Other Clothes

Jodhpurs and Breeches

You'll find ordinary trousers and jeans rub in some very tender places and the purchase of a pair of jodhpurs or breeches will bring welcome relief.

Traditionally breeches are cut with a leg that stops around the calf area and are designed for wearing with long boots. Jodhpurs are made with a longer leg length and are suitable for use with short boots and will usually also be fine with long boots.

Jackets

There is a large choice of specialist jackets available from many suppliers. They have been specially designed for riding, especially in the cold and wet, are cut to be 'saddle friendly' and some come with detachable linings so you can adjust them to suit the climate.

If most of your early lessons will be spent under cover then something simpler will do to start with. The main points to consider with a jacket are,

it is not too long else it will catch under your bottom as you sit in the saddle and it will sit oddly at the front as it will be pushed up by the front of the saddle
it shouldn't have long draw strings or tassels that might catch on the tack
avoid 'noisy' jackets made from plastic whose rustling noises might distract the horse and avoid anything that might flap around and similarly distract.
pick something that is quick and easy to take off if you run hot

I use a cheap fleece type zip-up jacket that seems to work well for most conditions. Although not waterproof, it does dry quickly and being cheap it doesn't matter too much if it gets chewed, and when the horse decides to wipe his mouth across your arm it is easily washed.

Gloves

Gloves Useful for keeping the cold out and your hands clean. You'll need a pair that allow you to 'feel' the reins and will not slip if wet. I personally don't use gloves except if it is really cold or wet, prefering the direct feel of the reins - the price I pay; some hard skin on my fingers and dirty hands.

Next - tips on being around horses.

Comments

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julia 17th Jul 01

You forgot to mention good comfy (and by that I mean big!) knickers. It can get very uncomfortable when developing your seat!

Crystal 30th Dec 01

I used to wear jeans when I ridden English for the first few times. But when I started to post at the trot, my jeans started to ride up and fold. My knees were sore for over a week and walking was very uncomfortable. So all you English riders out there that wears jeans for riding, consider a pair of jods/breeches.

Marie-ann 3rd Mar 02

I wore jeans once for riding but as I got on the teacher said, no take you jeans off and put jodphurs on. Is is wrong to wear jeans or was it probly a rule of the stables?

Beth 20th Mar 02

I am answering Marie-ann's question from march 3rd, I have NEVER heard of a riding teacher ao instructer to make you get off for that reason and believe me I have seen ALOT of stables, so if it makes you fell any better you really did not do anything wrong and you probably should not have to change! (Unless you had a certain kind of saddle!)

Kelsey 24th Apr 02

How do you get a hold of cheap- CHEAP riding clothes?

AC 29th Apr 02

This is regarding Kelsey's question. If you get ahold of the local Petsmart I think they have tack shops. If they do they are cheaper than a normal tack shop but have the same stuff.

amy 29th Jun 02

the riding instructor was probably worried that the jeans will damage the saddle! sometimes the jeans can rub against the leather and wear it down! but that is only if u ride with them on for a long time! not just for one lesson!

chris 11th Jul 02

And in addition to the comfy knickers - also a hefty secure bra for those of the larger build!!! Believe me you can get some odd bruises (and black eyes!!)

Rachael 28th Aug 02

As far as cheap riding clothes -

Look for USED riding clothes and equipment at local tack shops. My regular tack shop has a great selection of "consignment" tack that includes breeches, saddles, and boots.

However, CHEAP is a relative term ; )

George 21st Oct 02

What should I do if I want a waterproof coat that doesn't rustle? I ride in an all weather menage and if it rains, I get real wet! Also, is it cruel to wear spurs on your boots?

Ellie 7th Nov 02

George,
As with so many things, when used properly (ie for spurs when you are in control of your lower leg) spurs are not cruel, they are merely a means of reinforcing your leg aids. Wearing spurs before you have reached this point means you will be spurring the horse for no reason which, in my opinion, is cruel. I wouldn't worry though, as any self-respecting instructor would not allow people to wear spurs needlessly and/or before they are ready.

Marianne 22nd Nov 02

As a competitive rider of over 16 years, I found it very amusing to hear people say it's inappropriate to ride in jeans. Jeans are just like breeches... If they fit well, they ride well. Myself, as well as several other people in my barn, have successfully ridden at the World's Championships many times, and how you dress at home has no bearings on how well you ride.

Michelle 13th Dec 02

I just started riding lessons and talked to many different instructors/stables. Many of them wanted me to start out with a lot of expensive riding apparel but the one I chose understood that as a beginner I was not prepared to sink a whole load of money into clothes I might not stay in to start out and was fine with me wearing jeans!

Derek 21st Jan 03

I can not find any breeches or jodphurs to fit me as my waist size goes up and down at the presant it is 42 or 44 inchs so dose any one out there know where I can find some please let me know thak you

Tanya 28th Feb 03

What kind of boots should i wear?
I'm just going to wear rubber boots (wellies) but don't know if it's really very important to have a heal or not?

Ellie 3rd Apr 03

Tanya,
it is important for boots to have a small heel, but please don't even consider wearing wellies, and if any riding school or instructor tells you it's safe (or already has), think twice about riding there. Wellies are intended to grip the ground, and have the grooves on the sole to prove it - grooves that will also grip the stirrups should you part company with your horse! Worse case scenario is getting your foot trapped in the stirrup because your wellies won't let go when you do!
Rubber or PVC boots designed for riding are a lot cheaper than many people think - it's leather ones that cost the earth : ) Look into a cheap pair of riding boots rather than wellies - they might cost slightly more, but if your riding school has any sense they'll tell you to buy some anyway!
Ellie
(PS By cheap I mean the sub £50 version of cheap!)

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