What Should You Wear to a Horse Riding Lesson?

For your first horse riding lesson, wear sturdy boots with a small heel, long pants such as jeans or riding tights, and fitted layers you can move in. You'll also need a certified riding helmet. Skip sneakers, shorts, loose scarves and dangling jewelry. You don't need to buy expensive riding clothes to start. Most people already own nearly everything they need.

Everything below comes back to two things: keeping you safe around a large animal, and letting you move freely enough to learn. Here's what to put on, what to leave at home, and how to dress for western Washington weather.

Footwear: the most important choice

If you only get one thing right, make it your boots.

What works

• Boots with a defined heel, usually around an inch. Western boots, paddock boots and many work boots all qualify. The heel stops your foot from sliding forward through the stirrup, which is a real safety concern if you ever lose your balance or fall.
• A fairly smooth sole. Deep, chunky lugs, like on some hiking boots, can catch in the stirrup. A smoother sole slides out more easily if it needs to.
• Closed toe, sturdy upper. You'll be standing next to an animal that weighs well over a thousand pounds. Leather or another solid material gives your toes some protection if a hoof lands in the wrong place.

What to avoid

• Sneakers and running shoes. They have no heel and a flexible, grippy sole. That combination is exactly what lets a foot slide through or get stuck in a stirrup.
• Sandals, flip-flops, Crocs or any open shoe. Not safe anywhere near horses, on the ground or in the saddle.
• Rain boots with no heel. Tall rubber boots are tempting in wet weather. But unless they have a real heel and a reasonably smooth sole, they're not ideal for riding. Keep them for walking through muddy areas and change before you get on.

If you don't own anything suitable, ask when you request a lesson. We can talk through what will work before you buy anything.

Pants: long, comfortable and snug-ish

Wear long pants every time. The inside of your legs rubs against the saddle and stirrup leathers, and bare skin chafes and pinches quickly.

• Jeans are the classic choice, especially for Western riding. A pair with some stretch is more comfortable than stiff, heavy denim.
• Riding tights, breeches or leggings work well too. Thicker leggings hold up better than thin ones.
• Avoid thick inside seams if you can, because they can rub. That becomes more noticeable the longer you ride.
• No shorts, capris or skirts. Even on a warm day, your lower legs need to be covered.

Tops and layers

Choose tops that fit close to your body without restricting your arms. Loose, flowing shirts can flap and startle a horse, and they can catch on tack.

• A fitted T-shirt or long-sleeve base layer is a good start.
• A zip-up fleece or light jacket you can take off without pulling it over your head, and without scaring the horse.
• A vest is useful because it keeps your core warm while leaving your arms free.
• Tuck in or secure anything loose. Hoodie strings and long jacket tails should be tucked or tied so they can't snag.

The helmet

Wear a riding helmet certified to ASTM/SEI standards for equestrian use. Bike helmets, ski helmets and other sports helmets aren't designed for the kind of falls that happen around horses, so they aren't a substitute.

A few basics on fit:

• It should sit level, about an inch or so above your eyebrows, not tipped back.
• It should feel snug all the way around, with no pressure points, and shouldn't shift when you move your head.
• The chin strap should be fastened every time you ride, snug enough that only a finger or two fits underneath.
• Replace any helmet that's taken a hard impact, even if it looks fine.

Ask us about helmets when you book. Helmet arrangements depend on BHP policy and on the rider, so check before your first lesson rather than assuming either way.

Gloves: optional but helpful

Gloves aren't required for most beginners, but many riders like them. A thin, close-fitting pair designed for riding, or a simple work glove with good grip, protects your hands from the reins and from rope burn during groundwork. Avoid bulky winter gloves. They make it hard to feel the reins and handle buckles and brushes.

What not to wear: a quick checklist

Before you leave the house, check that you're not wearing:

• Sneakers, sandals or any shoe without a heel
• Shorts, skirts or cropped pants
• Loose scarves, which can catch on tack or a fence
• Dangling earrings, necklaces or bracelets
• Large rings that could snag on a lead rope or reins
• Loose, flowing clothing or unsecured hood strings
• Strong perfume or scented lotion (some horses notice, and it attracts bugs)

Long hair should be tied back low so it fits under the helmet comfortably. A low braid or a low ponytail usually works better than a high bun.

Dressing for Pacific Northwest weather

Western Washington weather changes fast, and a morning that starts cold and gray can turn bright and warm by the time you're done. Layers are your best friend.

Rain and damp

• A waterproof jacket that isn't too long. A shorter rain shell is better than a long coat, which can drape awkwardly over the saddle.
• Quiet materials. Very crinkly, noisy rain gear can bother some horses at first. A softer shell is a good choice.
• Spare socks in the car. Wet feet make for a miserable drive home.
• Mud-friendly footwear. Expect some mud around horses for a good part of the year. Wear boots you don't mind getting dirty.

Cold

• Thin, warm layers under a fitted jacket work better than one bulky coat.
• Wool or synthetic socks keep feet warmer than cotton.
• A thin beanie or headband under your helmet can help on cold days, but only if the helmet still fits properly with it on.

Sun and warmth

• Sunscreen, especially on your face, neck and the backs of your hands.
• A light, breathable long-sleeve shirt often beats a tank top for sun protection and scrapes.
• Sunglasses can help, but take them off if they make it hard to judge distance or see the horse's expressions clearly.

What to bring

A small bag in the car keeps things simple:

• Water. Riding is more physical than it looks.
• A snack, particularly for kids.
• An extra layer and a rain jacket, whatever the forecast says.
• Sunscreen.
• A change of shoes and socks for the drive home.
• Your helmet, if you have one.

What else to bring, like paperwork or anything specific to the lesson, depends on BHP policy. Ask when you request your lesson. For a full picture of what happens once you arrive, read What to Expect at Your First Horse Riding Lesson.

Dressing kids for their first lesson

Everything above applies to children, with a few extras. Kids outgrow boots fast, so secondhand boots with a proper heel are a sensible choice. Check that the helmet fits their head today, not one they'll "grow into." And pack an extra layer, because children tend to get cold faster than adults while standing and listening. Parents may also find Beginner Horse Riding Lessons: Everything Parents Should Know useful, or our Kids Horse Riding Lessons page.

Ready for your first lesson?

Once you've got boots with a heel, long pants, fitted layers and a helmet sorted out, you're ready. Our Beginner Horse Riding Lessons page explains what we cover, from horse safety and grooming to steering, stopping and walk/trot work. When you're ready, request a beginner lesson and let us know if you have questions about clothing or helmets. We're happy to help before you arrive in Roy.