What Should You Wear Horseback Riding? (Beginner & Summer Edition)
Starting horseback riding and not sure what to wear? You’re not alone. Here’s exactly what to wear horseback riding—for comfort, confidence, and safety—especially in warm weather.
Feel Comfortable and Confident on Your First Ride
Starting a new sport can be intimidating—especially one that comes with its own wardrobe.
You’ve signed up for lessons, maybe borrowed a helmet, but you’re not sure what to wear. Jeans? Leggings? Tall boots? Short boots?
You want to feel comfortable, look the part, and avoid beginner mistakes without buying a full new wardrobe.
The good news? You don’t need a closet full of expensive gear to feel confident in the saddle. You just need to know what actually works.
What Should You Wear Horseback Riding?
Whether you’re going for a casual trail ride or a first lesson at a riding school, the right outfit should:
- Keep you comfortable in and out of the saddle
- Prevent chafing or slipping
- Offer protection (from friction, heat, or even the occasional nibble!)
- Help you move freely and confidently
Here’s what we recommend for a beginner-friendly, summer-ready riding outfit:
1. Helmet (Required)
Even if it’s not a competition ride, always wear an ASTM/SEI-approved helmet.
2. Fitted Shirt (Lightweight & Breathable)
Look for a moisture-wicking, UV-protective shirt—not a cotton tee that traps sweat.
Pro tip: Avoid anything too loose that could get caught on tack.
3. Riding Pants (Breeches or Tights)
You want pants that are seamless in the inner thigh and made of a stretchy, durable fabric. No jeans or yoga pants.
4. Boots with a Small Heel
You’ll need boots with a smooth sole and 1” heel to prevent your foot from slipping through the stirrup. Paddock boots (ankle height) or tall boots work great.
5. Optional Extras
- Riding gloves (for better grip on the reins)
- Belt (if your pants have loops—some barns require it)
- Vest or light layer (if you’re riding in the morning or wind)
Why Athletic Shirts or Leggings Don’t Cut It
It’s tempting to wear gym gear to your first ride—especially in summer—but that’s a mistake many riders only make once.
Athletic leggings often have seams in all the wrong places and slide around the saddle, making it harder to stay balanced.
Similarly, running shirts may wick moisture but don’t have the structure or length for riding. They ride up, wrinkle under a vest, or don’t offer enough airflow when tucked in.
What to Wear Horseback Riding in Hot Weather
In warm climates or summer months, look for:
- Short-sleeve or mesh-panel shirts that offer airflow without sacrificing sun protection
- Lightweight breeches or riding tights made of technical fabric
- Moisture-wicking undergarments to avoid discomfort
- UV protection built into your shirt and helmet visor
Sweat is inevitable—but the right fabric can make or break your comfort level on a 90°F ride.
How Armateq Makes Summer Riding Better
At Armateq Apparel, we design for riders who train year-round—and know what it feels like to sweat in a poorly designed shirt.
Our performance riding tops are:
- Moisture-wicking & breathable
- Tailored for riding posture
- Built with mesh panels in high-sweat zones
- Made with 4-way stretch that moves with your body
- Long enough to stay tucked, structured enough to wear untucked
They’re just as suited for a first lesson as they are for a full day at a show.
Most-Searched Questions This Blog Answers:
- What should you wear horseback riding for the first time?
- What pants are best for horseback riding?
- Can you wear leggings to ride a horse?
- What should you wear to a riding lesson in summer?
- What shoes do I wear to ride a horse?
- Can I wear jeans horseback riding?
- What should a woman wear horseback riding?
- Do I need breeches to take riding lessons?
- Can you wear shorts on a horse?
- What do equestrians wear in hot weather?
Need a Go-To Riding Shirt?
If you’re starting lessons or just looking to upgrade from that sweaty gym tee, we’ve got your back (literally).
👉 Shop Our Bestselling Riding Shirts
- ✅ Breathable, performance-tested fabric
- ✅ Designed to move with you
- ✅ Looks good on and off the horse
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to go all-in on show gear to look and feel ready to ride.
Start with the essentials: a helmet, proper footwear, comfortable riding pants, and a well-fitted, breathable shirt that works as hard as you do.
That’s where Armateq comes in.
Whether you’re a first-time rider or getting back in the saddle after years away, we’ll help you feel confident, cool, and fully equipped.