Trail riding is one of the most fun activities you can do with your horse. It can be a relaxing break from schooling in the arena, whether you go for a short jaunt through the woods nearby or out to the mountains for an overnight equestrian adventure.
Good hat – riding in a helmet is always advised, but we know some people don’t. Especially on slower trails and riding Western, folks seem to think it’s less important, which is untrue. BUT if you’re not going to wear a helmet, you need to at least have a good hat to keep both the sun and rain out of your face. The key to a good hat though isn’t the feathers, or a colorful hatband, it’s the string, because even the best hat doesn’t do you any good if it doesn’t stay on!
Sunglasses + Croakie – sunglasses are key, but they won’t do you much good if they fall off. Plus, if it gets cloudy or you’re riding at sunset, you might want to take them off and they will get squashed if you put them in your saddle bags or your fanny pack. Keeping sunglasses on a croakie around your neck is a great solution.
Chinks -Riding in chinks is great. They protect legs from scratches and branches, plus add an extra, warm, waterproof layer when riding in the rain and snow.
Scarf, Buff, or Bandana – other than making you look like a cowboy from an old movie, having neck and face protection is just as helpful in the harsh sun as it is in the bitter cold. This small, extra layer is easy to put on, take off, and store in saddle bags, and it can make a world of difference when the weather changes quickly.
Boots made for Walking…and Riding – some riding boots aren’t great for walking, and many hiking and camping boots are not ideal for riding. It’s important to have a pair that are comfortable in the saddle AND on the ground, because you will be wearing them all day long. Every day.
Decent Coat + Layers – Dressing well matters – but when it comes to horseback riding it’s not just about fitting in or looking great on horseback. Choosing the right clothing can help make horseback riding safer, more comfortable, and more fun. Picking the right clothing to wear for horseback riding will minimize the likelihood of painful saddle sores, help you focus on your riding, and in the case of a few garments can even help reduce your chances of falling from a horse. If you are not sure what to wear, contact us.
Gloves – mornings on the trail can be chilly, and nights can be downright cold. But gloves are not just for warmth; you might have to pony a stubborn horse, or cut through fallen logs along the trail. Gloves which are warm but also sturdy and waterproof are ideal.
