whats the diffrence between horseback riding clothes and norm. clothes

[Rabit]

Right now ive been riding for a while and loving it! And Im wondering what do horse backriding clothes have to offer.:)

[mikka]

What kind of riding, Rabit?

[Rabit]

English right now.

[mikka]

The nice thing about breeches is that they give you both comfort and flexibility. No nasty seams to rub you. They also allow your instructor to see, better, what you're doing in the saddle. They're easy to look after and are hard-wearing. Mostly, I think, it's a comfort issue. Shoes, of course, should have a heel to prevent your foot shooting through the stirrup. I prefer boots or half-chaps because they give more purchase against the saddle flap and horse's side. Helmets aren't negotiable - they MUST be worn for safety.

While good foot and headwear are essential, you really don't have to buy breeches if you've some comfie leggings. Breeches, however, have built-in panels along the inner knee or fully around the whole seat, to keep you better placed in the saddle.

Is this what you meant?

[Crazy horse2601]

I wear jodphurs and black boots for riding. I picked them both up real cheap.
I used to ride in jeans but I found they rubbed after a while. My jods are really comfy and they are perfect, my boots are really comfy too, I brought them a bit big to give me some room and I love them. hope I helped and didn't just babble.:p

[Rabit]

yes, to mikka's question and......

Ive gotten into rding now and ive decided I like it. But everythings expensive. Since I dont earn any money,yet. And cant for a couple more years I was wondering whether buying jodphurs and boots are a good invesment and how long they last.
Also whats the diffrence between the tall boots and the shorter boots.

[kedwards]

If you are on a budget, you probably won't want to splurge for the more-expensive tall boots. The shorter one's don't provide the calf protection from the stirrup leathers that the tall one's do, but you can add a pair of half-chaps when you get the money.

If you're only riding once or twice a week, a decent pair of boots and breeches should last you quite a while. I had my first pair of paddock boots (the shorter boots) for over 2 years before I needed to replace them (I was riding several times a week, but also wear my tall boots sometimes).

Since I alternate breeches, I'm not sure how long one pair would last if you wore them every ride, but you can get pull-on breeches (even fleece for winter, if you want) for less than the price of a pair of Levi's.

[LindaAd]

My first pair of Caldene jodhs lasted me ten years or so, and only gave up after an encounter with a thorn bush...I suppose I was riding on average once or twice a week during that time, sometimes less.

[Emma_G_NZ]

My boots that I bought when I took up riding in October 99 are still in great condition, even when I was riding heaps. They were about $120 NZ ($60 US). They were the 'dublin' brand.
Even with my own pony, and I have had my own pony for 2 and a half years, I wear tights to ride. They are quite thick tights, and I find I dont get pinched at all!

[Bruce]

My breeches have lasted over a year.......because I've never worn them

[kitkatt456]

i got tall boots from a lady at pony club for only 15 bucks and they are in very good condition!! and I wear leggings and sweats for my lessons

[virtuallyhorses]

I'm in the leggings fan club - after 3 years of riding I have just bought my first two pairs of jodhpurs (on sale). I still wear my favourite leggings which are only just showing a few signs of wear and being as stingy as I am I will be taking the needle and thread to them shortly to prolong them further :)

I originally bought a cheapo pair of riding boots and then splashed out and bought a pair of Ariats after I'd been taking lessons for about 18mths.

Other than that I wear whatever is most comfy. I find that the saddle and position of the leathers can make a difference - in some saddles I'm constantly getting 'nipped' in the leg if I don't wear half-chaps others are fine.

[Bruce32]

This is very easy , and rather glib, to say - but I think you often get what you pay for, up to a point. I own three pairs of breeches - two are Harry Hall (fairly mid range) and I've had them for six years with no sign of wear. For my first few years of riding I rode twice a week. I now ride almost every day. I also have a pair of cavalry issue breeches which I use for shows. These are quite hard to come by (and not that comfortable), but are totally indestructible and I'm confident that I'll never need another pair. Ever. I've had a pair of regency tall boots for five years which I've just had resoled, but, apart from that, they are as good as new. I've also got a set of Ariat boots and half chaps, about thre years old and, apart from the suede rubbing off the inside of the chaps, they are still in perfect condition.

So I think my advice is make do, or get something cheap, until you are sure you are totally hooked. When you are hooked (and, of course, when you start earning) save up and buy the best you can afford.

[Emma_G_NZ]

And dont forget that anything horsey has a huge mark up on it!
(Just look at horse shampoos for instance..) :rolleyes: