Have you ever thought about riding your horse barefoot, with the wind whipping through your hair? It sounds nice, doesn’t it? However, you might want to think twice about this idea and instead consider some riding apparel. Its not exactly the same as riding without a hat (or boots), but a lot of riding apparel has a purpose – keeping you, the rider safe as you go galloping around.

Boots are a must, whether you are an adherent of the English or Western style of boot. Even when feeding your horse or grooming, it is still a good idea to wear your boots. After all, those hooves are very heavy and if your horse accidentally steps on your toes; well, let’s just say you’ll wish you had worn boots. English boots are a little uncomfortable for walking in, but cowboy boots can be very comfortable. However, for working in your stable, you may want to pick up a pair of hiking boots or work boots.

While not very many people are excited about wearing a riding helmet. After all, one would hardly call them stylish. At the same time, a riding helmet can quite literally be a lifesaver in the event of a fall. Your cowboy hat will also not provide adequate protection. For optimal protection, think about a vented riding helmet as you ride.

In competitive riding, you’ll have to stow your t-shirt and jeans. Western wear is perfectly comfortable for riding. English wear, on the other hand, is make less for comfort than for looks.

If the show you’re riding in asks for hunt seat attire, then you’ll have to wear a riding shirt which is either white or pinstriped. You’ll also need breeches, a hunting cap, dress riding boots and a wool riding jacket. Riding gloves are also customary in these events. Breeches and jacket can be any color which is dark, but you may want to find out what colors are “in” before making an investment in them. Being out of style may not win you favor with the judges or the audience.

You’ll need to dress formal for dressage riding. You’ll need a white shirt, a stock tie (which should be fastened with a horse-themed pin), white or tan breeches, black jacket and dress boots, as well as a helmet or hunt cap. If it is a saddle seat competition, then you’ll want dark jodhpurs, jodhpur boots, a riding derby, a dark jacket and white riding shirt.

Western riders wear different clothes depending on their gender. While men will need Western shirts, ties, belts (leather with silver buckles), felt cowboy hats and riding boots as well as jeans and chaps; women will be attired in Western tuxedo shirts, vest or jacket, bow ties, riding boots, felt hats and of course, jeans and chaps. In more intense sports, the ties and silver belt buckles are not required.

If you have a child who is riding, whether for fun or competitively, they must wear a riding helmet rather than a riding hat or a cowboy hat. Children especially are vulnerable to falls, so make sure that they are always protected.

Author: Susanne Malloy
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Programmable Pressure Cooker

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