Schooling: What should I Wear?
In riding, it is important to always make an effort to look put together. You want to think of your riding clothes like a soccer player thinks of their uniform—it must be correct and clean. When you dress well, you set yourself up for success!
Your schooling outfit, or the clothes you will wear for your everyday riding class, should include:
Breeches or tights: A special pair of pants that include a knee patch or full seat of either silicone or suede. Jeans, while appropriate for western-styled riding, are not appropriate for English.
Riding top: This can be either a polo, sun shirt, or sleek looking athletic top that covers your entire midriff and can be tucked into your breeches. Crop tops are not suitable for riding. Some riders will spruce up their look (especially in the fall and winter) with a nice sweater, sweatshirt, or vest! Jackets are also completely appropriate!
Belt: A belt is optional but highly recommended. It can help to create a very put-together look.
Gloves: Again, these are optional but highly recommended, as the gloves will protect your hands from blistering while holding your reins!
Boots: You have options here! Tall boots are the most common option for teenagers or adults. Most students won’t get their first pair of tall boots until they are 12 or 13. These boots will zip up all the way to the bottom of your knee. When you purchase your new tall boots, they will be fitted extremely tight because the leather will stretch and mold to your leg for a more custom fit. Tall boots can be pricy, but if you look, you can always find something affordable! Your second choice would be a pair of paddock boots. These will be a little cheaper than tall boots. Paddock boots come in a lace or zip option and will only come up over your ankle. You can pair these with a pair of half chaps to create a tall boot look and add extra hold to your inner calve!
Helmet: The helmet is the most important part of our riding look. It is imperative that your helmet fits correctly, if you were to fall off, you’d want your head to be properly protected! A well fitted helmet should be:
Snug but not tight.
Should not wiggle if you shake your head.
Should not squeeze or pinch on any point of your head.
There are different helmet shapes, and every brand fits differently, so if you are not sure, ask your trainer or a Tack Store employee to help you fit your helmet!!
Today there is something for everyone of every budget, the horse world no longer expects you to spend exorbitant amounts of money on a pair of breeches in order to reach long-lasting quality! It’s all about what fits you, your budget, and your style. Remember to have fun with your outfits because when you feel confident, you ride confident! Some riders will correspond their outfits to the color saddle pad their horse is wearing to have a “matchy-matchy” moment, and some riders will ride in strictly conservative colors. It is completely up to you! Riding clothes come in an array of colors and patterns for you to pick from. I personally love wearing a solid polo shirt and colored breeches. Check out your local tack shop or online stores to find your style! Explore every brand and style until you find what you are comfortable in. And remember, if you are unsure, ask!!
