Equestrian clothing is designed to offer safety, practicality and comfort to the horse rider. However, it is not necessary to buy a full set of riding wear before starting horse riding as riding schools have riding hats of varying sizes available for beginners to hire for a lesson and this is the single most important item of equestrian clothing. Once riding regularly though it is wise to invest in proper equestrian clothing to ensure maximum safety and comfort whilst riding.
The most important piece of equestrian clothing is a Riding Hat which provides protection for the rider's head should they fall or be kicked. It is wise to wear a riding hat not only when riding but also whilst handling any horse. Second hand riding hats should be avoided as if these have been subject to a fall or kick the protection they offer can be diminished even if the riding hat looks intact.
There are three basic types of horse riding hats as follows:
- Classic Riding Hat
- Skull Cap or Jockey Cap
- Endurance Skull Protector
Any riding hat should have a chin strap which should be adjusted correctly and fastened when the riding hat is worn and the riding hat should conform to the current safety standards which are PAS015 or BSEN1384.
It is important that any riding hat fits securely but comfortably. The circumference of the head just above the ears should be measured in centimetres to establish the size of riding hat needed.
Riding jackets are generally worn during formal equestrian events such as at horse shows rather than for everyday riding. Any riding jacket should fit properly and not restrict movement.
Jodhpurs and breeches are riding trousers that are close fitting around the lower leg with reinforced areas around the inside knee. Jodhpurs end at the ankles and are suitable to be worn with jodhpur boots or long riding boots, whereas breeches end half way down the calf and are suitable to be worn with long riding boots only.
Jodhpurs and breeches are available in a variety of colours and fabrics ranging from the classic cream jodhpurs and breeches to coloured cord or denim jodhpurs and breeches. Jodhpurs and breeches should be tight fitting but comfortable allowing the rider to bend the knee without them cutting into the back of the leg.
There are two basic type of chaps - full or half length.
Full length chaps originate from the USA where they were worn by cowboys to protect the complete leg while working. They consist of two independent leg coverings attached at the waist by a belt and are worn over jodhpurs. Full length chaps are available in a variety of materials including leather, suede and waxed waterproof versions. Full chaps help to keep the legs warm and dry whilst riding which can be particularly useful during the winter.
Half chaps are worn with jodhpur boots and cover the leg from the below the knee to the ankle with a strap that goes under the boot. They are available in a variety of colours and fabrics including suede and leather. As well as offering some protection to the lower leg they also prevent jodhpurs from riding up the lower leg whilst riding.
Gaiters are closely fitting half chaps cut in the traditional riding boot style, most often made of leather.