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The Best Horse Riding Clothes: English and Western

Last updated: October 10, 2022

By: Miles HenryFact Checked

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Riding horses is a part of our culture, and if you ride or plan to learn, it’s important to have the right clothes. The article provides recommendations on the best horse riding clothes and how they help make riding and learning safe and enjoyable.

The best horse riding clothes are practical, comfortable, and safe to wear around horses. In general, anyone riding a horse should wear a helmet, suitable footwear (riding boots), riding pants, and a comfortable shirt; for some, riding gloves are necessary.

If you are looking for the best horseriding clothes, then I’m going to make things easy for you. Below I’ve listed some of the best picks in each category of riding apparel: boots, gloves, shirts, pants, and helmets.

Picture of a girl riding a horse.

I give my recommendation for clothes to wear for both English and Western riders. I start with English riding clothing, so if you’re only interested in the best clothes for Western riding, scroll past the first section.

Best Horse Riding Clothes-English Style

English-style horseback riding is popular for competitions and traditional equestrian events. Dressage, show jumping, and eventing are the most well-known variations of English-style riding.

During competitions and formal training, you will likely be required to wear riding clothes that conform to the activity. The recommendations that follow will have you ready to ride in just about any English equestrian event.

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Best Men’s Equestrian Breeches: TuffRider Regular Full Seat Cotton Breech

TuffRider full seat cotton breeches are perfect to wear for schooling thanks to their synthetic micro-suede material, which prevents you from slipping in the saddle.

The soft and breathable material even prevents sweating on hot summer days. The suede material also contains Spandex that keeps these breeches super stretchy and flexible.

TuffRider also makes women’s schoolers and breeches.

Pros

  • Form-fitting yet roomy in necessary areas
  • Plenty of color and size choices

Cons

  • Colors appear differently on the screen.

Price range

$75 to $95.

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Best Women’s Equestrian Breeches: BALEAF Women’s Horse Riding Pants

BALEAF Women’s breeches are super stretchy due to their 25% Elastane content. This material also dries sweat quickly so you can ride in comfort on hot days.

BALEAF breeches feature a wide elastic waistband with loops, buckskin medial kneepads for securing in the saddle, and silicone grippers to keep the pant legs tucked inside your riding boots.

They are also available in at least seven different sizes and colors – so there is something for everyone.

Pros

  • Lightweight, soft, and comfortable
  • Super-stretchy
  • Value for money

Cons

  • A few users reported bunching up of the breeches
  • Inseams were uncomfortable for some women.

Price range

  • $27 to $33
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Best Equestrian Shirts for Men: XGC Men’s Riding Shirt

XCG cycling shirts are perfect to wear during a relaxing horse ride or equestrian competition. XGC riding shirts for men are made with a breathable, moisture-wicking material. So you won’t be worried about sweating on those hot weather rides.

They come in a wide range of color and size choices, all with high visibility design and pockets to help you stash your phone, keys, etc. They also have a moisture-wicking ribbon at the collar to prevent chaffing. Their highly-tested zippers come with covers to prevent rusting and scratching of your skin.

Pros

  • Quick-dry, breathable, moisture-wicking, comfortable
  • Pockets
  • High-visibility

Cons

  • Size runs small.

Price range

  • $18+
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Best Riding Shirt for Women: HISKYWIN UPF 50+ Riding Shirt

No more sun damage to your skin while riding! HISKYWIN riding shirts for women have a protection factor of 50+, which makes them perfect for riding in hot weather.

HISKYWIN equestrian shirts are made with 100% polyester and are soft, quick-drying, and breathable. They also protect against chaffing and irritation.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Sun protection
  • Comfortable
  • Versatile use for all outdoor activities.
  • It fits true to size

Cons

  • Thin material may not be suitable for winter riding.
  • The arms are slightly long.

Price range

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Best English Style Riding Boots for Men or Women: Dublin Galtymore Tall

When you are looking for a pair of boots that are comfortable and will last, the Galtymore Tall Dress Boots should be your top choice. These leather beauties offer a shock-absorbing heel and moister-wicking liner to keep feet dry and comfortable all day long!

Durability is not an issue thanks to its full-grain European leather that has a stylish Spanish cut top-line. The boots are designed with elasticated panels, so they fit perfectly. The Dublin riding boot is made for riding.

Pros

  • Durable, lightweight, breathable
  • Easy to put on and take off
  • Superior grip
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Tend to slip in the mud.
  • $10-$22
Picture of a woman horse riding western style

Best Horse Riding Clothes: Western

Western-style horse riding includes many fun activities such as barrel racing, trail riding, roping, and team penning. These are fun sports, but it can get uncomfortable sitting in a saddle, especially if you’re not wearing the correct type of clothing.

Here is my favorite western-style horse riding clothes.

The best pants to wear for western style horse riding

When riding a horse, you need durable pants that fit well and allow freedom of movement. There are many different brands and styles of western riding jeans out there, but there is one brand that stands above the crowd, Wrangler jeans.

Picture of a new pair of Wrangler jeans.

Wrangler 13MWZ Cowboy Cut Jeans – Men’s

Wrangler’s original cowboy cut jeans are made with durable heavyweight cotton, felled seams to prevent chafing, and a regular fit through the seat and thigh that tapers below the knee for an authentic look; this western denim essential will stay with you for years to come.

The Wrangler 13MWZ Cowboy Cut Jeans are a tried and true classic and one of the most durable and comfortable jeans you can buy. These jeans are made with a heavy-duty cotton material that is perfect for the western lifestyle.

The 13MWZ offers a regular fit with an original cowboy-cut leg opening. The waistband on these jeans is reinforced, making them even more durable than other types of denim jeans. They also feature felled seams which prevent chafing and rips when riding. This western denim essential will stay with you for years to come.

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Wrangler Women’s Q-Baby Mid Rise Boot Cut Ultimate Riding Jean.

Wrangler Q Baby riding jeans are designed to fit over your favorite pair of boots and sit at the waist for a comfortable, no-gap fit. These riding jeans are fitted through the seat and thigh with a higher back rise for full coverage and comfort while sitting in a saddle.

The Ultimate Riding Jeans are perfect for working, riding, and wearing to town. Made to be durable, these pants have a full-flex knee and unrestricted movement in mind, so you can enjoy what matters most without restriction. Flat comfort seams make sure that they won’t chafe or irritate your skin while riding.

Best shirts to wear horse riding: Western

For basic riding around your house, you can wear a t-shirt or sweatshirt so long as it isn’t too big and bulky. But if you intend to go on an extended trail ride or a competition, you should wear a comfortable long sleeve shirt with snaps. Wrangler makes my favorite western shirts.

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Best Western riding shirt: Wrangler Men’s Long Sleeve Sport Western Snap Shirt

This Wrangler shirt has classic western styling with three-snap cuffs and snaps pockets for those days when your hands need to be free all of the time – it’s perfect for horseback riding, everyday wear, or work attire that needs some spicing up.

This classic riding shirt will keep you looking sharp and put together. Built with a durable cotton blend, this traditional style is perfect for those long trail rides. Whether you’re riding in your backyard or an arena, you need clothes that are built for comfort and style, and this Western sport shirt provides both of those things.

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Best western riding shirt: Alex Vando Women’s Dress Shirts Regular Fit Long Sleeve Stretch Work Shirt

The Alex Vando shirt looks great and is available in different colors and patterns. What I like about these shirts are their material stretches which allow you to move freely in the saddle while not having to wear an oversized top.

Wrangler also makes nice western-style riding shirts for women with snaps. These shirts are durable, comfortable, and have the western flair barrel racers love.

The best western boots for horse riding

A good riding boot is the most crucial piece of equipment for any rider. It not only protects your lower legs from rubbing injuries but also keeps your foot in place while on horseback.

Before purchasing a new pair of Western riding boots, the three essential considerations are its heel style, shaft height (high-rise versus low), and material type – leather vs. synthetic.

When you’re riding a horse, one of the most important things is to have your foot securely in the stirrup, which is why a heel is crucial. If your foot slips out, not only will that make your ride uncomfortable and frustrating, but it’s also unsafe!

The boot shaft protects your lower legs and prevents rubbing injuries, and high-quality material ensures that the boots are durable enough to stand up to daily wear and tear for a long time.

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Best western riding boots for men: ARIAT Sport Ranger Western Boot

I wear Justin Ropers when riding, but these Sport Rangers are more versatile. They have a mid-length shaft of 11.25 inches and a rubber sole that’s not too aggressive, so you can easily slide your foot in and out of a stirrup but still have enough grip for walking.

The boots are constructed of 100% leather, and as with all Ariat boots, they are comfortable and built to last. While I love my Justin Ropers for riding, their slick leather soles aren’t practical for everyday wear.

Best western riding boots for women: Ariat Unbridled Roper Western Boots 

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Unbridled Ropers by Ariat are no-frills riding boots but are made with all the bells and whistles. They provide excellent stability and comfort. They are made from full-grain leather; you’ll love how comfortable it is next to your skin.

Plus, they’re durable and easy to wear all day long! The heel is 1.5 inches, and the shaft 10 inches, and this translates to comfort on and off your horse.

Also read: How Much Do Cowboy Boots Cost

Best Riding Equipment

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Best Riding Helmets: Ovation Equestrian-Unisex Helmets Deluxe Schooler

Ovation stylish equestrian helmets are great for professionals and schooling riders. They feature superior ventilation to keep sweat from running down your face.

These are unisex helmets with lightweight, low profiles – suitable for men, women, and kids too. Many helmets come in matte or metallic finishes too. Girls can even choose bright pink, purple, and other attractive colors.

Ovation helmets also feature a removable lining for easy cleaning and maintenance. The well-designed helmet also has an adjustable buckle and clip design that stays off the rider’s face.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable
  • Stylish
  • Durable

Cons

  • Fitting issues.

Price range

  • $60-$75
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Best Equestrian Gloves: Heritage Premier Show Gloves

Top athletes and equestrians choose Heritage Premier Glove for the following reasons:

First, it is made with high-quality, synthetic leather that increases grip on reins and gives you better control. Their material is also breathable and moisture-wicking – which helps eliminate sweaty palms.

Second, the gloves are ventilated at the thumb and fingers, which further prevents sweating and ensures that the reins won’t slip and slide around in hot weather.

Third, they are unisex and look great on men and women.

Last but not least, their double-stitching seam keeps them long-lasting and durable.

Pros

  • High-quality show gloves
  • Unisex
  • Well-made
  • Look beautiful
  • Long-lasting
  • Superior grip

Cons

  • Size issues

Price range

  • $22 to $34
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Best horse riding body protector: UNISTRENGH Equestrian Vest

This safety vest combines optimum comfort and fit while affording a high level of shock absorption and impact reduction. The zippered front and laced side adjustment provide an easier fit.

Extended padding provides increased protection for the tailbone. The scalloped lower front allows you to move with less restriction than similar vests.

Picture of a couple riding horses on the beach.

What should you not wear for horse riding?

Avoid wearing baggy, loose, lumpy clothes, capes, etc., which could flap and scare your horse. Also, avoid wearing sneakers and tennis shoes as they do not have heels.

Do not wear uncomfortable pants with inseams that could cause chafing, irritation, and redness on the skin while riding. Wearing shorts is never a good idea because the insides of your legs will rub against the saddle and get sores.

Conclusion

When horseback riding, it’s vital that you wear the right clothes. It may seem like an unnecessary detail, but there are many benefits of wearing the correct attire when on a horse.

The clothes you wear for horse riding should include a well-ventilated helmet, ventilated riding gloves that promise a superior grip on the reins, a comfortable non-baggy shirt, and long pants like breeches, riding jeans, or jodhpurs.

It would be best to have half chaps or riding boots and comfortable, moisture-wicking socks inside them. You may need clothes that protect you from the sun and layers of warm clothes for cold weather.

We hope the above guide helps you select the best horse riding clothes. Below is a video I found on affordable equestrian clothes:

FAQs about Horse Riding Clothes

What are the best equestrian brands for horse riding apparel?

Here are six brands that provide superior horse riding apparel: Horze, TuffRider, ARIAT, Wrangler, HR Farms, and Ovation

How do real cowboys dress?

Real cowboys wear jeans, a western shirt, cowboy boots, a broad leather belt with a large buckle, and a distinctive cowboy hat. A cowboy’s outfit is more than just fashion; each item has a purpose. For example, their hat protects and keeps the sun off their face.

Can you wear jeans for horse riding?

You can wear jeans horse riding, but you should buy jeans designed for riding, which have smoother inner seams that prevent chaffing when you are in the saddle. Avoid low-rise jeans as they are impractical. You can wear skinny jeans too if you want to tuck them inside your riding boots. Bootcut jeans are ideal since it is made for wearing with cowboy boots.

Can you wear sneakers for horse riding?

You should not wear sneakers horse riding. Tennis shoes don’t have heels like riding boots, and heels are significant in preventing your foot from slipping through the stirrup and getting hung up. Riding boots also protect your ankles which sneakers cannot.

Why do people wear long pants for horse riding?

Horse riding pants – called breeches or jodhpurs – and riding jeans protect your legs from irritation and chafing that comes from rubbing against the saddle.