What to Wear Horseback Riding (Printable Checklist)

If you are wondering what to wear horseback riding, start with a certified riding helmet, sturdy boots with a heel, and well-fitting long pants such as jeans. Add a fitted shirt you can tuck in, layers for the weather, and gloves if you have them. Skip loose, flapping or decorated clothing that could catch on the saddle.

Do you need a helmet for horseback riding?

Yes, a helmet is the single most important item on the list. The Certified Horsemanship Association says the helmet is the most important thing a rider needs, and recommends that all riders wear one while mounted. In the United States, look for an ASTM certification tag inside the helmet.

The UConn Department of Animal Science notes that head injuries are responsible for more than 60% of horse-related deaths. It also reports that the American Medical Equestrian Association calculates ASTM/SEI approved helmets have reduced all riding-related head injuries by 30% and severe head injuries by 50%.

Buy a new helmet rather than borrowing or buying a used one, since a used helmet could have unseen damage. Many trail-ride establishments lend helmets, so ask when you book. To check fit, UConn suggests wiggling the helmet: it should move your eyebrows, and long hair should be secured below the helmet. If you want to compare models, Virginia Tech’s equestrian helmet ratings score certified helmets, and a lower STAR score reflects better performance.

What kind of shoes for horseback riding?

Wear sturdy boots with a flat heel of at least one inch. The CHA says boots should support the ankle and protect the toes and top of the foot in case a horse steps on your foot. Cowboy boots and paddock boots are common choices.

The heel matters because it helps keep your foot from sliding through the stirrup. The CHA is clear about what to leave at home: no tennis shoes, hiking boots, snow boots, sandals or flip flops around horses.

Do you need to wear pants to go horseback riding?

Yes, wear long pants. Properly fitting pants, whether riding breeches, jodhpurs or jeans, can prevent chafing, friction burns and pinching by the saddle. Shorts leave your legs exposed to the saddle and the stirrup leathers.

For a trail ride, plain jeans are the easy answer. The CHA notes that jeans can be looser-fitting than breeches and jodhpurs for extra movement, and that pants should be simple, without a lot of decoration or zippers that could scratch the saddle.

What shirt and jacket to wear when horseback riding

Any shirt works if it fits well and cannot catch on the saddle while you mount or dismount. Long sleeves are a great idea for protection from the sun and from brush on the trail. Tuck your shirt in and do not wear tank tops.

Dress in layers you can adjust. If rain is possible, bring a well-fitted rain coat: the CHA warns that rain gear should not flap in the wind, as this may scare a horse. In colder weather, add a jacket that stays close to your body.

Gloves, belts and other horseback riding clothes

Gloves protect your hands from leather or rope burns and blisters, and can improve your grip on the reins. They are a must in cold or wet weather. A plain belt is fine, but nothing should be attached to it, since it could get hung up if it caught on the saddle.

It is always a good idea to bring a cell phone, kept secure in a vest or zipped pocket. The CHA also notes that pleasure and trail riders may want the extra protection of a body protector vest designed for horseback riding. For any question about riding with an injury, back problems or pregnancy, ask your doctor first.

Western vs English: does the riding style change what you wear?

For a casual trail ride, comfort and safety matter more than style. Dress codes become strict only at shows. As an example, the Lancaster County 4-H Horse Dress Code sets out separate Western and English attire for its shows.

If you are entering a competition, check with the show’s organizing association for its required clothing. For a lesson or ride, the business will tell you if it has rules of its own.

What to wear for horseback riding with kids

Kids need the same basics as adults: a fitted riding helmet, boots with a heel and long pants. Before you shop, check the minimum age, because each business sets its own rule.

Of the 920 trail-ride establishments listed, 492 publish a minimum age, as listed on Viaranch in October 2026. These ages are published by the establishments themselves, so confirm the current rule with the business before you book.

For longer stays, kids horse camps usually send a packing list. Follow it, since camps may require specific boots or helmets.

Printable checklist: what to wear to horseback riding

Print this list or save it to your phone before your ride.

• ASTM/SEI-certified riding helmet (or confirm one is provided)
• Boots with a flat heel of at least one inch
• Long pants: jeans, breeches or jodhpurs, no heavy decoration
• Fitted shirt you can tuck in, long sleeves for sun and brush
• Close-fitting rain coat or jacket, depending on the forecast
• Riding gloves
• Plain belt with nothing attached
• Cell phone in a secure pocket
• Hair tie to secure long hair below the helmet
• Questions for the business: helmets, minimum age, weight limit, dress rules

1. Pick a ride
2. Check age and dress rules
3. Gather your gear
4. Confirm with the business
5. Enjoy the trail

Where can you find a trail ride near you?

Viaranch lists 920 trail-ride establishments across 49 states, as listed on Viaranch in October 2026. Browse all of them on our trail rides directory, or start from the list of all states.

The states with the most listings include California, Colorado, Texas, Florida and Montana. Weather differs a lot from a Florida beach ride to a Montana mountain trail, so plan your layers around where you ride. To see how listing details are gathered, read how we check listings.

This guide is general information for riders, not medical or safety advice. Prices and rules come from what establishments publish on their own websites, as listed on Viaranch on the date shown. How we check