When it’s done right, horseback riding can give you great excitement and provide you with a lot of fun. But before you even begin to learn the technique of horse riding or even get on your horse, there’s something that you can do in order to improve your experience and increase your safety – be sure to dress correctly.
Why is it important to dress correctly for horseback riding?
When riding a horse, it’s important that you feel as comfortable as possible. Feeling at ease also means feeling more confident in yourself and, as a result, having a greater sense of control over the situation. And since horseback learning can seem a bit intimidating at first, feeling relaxed and comfortable, as a result of wearing appropriate clothing, can make the learning easier and help you gain more control over your horse faster.
Dressing correctly for horseback riding can also increase your safety. As with any physical activity, horse riding isn’t without risks. And in this particular field, you need to assert control not only over yourself but over another being. Skillful as you might be, horses can be unpredictable at times, let alone when you are a beginner. That’s why you need to protect yourself accordingly with the right clothing.
And, of course, there’s the element of fun. Horseback riding should be an enjoyable activity. Dressing appropriately can help you maximize pleasure as it minimizes discomfort and risks. With the right clothing, you won’t have to worry about things like rubs, sores, bruises, feeling cold, getting sunburns and mosquito bites, and just enjoy a good and relaxing ride.
The right clothing for a horseback ride
It’s important when riding horses to make sure to wear the following items:
- Helmet
- Tight, long and comfortable clothes
- Hilled Boots
- Gloves
Helmet: Without a doubt, the most important item to wear while riding a horse is a helmet. As mentioned, every physical activity has its risks and can be unpredictable even if you are doing everything by the book. That’s why you always need to be prepared by protecting your most vital and vulnerable body areas, like the head.
Tight and comfortable clothes: You need to wear them in order to keep yourself comfortable and safe. The clothes should cover you properly and protect you from getting hurt as well as from harsh temperatures and bug bites. Wearing tight clothes will make sure they won’t shake violently in the wind or be caught in the saddle or in other objects in your riding area, such as twigs or fences.
Heeled Boots: For your own safety, you need to wear suitable riding boots with a heel in order to prevent stirrup rubbing and make sure the stirrup won’t slip to the end of your shoes, putting you at risk of losing control of your horse.
Gloves: Wearing gloves for a horseback ride is recommended, as it prevents the reins from rubbing your hands and can keep you warm in cold weather.
If you make sure to wear these items, you will be able to properly and safely enjoy horseback riding.
