Riding Apparel

Find the right riding gear

Like most other athletes, equestrians have certain riding apparel that makes for a more comfortable and enjoyable experience. Common horseback riding apparel includes riding breeches, to smooth out your ride; riding helmets, to keep your head safe in the event of a fall; and riding boots, to help you grip your horse and prevent accidents. Safety vests can also be helpful if you are new to riding or will be riding unbroken horses.

Riding Breeches

One pair of riding breeches can cost as little as $50 or more than $300. Riding breeches are typically made out of a lightweight and flexible but tough material to allow the rider full movement capabilities in a durable pant.

There are a couple different types of breeches. Full-seat breeches have a reinforced insert starting at the back (below the breech), across the seat and down both legs to provide more protection. Half-seat breeches have this extra layer starting at the crotch and ending below the knee. Patched breeches just have extra material along the knees to help riders grip the horse.

Riding Helmets

Helmets are essential for protecting your head in case you lose control of your horse and either fall or get kicked. While there are various types of helmets on the market (from traditional cowboy hats to derby caps), horseback riders should look for the same main qualities: helmets should fit snugly and provide ample ventilation. All helmets should also be ASTM-certified to ensure they meet safety specifications. Helmets typically range in price from $50 to $150.

Riding Boots

Finding a good pair of riding boots is essential to safe and comfortable horseback riding. From cowboy-style boots to knee-high or lace-up leather boots, what you should be looking for in a good pair of riding boots is a leather, as opposed to rubber, heel. Leather heels provide for the best grip to the horse and therefore help to prevent falls and slips.

Paddock boots look like sneakers and are best for schooling or trail riding because of their casual flexibility.

Show boots, field boots, dress boots and dressage boots are all used in various horseback riding competitions.

Western Riding Apparel

Horseback riders who dress in Western riding apparel value style as well as function. For instance, western riding chaps may replace traditional riding breeches. Western riding apparel is usually highly decorative rather than extremely safe, so most riders only wear western apparel during horse shows or if they're very comfortable with their horse. Western hats and vests are not as protective as a helmet or safety vest, so they're not a good idea for inexperienced riders.