Choosing the Correct Horse Riding & Equestrian Wear

Riding hats and helmets come in different designs andriding boots cover the rider’s calf finishing just
the design is often chosen dependant on the discipline.below the riders knee. Comfort is vital as a lot of
More often than not the design of the hat that riderscontrol when riding your horse will come from your
choose will be down to personal preference, comfortlegs and feet.
and fit. It is important that the hat you choose is newRiding jackets come in all shape and size and for
and conforms to current safety standards BSEN1384,many different purposes. Many riders will have a
EN1384 or PAS015.number of different jackets, for cold wet conditions, for
The correct leg wear can contribute to an enjoyablewarmer breezier weathers and for showing or
ride. Wearing uncomfortable leg wear that pinches orcompeting. Any jacket the rider wears should be
allows the riders leg to move too much can hinder thecomfortable, suitable, leave the rider with plenty of
rider when performing aids and affect their safetymovement through their arms and across their
when on the horse. While riding skills are not going toshoulders and should not flap or have parts that could
be improved with the use of suitable clothing, improperget caught making them unsafe in any way.
clothing can hinder the progression of the rider.Chaps are a widespread piece of horse riding wear
Jodhpurs and breeches are fitted to the leg, havethat many riders choose to use. They are brilliant as
durable seat and knee patches with many giving extrathey fit over yard boots or Jodhpur boots and on top
security in these places too. They are stretchy and theof jodhpurs giving the rider the additional grip and
material used keeps the rider from overheating.comfort that Long boots would provide but whilst
Typically the quality, fit and additional features aregiving them the peace of mind that they are not
improved as the price increases.damaging or ruining their more expensive Long boots.
Riding boots are important for more than one reason.They come in two forms, full length which fit hip to
The sole and heal of the boot will be made withankle and half chaps which fit the lower half of the
safety in mind. It should be made of a hard wearingrider’s leg. They can be worn on the yard for
material with a fine grip tread and heel to prevent theadditional warmth and available in a variety of
foot from slipping right through the stirrup. Boots can bematerials. Gaiters are closer fitting chaps and are
ankle height, these are called Jodhpur boots and longcommonly made from leather.