Horseback riding clothes should be chosen with regard to safety first and comfort second. For competitions, some apparel is non-negotiable, but most equestrian disciplines provide at least some leeway in rider discretion. And for the casual rider who doesn't want to compete, the options are even more diverse.
Headwear
The first thing to decide when it comes to horseback riding clothes is headwear. Obviously, the safest option here is an ATSM-approved helmet, which can protect the skull in the event of an accident. Some riders, particularly in the western sports, opt for cowboy hats instead.
Young riders may be required to wear helmets until they reach eighteen, depending on where they live and the rules at the barn where they ride. Western riders will be happy to know, however, that there are helmets shaped like cowboy hats for added convenience.
Shirts
Horseback riding clothes should include a shirt that is not too long in the back so that it doesn't catch on the saddle while riding. It should be comfortable and fairly loose, but tucked in if the tail is too long.
Western riders at horse shows will often wear button-down shirts in bright colors. English riders, on the other hand, will wear white or solid-color blouses (called "ratcatchers) with yokes around the neck to which a stock pin is attached. Hunt coats are also appropriate for horseback riding attire, though they may be waived for extremely warm weather.
Gloves
These days, riding gloves are considered more of a fashion statement than anything else, but they are actually intended to protect the rider's hands from burns. Riding gloves should have some sort of gripping material on the palm for better friction, and are more common in English sports.
Pants
Horseback riding clothing should include pants that are both comfortable and convenient. Western style riders wear jeans, for the most part, that lack an inseam so the material doesn't rub the rider's leg. English style riders wear breeches or jodhpurs which also lack an inseam.
It is never a good idea to ride horses in shorts, as the leather on the saddle can scrape or burn a rider's legs in just a few minutes. English riders will notice that stirrup leathers can rub sores on calves quite easily, as well, which is why chaps or half chaps are recommended in the absence of field boots.
Footwear
Horseback riding clothes are not complete without the appropriate boots, which will vary depending on the equestrian sport and the rider's preferences. Western riders often wear cowboy boots, which are characterized by engraved leather in varying colors.
English riders, on the other hand, usually wear either paddock boots or field boots. Paddock boots are shorter and are usually laced, with narrow heels and lots of ankle supports. Field boots come up almost to the knee, are usually black or brown, and come both with and without laces.
There are lots of other different types of horseback riding clothes, most of which are optional. For example, both English and Western riders might wear spurs on the heels of their boots either for show or as training aids. English riders who participate in cross-country events are encouraged to wear safety vests and some western riders wear chaps.
Additionally, an English rider's show attire can include a formal tie, particularly in saddleseat events. Before attending a show, it is a good idea to ask about the dress code.
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