Last Updated on March 4, 2022 by Allison Price
As summer nears, the sun spends less time hiding than it does warming us. Our riding gear can become a bit too restrictive and warm. What do you do if the sweat starts to get too real?
Horseback riding in shorts is possible It is not recommended to ride horseback in shorts. Shorts are not recommended as they rub against the leather saddle, chafe quickly, and can cause skin irritation between the saddle & stirrup leather. Long pants with stretch are recommended for maximum protection and comfort. When riding, most equestrians wear breeches and jodhpurs.
Bubble burst. Horseback riding is a sport that requires a lot of clothing choices. It’s tempting, we know.
“But she said often. Is that a loophole?
You are very attentive! You are very committed to your dream of horse riding with lightly dressed horses. Let’s now talk about summer horse riding gear.
Why is Horseback Riding with Shorts Bad?
Horseback riding requires specific clothing and gear to ensure safety and comfort. While no one will arrest you for riding in shorts, there are some guidelines that you can follow for your own safety. We both have tried most clothing options while riding on horseback, and we can confirm that shorts are not a staple of our equestrian wardrobe.
There will be friction between your skin, the saddle and your horse’s movement when you are sitting in a saddle. Not only will your legs and seat move with the horse’s movements, but your legs and calves will also rub against the saddle flap. Your legs and thighs could be pinched by the stirrup leather. These are not pleasant experiences that will ruin a lot of horse riding experience.
Grip is another thing shorts lack. Equestrians wear breeches and jodhpurs a lot. They have sections in their inner thighs and leg wades of silicone, leather, or other materials. This gives them a better grip and allows them to sit more deeply on the horse.
Also, bare legs can expose your skin to the sun and cause sunburn. You might be thinking, “Well, why don’t I wear SPF?” You can make your legs slippery by allowing sweat and sun lotion to mix together. It can also leave a stain on leather that is difficult to clean. As someone who is currently shopping for a saddle for my horse, it’s something I know I will be protecting.
Can Shorts be worn while horseback riding?
We would only allow you to wear shorts while riding on horseback if you’re going bareback or swimming with your horse. The ‘rubbing factor’ is removed and long breeches are not recommended if you plan to swim in the water. You might be wondering if you can swim with a horse. If so, then is the article for you.
What to wear for horseback riding during summer?
Summer is characterized by heat and sun. There are many ways to adapt your clothing to keep cool and protect yourself from the sun.
Wear water-wicking clothing Summer is a time when we sweat more. We want to keep that moisture from soaking into our skin and fabrics. Moisture-wicking fabrics do exactly this. They keep us cool and dry, even while we are sweating under the scorching sun.
Chose lightweight materials. Microfibers, which are lighter than other materials, dry quickly and are ideal for summer.
You should look for ventilation and breathability. You want to ensure that you are able to take advantage of the cool breeze by making sure your helmet and clothing allow air through.
Use lighter colors. Equestrian clothes often have dark colors. This is useful when you spend most of your time outdoors and in an environment that’s not exactly clean. Black breeches are not the best choice for summer, as darker colors attract heat more readily.
Built-in SPF. Your clothing can help protect your skin from sun damage. SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a measure of how effective a skin lotion or product is at protecting against sun exposure. UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) is likewise a measure of how well clothing protects against the sun. The amount of sun protection that a garment offers depends on many factors, including color, structure, content, material, coverage, activity, and even the fabric. The Skin Cancer Foundation’s website has more information about UPF. You can also find a list of recommended clothes which have been awarded the Seal of Recommendation to protect your skin from the sun.
It is easy to wash and dry. It’s hot and sticky in summer so we will need to wash clothes and gear more often. This category includes new investments that will need to be washed and dried easily.
How do you dress Horseback Riding on the beach?
Horseback riding on the beaches is a fairytale scenario that all horse riders dream about. We also do it when there’s rain or snow, so we have to dress warm! What should you wear if you’re one of those lucky people who will be riding on the beach?
The answer is that they are the same clothes you would wear when horse riding in summer. The specific items will be discussed below. However, the general principles of summer riding gear apply. If you’re going swimming with your horse, you can wear those shorts.
What to look for when buying horseback riding gear for summer
These are some things you should look out for before you shop for summer gear. This will ensure that you get the best value for your hard-earned cash.
Helmet
The helmet is always our first item of gear, regardless of whether it’s winter, summer, spring, or fall.
- In the summer heat, ventilation is crucial so make sure you choose helmets that have good, well-placed vents
- Visors provide protection for your eyes and face from the sun. Choose a model that has a wider and more long visor than the standard helmet.
- The helmet’s front lining has moisture-wicking sweat bands that will remove sweat from your forehead.
- Easy to remove and washable padding
- Last tip: Bring your favorite sunglasses along when you try on the helmet to ensure that they fit comfortably.
Horse Riding Pants
Oh, pants! You do. Here are some things to look out for when shopping for summer riding pants.
- Lightweight, breathable materials that help to keep your body’s temperature down
- Technology that wicks moisture (just like your helmet).
- The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends UPF protection of at least 30.
Shoes
It is important to wear the right shoes. Nothing is more appealing than wearing winter boots in the summer. Melt alert!
- Height. Take off the layer of clothing covering your legs in summer and slip on a pair ankle boots. They should have a closed toe, a minimum of a 1-inch (2.5 cm), heel.
- Color. If you can, stay away from black.
You should wear footwear around horses that is solid. They are supposed to protect your feet from being stomped on. Unfortunately, there are not many ventilation or breathability options for this type of footwear.
Gloves
It’s not fun and safe to try to slow down your horse if the reins slip through your hands. Gloves improve your grip and protect your skin from sunburns and blisters.
- Some airflow can be achieved by ventilating at the back of your glove.
- Color. Choose a lighter shade that retains less heat.
This will hopefully make you feel comfortable and cool on your horse this summer. Enjoy a wonderful ride.
