Last Updated on December 16, 2021
Generally, when people go horseback riding, they wear jeans or riding pants. Wearing jeans or riding pants provides the most comfort and protection when riding. However, some people opt to go horseback riding in shorts during the summertime.
Though shorts aren’t the best thing you can wear while horseback riding, they certainly are not the worst. You want to avoid wearing very long and flowy clothes, that may somehow get tangled up in the saddle. You especially want to avoid wearing excessively long and flowy clothes if you are riding western, since it may get caught in the horn.
Wearing Shorts Riding
Though wearing shorts while riding isn’t considered to necessarily be a bad thing, most people don’t do it. Shorts do not provide the same protection and comfort for your legs as riding pants or jeans do. Some riding barns, especially those that host trail rides, don’t allow their riders to wear shorts while riding.
It is always ideal to wear proper riding apparel while horseback riding. However, there are some situations where wearing shorts horseback riding can be fine.
Why to Avoid Wearing Shorts Riding
Wearing shorts while riding in a saddle can cause some serious discomfort. The leather from your saddle can pinch and rub against your bare skin, leading to blisters and sores.
You are more likely to get sores from English saddles than western saddles. Stirrup leathers on English saddles are more likely to pinch your leg and cause sores. Your knees and thighs are the areas most likely to get rubs and blisters from riding in shorts.
Shorts also don’t provide the grip that pants do, so if you are not used to riding, you might find yourself sliding in the saddle due to lack of grip. The shorts may also ride up on your thighs, causing more discomfort.
If you are wearing shorts outside while riding, you are also prone to getting bug bites on your legs. Your legs may also get scratched up from branches if you are out riding on a trail. If you fall off while wearing shorts you are more likely to get scrapes and cuts than you would with long pants.
If you don’t have riding pants or jeans to wear, you can also wear leggings and yoga pants. These will provide more grip than shorts and help prevent you from getting sores from the saddle. Leggings and yoga pants also provide flexibility and are comfortable to wear, but you may get some sore spots since they can be made from thin materials.
When it is Alright to Wear Shorts Riding
Some people with experience riding prefer to wear shorts while riding in the summertime since they are cooler than jeans and riding pants. If you are comfortable with the way shorts feel while riding then it is alright to ride in them, as long as the place you are riding at allows it.
Some people also like to ride bareback in shorts, though it can be itchy if you are not using a bareback pad. If you are riding in the ocean or in a body of water, wearing shorts can often be a better choice so you don’t have to ride around in wet pants after leaving the water.
If you decide to wear shorts while horseback riding, you still want to make sure to wear riding boots to protect your feet. If you don’t have riding boots, you want to make sure to at least wear closed-toe shoes with a heel.
Advantages of Wearing Long Pants Horseback Riding
Though it can be okay to wear shorts horseback riding, there are several advantages to wearing long pants while riding. Often, you will find you are more comfortable wearing long pants while riding, even if it is warm out.
Riding Pants
Riding pants are designed to provide grip, protection, and comfort while you ride. They are designed to fit snuggly and are often made with stretchy materials, allowing you to move comfortably. Most riding pants are made from cotton or polyester blends.
They are designed with knee patches that are often made from suede to provide additional grip and comfort for your leg while riding. Riding pants may also come in full seat, which means that they have a knee patch that extends up the leg to the seat of the pants, providing the ultimate grip.
Riding pants also come in different styles such as breeches, Kentucky jodhpurs, and riding tights. They also come in various weights, depending on summer and winter seasons. They are breathable and provide superior comfort while riding.
Jeans
Jeans are also another popular choice of pants to wear riding, especially amongst western riders. They are easily accessible and versatile, as you can wear them riding or for everyday use.
Though jeans may not have as much flexibility and breathability as riding pants, many people still love to ride in them. They provide comfort and protection for your legs. Some jeans are even specifically designed for horseback riding.
Jeans can ride up if you are riding in English saddles, so most people that ride English disciplines wear riding pants instead of jeans. Jeans are a great choice to wear if you are going out trail riding and don’t ride on a regular basis.
Riding in What is Suitable for You
Though wearing long pants are recommended while horseback riding, there is nothing wrong with wearing shorts if you are comfortable with it. Just be sure to check with the place you are riding at if it is okay to wear shorts, though if you have your own horse it is likely to be fine.
If you decide to ride in shorts, you may want to start out with a short ride to see if you get any sores or experience discomfort, before going out for a long ride. Though some people may like riding in shorts, not everyone likes it and many people do prefer long pants.
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FAQs
What should you not wear while horseback riding?
There are many things that you should not wear while horseback riding. This includes things like dangling jewelry, high heels and baggy clothes. This is because these items could get caught in the horse’s hair or on the saddle and make horse riding more dangerous than necessary.
You should also avoid wearing clothing that can cause the horse to become spooked. Spooked horses may get startled and throw you off it's back. This can be dangerous for the rider as well as the horse, so it is best to avoid such scenarios.
What should I wear horseback riding?
You should wear comfortable closed toe shoes without heel, long pants, and a shirt. You can also wear gloves or mittens if it's cold. You may need to wear a helmet if you are doing a trail ride or riding over rough terrain. Children need to be dressed in protective gear and have the proper equipment so that they do not get injured or hurt. This includes things like boots, a helmet, a shirt, pants and a jacket.
When it comes to equestrian clothing, it is important to make sure that you feel comfortable in it and that it's appropriate for the weather conditions. This will ensure that you are able to have a safe and enjoyable experience while horseback riding.
Are jeans or leggings better for horseback riding?
They are both very good options but which one is better for you will depend on what kind of horseback riding are you doing, how long you're staying in the saddle and whether you feel more comfortable in jeans or leggings.
If you're going to be spending a lot of time in the saddle, doing trail rides, then the best option would be jeans. If you're going to be riding for shorter periods of time, such as a morning canter, then it's better to wear leggings as they are much more comfortable than jeans and they won't ride up when you're working hard.
Can I wear a dress for horseback riding?
It's not as easy to ride a horse in a dress and it's less comfortable than you might think.
However, there are ways that you can make it work. You may be able to wear a dress for short distances or just when you're riding at home. The most important thing to remember is that the dress needs to fit well and be comfortable. It's also helpful to consider how you will be riding. If you are not going to be doing any strenuous activities, a dress can be fine.
If you are planning on riding over long distances or if you are planning on doing strenuous activities while on a horseback, you may want to consider wearing pants instead of a dress.
What is special about horse riding pants?
Horse riding pants are the basic of a rider’s wardrobe and the most important part of a rider’s outfit. They protect the rider legs from brushing up against the horse's side and from saddle chafing. They are also very good for the leg contact which helps control the horse while riding, and reduce the risk of tangling, thanks to the tight fit.
The best horse riding pants have been specially designed to be as comfortable as possible on horseback, while still protecting the rider’s legs. They are made of a soft and breathable material that keeps you dry and comfortable even when you are exposed to the elements. The quality of the riding pants matters, so you need to make sure that you buy the best ones you can afford.
Michael Dehaan is a passionate horse owner, horse rider, and lover of all things equine. He has been around horses since he was a child, and has grown to become an expert in the field. He has owned and ridden a variety of horses of different breeds, and has trained many to compete in shows and competitions. He is an experienced horseman, having worked with and competed many horses, including his own. He is an active member of the equestrian community, participating in events and teaching riding lessons.
