The Right Attire For Riding A Horse

It is well known that caring for a horse is not straightforward and it can be a highly expensive task. Huge responsibility is involved and it is essential anyone caring for a horse should be aware of this at the outset. Usually a horse will be in stables on a farm or in a livery yard where all facilities should be on hand for proper upkeep. There should be someone available whose job it is to take care of the equestrian supplies in a reliable manner.

However, when riding a horse, it is not simply a matter of hopping onto a horse's back wearing your jeans and favourite top. The correct equestrian clothing is essential. Most experienced riders will tell you this and advise accordingly. If in doubt ask at a professional school of riding and if you choose the correct supplier they will tell you all you need to know about clothing for riding a horse. Usually if you go horse riding regularly as a leisure pursuit, even if you do not own a horse yourself, you will most often be involved at the stable or livery yard. Many see this as part of the enjoyment of riding and will dress for a day out at the yard. The most usual form of equestrian clothing for the lower body that you will see almost everyone wearing whether male or female is jodphurs. These are so standard that all suppliers of equestrian clothing will stock them and in a variety of sizes, styles and colours. They have been designed to be extremely hard wearing particularly with friction against the horse's flank, whilst allowing plenty of movement and they are not made of a heavy or cumbersome fabric. The material allows for breathing and is durable enough to withstand frequent washing.

It is imperative that anyone riding a horse wears a hard hat, specifically designed for safety. If wearing gloves, they must be equestrian gloves because it is important your hands do not slip on the reins, whilst allowing flexion of fingers and wrists. Your feet need riding boots purchased from an equestrian clothing store, not from a high street fashion shop. In the same way proper shirts and jackets need to be worn for comfort and to avoid any items suddenly flapping up in a breeze and causing a horse to feel alarmed or distracted. Chaps, gaiters and body protectors are other options that a good retailer will stock.