We have put together a guide to help you know what to wear horseback riding during the summer, and what to wear horseback riding in cold weather, and everything in between, so you can set yourself up for an unforgettable trip.
What Do Horseback Riders Wear?
Top Horseback Riding Essentials
There are a handful of items you’ll need for horseback riding no matter the weather.
- Riding helmet
- Boots with a heel – so your foot doesn’t slide through the stirrup!
- Fitted pants such as jeans
What to Avoid Wearing
- Sandals or open toed shoes
- Loose clothing – you don’t want your cute flowy shirt to get snagged on the trail!
- Shorts – while they may be cooler in the summer, you don’t want to experience saddle chafing!
- Sneakers or tennis shoes – again, you’ll want boots with a heel, so your foot doesn’t slip through the stirrup.
How to Choose the Right Materials
When riding, no matter the weather, you are going to want to bring breathable fabrics to make sure you can stay comfortable. Linen or cotton button-up shirts would be a great choice. Just make sure they fit well! If you are going animal spotting, be sure to wear neutral colors so you can blend in better to the habitat.
You’ll also want to protect yourself from rain. Choose water-resistant bum bags or cross-body bags to keep your belongings protected and consider packing a thin waterproof jacket that you can throw on when needed. A windbreaker jacket with water-resistant material would be a great option, too.
Seasonal Recommendations
Summer Riding
When you’re horseback riding in the summer, you’ll want to wear clothing that’ll keep you cool. Be sure to pack lightweight, breathable materials. Consider long-sleeve fitted linen shirts. Long sleeves are great for summer riding because they help keep you cooler and prevent sunburn. If it has a collar, it’ll help keep the back of your neck from getting too much sun as well! Speaking of sunburn, don’t forget sun protection. Bring hats, sunglasses and quality sunscreen that protects against UVB and UVA rays.
Winter Riding
While the snow-coated terrain is enchantingly beautiful, that winter wind while cantering can certainly bite! Be sure to wear layers. Thermal undershirts, sweatshirts, and insulated clothing would be a great place to start. Merino wool is a warm, moisture-wicking fabric and is a great breathable and lightweight choice for winter riding. Ideally, pieces that are lightweight and easy to stuff into your daypack if you do warm up and wish to shed a layer.
Don’t forget your hands and feet! Wool or cotton gloves and thermal socks will help prevent stiff fingers and toes. If you are riding through snowy landscapes, it’s a good idea to pack and apply sunscreen to your face. The snow can reflect the sun and be a sneaky cause of sunburn. Sunglasses can also be a great addition when the snow is bright!
Spring and Fall Riding
These seasons offer stunning scenery, from blooming flora and baby animals to sweeping auburn tones and the crunch of leaves. But spring and fall can bring about some unpredictable weather including sudden temperature changes, rain, and wind. It’s a good idea to pack for flexibility and versatility – think a waterproof jacket that you can easily throw on when it rains or tuck into your daypack when it warms up. Consider investing in a windbreaker to beat those curls of cold wind so you can keep on smiling. Again, remember to pack that sunscreen no matter the weather so you can protect your skin from the sun!
Specialized Scenarios
Trail Rides
For longer trail rides, you’ll want to make sure you are prepared for whatever the wilderness throws at you. Consider health and safety, even if you are a seasoned rider:
- A water bottle.
- A first-aid kit (even a DIY one, with Band-Aids and over-the-counter pain medication).
- Any medication you require for full or half-days away from your accommodation.
- Sunscreen.
- Mosquito repellent.
Consider your clothing and pack according to season and the habitat. It’s always a good idea to bring a warm layer for nightfall, even if you are traveling in summer, and a waterproof jacket – just in case!
Charge up your devices. Pack a portable charger. Most of them are slim, compact and almost as light as phones. You don’t want to be caught out with no battery on the trail! This can also be useful if you are camping where there is no electricity.
Grab a fanny pack or bum bag. Great for carrying items on your person without adding much weight, you can pack travel-sized sunscreen, SPF lip balm, your phone and charger, and sunglasses. Bum bags make it easy for you to grab the essentials when on the trail.
Horse Riding Lessons
So, you’re about to take the reins for the first time and embark on one of life’s greatest adventures. You are on the road to becoming a budding equestrian so you can explore some of Earth’s most beautiful landscapes. But what do you wear to horse riding lessons?
Your trainer will provide you with a riding helmet. This is crucial, especially for beginners as it will protect your head in case you fall. They may even provide you with some riding boots to borrow. Otherwise, it’s a good idea to invest in your own pair of riding boots that have a heel.
To stay comfortable and safe during your lessons, be sure to wear long pants – jeans are always a good option as they are thick and will help protect your legs from scrapes, saddle chafing and bruising. A lightweight button-up shirt with long-sleeves is also a great choice.
First-Time Riders: What to Pack
What do you need to ride a horse? If you’re a newbie, fear not! We have compiled a list of essentials, so you know what to wear horseback riding on vacation. Why stress when you can use our checklist and look forward to riding through the wilderness and to the true feeling of freedom?
- Water bottle
- Gloves
- Extra socks
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hats
- Hair ties if you have long hair
- SPF lip balm
- Jeans
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Windbreaker
- Portable charger
- Breathable, fitted clothing such as button-up long-sleeved shirts
- First aid kit
- Medication
Final Thoughts
Horseback riding is truly one of the most thrilling and peaceful things you can do. Exploring our world with just the tread of your sweet steed, and 360 degrees of natural scenery is an unparalleled experience. So, go ahead and book that trip—you deserve it! But be sure to prioritize your comfort and safety when planning your trip. After all, these are the building blocks for an experience that’ll forever give you the warm fuzzies.
Be sure to consider the practicality of your clothing choice and stick with form-fitting pieces so you don’t have to worry about your favorite shirt snagging on a tree branch. Don’t wear shorts – you don’t want to worry about scrapes and saddle rubbing, trust us! Knowing what to wear horseback riding in cold weather, hot weather, and everything in between will help ensure you have the trip that you want to talk about for the rest of your life.
Now that you know all you need to ride a horse, book your trip today – Here at Horse Tours Club, we have a wide catalog of horseback riding trips spanning various regions of the world, from the plains of Africa, to the rugged mountains of eastern Europe. Book now and take the reins on your 2025-2026 adventures.
