Horseback Heaven

Tammy Patterson asked:


ts and helmets come in different designs and the design is often chosen dependant on the discipline. More often than not the design of the hat that riders choose will be down to personal preference, comfort and fit. It is important that the hat you choose is new and conforms to current safety standards BSEN1384, EN1384 or PAS015.

The correct leg wear can contribute to an enjoyable ride. Wearing uncomfortable leg wear that pinches or allows the riders leg to move too much can hinder the rider when performing aids and affect their safety when on the horse. While riding skills are not going to be improved with the use of suitable clothing, improper clothing can hinder the progression of the rider. Jodhpurs and breeches are fitted to the leg, have durable seat and knee patches with many giving extra security in these places too. They are stretchy and the material used keeps the rider from overheating. Typically the quality, fit and additional features are improved as the price increases.

Riding boots are important for more than one reason. The sole and heal of the boot will be made with safety in mind. It should be made of a hard wearing material with a fine grip tread and heel to prevent the foot from slipping right through the stirrup. Boots can be ankle height, these are called Jodhpur boots and long riding boots cover the rider’s calf finishing just below the riders knee. Comfort is vital as a lot of control when riding your horse will come from your legs and feet.

Riding jackets come in all shape and size and for many different purposes. Many riders will have a number of different jackets, for cold wet conditions, for warmer breezier weathers and for showing or competing. Any jacket the rider wears should be comfortable, suitable, leave the rider with plenty of movement through their arms and across their shoulders and should not flap or have parts that could get caught making them unsafe in any way.

Chaps are a widespread piece of horse riding wear that many riders choose to use. They are brilliant as they fit over yard boots or Jodhpur boots and on top of jodhpurs giving the rider the additional grip and comfort that Long boots would provide but whilst giving them the peace of mind that they are not damaging or ruining their more expensive Long boots. They come in two forms, full length which fit hip to ankle and half chaps which fit the lower half of the rider’s leg. They can be worn on the yard for additional warmth and available in a variety of materials. Gaiters are closer fitting chaps and are commonly made from leather.