‘What kind of clothing should I wear when horseback riding or trying out horseback riding experiences…?’
‘I want to know how to choose and what recommended clothing is…!’
If you’re about to try horseback riding for the first time or are considering pursuing it seriously, you might feel unsure about what to wear during riding sessions. It’s also natural to be curious if you plan to have a horseback riding experience while traveling.
Horse riding gear is not something you can easily find in everyday stores, so most people tend to purchase these items through online shopping platforms.
However, even if you purchase with high hopes, you might end up disappointed with comments like ‘It didn’t fit me…’ ‘It broke easily…’. In this age of countless inexpensive options, selecting truly recommended horseback riding gear can be quite challenging.
Horseback riding is an attractive activity that offers opportunities to feel the great outdoors and experience a sense of unity with the horse. Of course, there are risks of injury if you’re inattentive.
When selecting products for riding, choosing cheap and low-quality items can compromise safety and enjoyment. Therefore, for beginners or those starting serious horseback riding, it’s crucial to ‘understand the key points for choosing gear’.
In this article, we will explain ‘clothing for horseback riding and key points for choosing the right gear’.
What Is the Typical Clothing for Horseback Riding?
For one-time visitor experiences, most people wear casual, easy-to-move-in clothing that can get dirty without worry.
Those who join riding clubs regularly should prepare clothing suited to the riding style to ensure safety and enjoy long-term riding. Riding can be divided mainly into two styles, with different formal attire for each.
British Style
The traditional British style features a polished look with a shirt and blazer or a shirt and jodhpurs, complemented by boots. For formal occasions, it includes a black, red, or navy blazer, white jodhpurs, and black leather long boots, often with a helmet or a silk hat. However, such attire isn’t necessary for everyday activities at riding clubs.
Precision and beauty in movement are emphasized in riding, and most riding clubs in Japan follow the British style. When choosing clothing, it’s best to base it on this style, which we use for the key points we’ll introduce.
Western Style
The American-inspired Western style evolved for practical horse riding, particularly for tough environments or long-distance travel. It features relaxed, comfortable clothing like hats, jeans, and Western boots. The style often evokes a Western movie image and is popular for its casual yet functional look.
While less familiar in Japan, the Western style has gained popularity due to its unique riding techniques and aesthetics, leading some to shift from British to Western styles.
What Should Beginners Pay Attention to in Horseback Riding Clothing?
While horseback riding as a hobby generally doesn’t have strict dress codes, there are certain clothing items to avoid.
1. Skirts and Hooded Jackets
Skirts are dangerous because they restrict movement and pose safety risks. It’s best to wear pants or culottes for easy movement. Hooded jackets should also be avoided for safety reasons.
2. Sandals and Heels
Even at casual riding clubs, sandals and high heels are dangerous and should never be worn. Aim for comfortable, practical clothing suitable for movement.
3. Ill-fitting Protectors or Helmets
Protectors and helmets should fit your body properly. Consult with the staff at the riding club to ensure you choose the right size for safety.
4. Bright Colors or Flourescent Clothing
Bright or fluorescent clothing can excite the horse, so it’s best to stick to subdued colors for safety.
5. Unnecessary Items
During riding, it’s risky to fall or drop belongings. Avoid carrying unnecessary items like cameras or small accessories.
How to Choose Riding Clothes: Key Tips
To enjoy safe and comfortable horseback riding, we will introduce four points to consider when selecting clothing, focusing on the British style popular in most Japanese riding clubs.
How to Choose Culottes and Trousers
Tips for beginners when choosing culottes include:
- Opt for ones with non-slip inner lining
- Silicone-type culottes
Horse riding heavily relies on core strength and controlled movements of the lower body. Wearing riding-specific culottes that support these movements through durability and slip-resistant features will help improve balance. Silicone-type culottes are currently popular because they provide better breathability, sweat absorption, and fit, making riding more comfortable and enhancing your skills faster.
How to Choose Tops
Key points for choosing tops include:
- Collar-up polo shirts
- High safety helmets
Since horseback riding has a noble image and is called a gentleman’s sport, fitted collared shirts are recommended. Choose subdued colors such as white or navy for the tops.
Additionally, having a properly fitted, non-rental helmet that matches your head size will allow for safer riding experiences.
How to Choose Footwear
初心者はロングブーツやショートブーツ＋チャップスのどちらかを選ぶか迷うことが多いと思います。安心・安全に乗馬を楽しむためには、着脱しやすく、足首の動きが妨げられないショートブーツ＋チャップスの組み合わせがおすすめです。特にスエード生地のチャップスは滑り止めに効果的で、初心者でも安定した乗馬が可能です。
冬の防寒具の選び方
冬も快適に乗馬を楽しむには防寒具の準備も重要です。動きやすく、暖かくてすぐに脱げる防寒ジャケットがおすすめです。できるだけ体にフィットするものを選びましょう。
初心者がお得に揃える方法
「一つずつ自分で選ぶのは大変…！」
「なるべくコストを抑えたい…！」
乗馬グッズの価格はピンからキリまでありますし、安い質の悪いものもあるため注意が必要です。初心者向けにセット販売されている商品を購入すると、費用を節約でき、扱いやすいグッズも選ばれているためおすすめです。
信頼できる業者から販売されている初心者向けのブーツ・チャップス・ヘルメット3点セットを購入すると良いでしょう。セット商品を購入するときは、信頼できるメーカーの製品を選びましょう。
まとめ
いかがでしたでしょうか。馬と心を通わせ、一体となって大地を駆け巡る乗馬は本当に大きな魅力を持っています。今回は、服装のポイントを紹介しましたが、これからも安全に、思いきり乗馬を楽しんでくださいね！