How To Dress For Your First Horse Riding Lesson – With Photos

ByThe ELT Team

It is not necessary to go out and buy all of the latest riding clothing for your first riding lesson. You will have suitable clothing for your first few lessons at home, but if you continue to ride you will require proper riding clothing. Contact your riding school or instructor before you go for your lesson and ask what you need to bring. You will need the following clothing for your first riding lesson:

  • HAT – All riding schools offer a hat loan programme for students. Your instructor will ensure that your hat fits properly and will meet all local safety standards and legislation.
  • SHOES – A boot with a flat sole and a small heel is ideal, if you do not own these trainers or tennis shoes will be fine for your first few lessons. Try to avoid extra grippy shoes or boots such as hiking boots as these may cause your feet to become stuck in the stirrups.
  • TOP – A comfortable top that allows full movement of the arms, back and neck. Wear layers as you will likely become hot while riding.
  • PANTS – Bottoms or trousers should be comfortable, preferably a little ‘stretchy’ and made from a soft material so as not to rub you or the horse causing soreness.
  • GLOVES – Optional; you will be holding the reins in a part of the hand that can become sore, many proficient riders wear gloves for every ride.

Now that we have decided on what you need, let’s look at each of the above in further detail and take a look at examples.

Riding hats for beginners

A ‘proper’ horse riding hat should be the first piece of riding ‘clothing’ that you invest in. Your hat will not only protect your noggin but will help you feel and look like a rider. Take a look at our in-depth hat guide here.

The riding hat should meet all local safety requirements.

A good quality riding hat will have the following characteristics:

  • It should meet all of the safety standards and regulations for where you live. In the UK this is PAS 015 1994, PAS 015 1998, VG1 and must be kite marked. In the US this is SEI ASTM F1163 04a onwards, SNELL E2001.
  • There are two mains types of riding hat, a skull cap which has no peak and used for racing and is mandatory for eventing; and a riding helmet which has a peak at the front. Beginners will usually pick a riding helmet as this is most suited to beginner activities.
  • Riding hats can be single sized or adjustable. Adjustable hats allow for a pony tail or hat in winter and will adjust as your head grows for younger riders. Adjustable hats will accommodate round and oval shaped heads.
  • A chin strap that can be fastened to secure the hat from falling off.
  • A removable liner that can be washed or replaced if necessary.

Shoes or boots

Boots are preferable to shoes. Any footwear that has closed toes, a flat sole and a small heel will be fine until your first pair of riding boots.

NO!….Not suitable to be around horses…let alone on one!
The heel on these is borderline too big for English stirrups.
  • Hiking boots that are very wide may cause your feet to get stuck in the stirrups. Stiff boots can also prevent the ankle from flexing.
  • Footwear that has a flat sole with a small heel will prevent your foot from sliding through the stirrup which can be dangerous if you were to fall off in this state.
  • Long boots are fine as long as they do not have tall heels, as they shape of these kinds of boots make flexing the heel difficult.
  • Long boots may feel restrictive for new riders and not give enough feedback through the leg. This can make learning the more subtle leg commands difficult.

Riding tops

Depending on where you live will partly dictate what you wear for riding. Riding tops will have the following characteristics:

A lightweight long sleeve top is perfect for your first lesson
  • Lightweight tops that allow full movement of the arms, shoulders, back and neck, such as polo neck pullovers are fine to wear for the beginner rider.
  • Wear layers, riding is a physical sport and your temperature will increase as you ride. Layering up will allow you to remove thin layers in order to cool down.
  • Unless the temperature is very high it is best to wear long sleeves. Long sleeves offer a layer of protection if you should fall off or get too close to trees and bushes.
  • If you are riding in the rain make sure that your rain jacket will not blow around or billow out as this may frighten your horse.

Riding trousers or pants

A pair of snug fitting trousers will prevent chaffing and allow a comfortable riding position.

  • A pair of jeans will be fine for your first few lessons, as long as they are not too tight which would make the riding position uncomfortable.
  • Avoid shorts or any leggings that would leave bare skin against the saddle, this can be very painful.
  • Avoid leggings or trousers with a low cut waist, these can become uncomfortable while riding.
  • Avoid baggy pants as these can bunch up and pinch your skin, which can be painful.

Gloves

A good pair of strong thin gloves will help to keep your hands warm and to prevent rubbing and chaffing from the reins. Soft material such as wool will not stand up to the demands of riding.

  • Leather gloves will be strong enough for riding while allowing full movement of the hand and fingers. The only downside is that when wet they can become slippery.
  • Gloves should fit properly, too small and they will restrict movement, too large and they will bunch up restricting movement.
  • Gloves should be thin enough that you are able to feel what is happening with the reins and how strong a contact you have with the bit.
  • Ski type gloves should be avoided because they do not allow enough feel through the thick material and it is difficult to hold the reins correctly with thick gloves.