Equestrian Wear

Equestrian wear and accessories are considered by many to be a fashion item as well as dedicated equestrian wear. There are so may brands to choose from including:

When choosing your equestrian wear and accessories you need to consider the use to which you will put the clothing.  This is a tough wearing sport and cheaper products will not last.  You should also consider that this is a dangerous sport and as such it is imperative that you buy the best you can afford when it comes to items such as hats, body protectors and boots.

So what do we think is the best way of starting out with your equestrian wear shopping list.

Riding Hats: Well fist of all a hard hat.  If you are on a budget make sure you assign your greatest chunk of money to buying a hat.  Skull caps are a great way to get youself a high quality and safe hat.  You can cover it with any number of coloured silks  and best of all  you can compete in them.   If you buy the right one it will meet all the kite mark standards and it will provide you with the right levels of safety and comfort. 

Riding boots: Riding boots are an important part of clothing, there are the traditional long riding boots and the short ankle boots known as jodhpur boots. Both these types of boots are made narrowly as not to get stuck in the stirrups if you fall off. Make sure they are not too tight and always make sure you have a selection of footwwear for the year.

The worst thing about horses is the mud and boots takes a lot of punishment, rotting, heals wearing out and generally living out the winter either on your feet or on the radiator.   I think our best advise is to not buy anything with leather soles if you intend to use them for eneral yard use.  The soles rot very quickly in wet envionments and that is the end of your riding boots.

Chaps: Chaps are a type of trousers that are made of leather, suede or waterproof material, they are worn over your normal riding trousers and can be either full or half chaps, the half chaps only come up to below the knee or the full ones cover the whole of the legs. They keep you dry and warm and give your legs that little bit extra protection should you fall of your horse.

I would say the best thing about half chaps is that yo can ride in your jeans and put the chaps over them preventing chaffing.

Reflective and protective wear: If you are going to ride on the public roads I would suggest you wear reflective gear at all times of day.  Being a car driver and horse rider I cana assure you that it makes a huge difference.  Car drivers have blindspots and anything you can do to help them see you will help save your life.

Body protectors: Body protectors are used as a safety device seen on riders such as eventers.  They protect the upper body if you fall by helping to pad your fall.  Just make sure that you measure yourself correctly before buying a body protector as they are very very uncomfortable when they don't fit properly.

Riding gloves: Riding gloves should have grip. They will help you keep hold of your reins as well as keeping your hands warm on a cold day. Once again I would suggest you buy the synthetic ones with rubber grip if you are looking for comfort.