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The Horse World-and What to Wear


Perhaps this may inspire some of you to try riding lessons…and to dress for the occasion, if you do! It’s hard to imagine controlling an animal several hundred pounds heavier than you-and may be having a rough day of their own. But it can be done. City parks and riding academies restrict winter outdoor riding, but there are indoor areas that give riders the space to practice. (My fondest memory is from such a place; when the song “Sweet Home Alabama” came on my horse and I finally got into synch. I swear it was because he wanted to move in time to the music.)

Some people are surprised that riding isn’t easy. Many prefer Western style riding, with a hard saddle that has a “horn” on the front. (This is seen in children’s amusement parks or venues open to the public, accommodating the most inexperienced riders.) English riding has a different saddle, rein hold, and process; it aims for artistry and union of rider and horse. Signals for changes of gait and direction should be imperceptible. Most aficionados strive for years to meet these challenges.

Decent horse owner don’t allow riders on unfriendly horses, but most noble beasts are exceptionally well mannered. Many will calmly stand while humans chat and are pleased to get so much attention. Horses act well if they are treated well, even if past owners were not so nice. This should put many of your fears at rest, along with proper instruction at your experience level.

So what do you wear? As a newbie, you won’t be expected to have traditional riding apparel your first time, but will be required to have specific clothing for safety and ease of movement. There is only one item that must be purchased, at least eventually, and that’s a riding helmet. (The instructor may provide a loaner temporarily.) These can be found at riding shops, farm/tractor type stores, and online. If you can trust a previous owner that a helmet has never suffered a blow, you may even purchase one second-hand. (Helmets must meet safety specifications and fit properly for the best protection from a fall.)

Straight-legged jeans are fine-but refrain from wide, flared, or bell bottoms. You don’t want the hems to impede what your feet must do in the stirrups. Don’t wear shorts or Capri’s, either, as you’ll probably suffer bruising and pain from the saddle after an hour’s lesson or ride. Replace tennis shoes or sandals with closed, hard soled shoes, preferably with a short, flat heel, perhaps short boots you already own. Avoid a top with long sleeves that are too long or won’t stay pushed up, because you won’t have a free hand to adjust them. Opt for a jacket that hits you above the derriere, so that it doesn’t get caught between you and the saddle, and refrain from scarves that could whip around and scare the horse. The same goes for a hat or sunglasses; if it won’t stay put, don’t wear it. (It’s not easy to switch reins to fuss with headgear that keeps moving.) Gloves are fine if thin enough to feel the horse’s mouth and his or her response to pressure on the bit, but thick gloves or mittens shouldn’t be considered.

If, after a few English lessons, you decide to make riding part of your life, you’ll feel more comfortable around other English riders if you dress like them. (Some academies may insist on it.) Riding britches are often a neutral color, and are made to be worn almost skin tight. This is so there is little material that can get in the way of signaling the horse or fitting into boots. But, to protect the knees, there is a bit of padding on the inside of the knee area of the britches. Knee-high riding boots have the correct weight and design for proper foot placement in the stirrup, and protect the shins as well. Riding jackets, also afford protection and warmth, while finishing off the ensemble. You’ll move easily, feel confident, and get many season’s wear from your choices.

Look in the mirror and you’ll see a horse woman looking back, one that could fit into any royal hunting party!