get all stiff and | | | | Wear leather-palmed gloves to ensure a good grip |
| inflexible when they are wet. | | | | and also to prevent potential chaffing from the reins. |
| RIDING BOOTS | | | | The right horse riding wear will make your riding |
| Wear riding boots if possible. If not, pick leather shoes | | | | experience a safer and more comfortable one. |