Gear & What to Wear
Best Horseback Riding Gear for Maryland Trail Rides
The right gear turns a good trail ride into a great one. Here is what to pack.
Read articleWhat to Wear to Your First Horseback Riding Lesson
You Probably Own It Already
Knowing what to wear to your first horseback riding lesson is simpler than most beginners expect — you almost certainly own everything you need already.
There is no need to buy a single specialist item before your first ride.
The three essentials
Long pants. Leggings, yoga pants or comfortable jeans all work well. Long pants prevent the saddle from rubbing your legs.
Closed-toe footwear with a small heel. A heel of about an inch keeps your foot from slipping through the stirrup. Paddock boots are ideal, but sturdy ankle boots or heeled shoes are fine to start.
A riding helmet. A properly fitted helmet is required. Many farms, including ours, can guide you on sizing for a first lesson.
Dress for the weather
Wear layers you can add or remove. A barn can be cool in the morning and warm by midday, and you will heat up as you ride.
What to avoid
- Shorts — they lead to chafing and pinching
- Sandals, flip-flops or smooth-soled shoes
- Loose, baggy or dangling clothing
- Dangly jewelry and long, loose scarves
A few comfort extras
Tie back long hair, bring a water bottle, and add sunscreen and bug spray in the warmer months. Most importantly, bring a relaxed, curious attitude.
What should a beginner wear to a horseback riding lesson?
A beginner should wear long pants such as leggings or jeans, closed-toe shoes or boots with a small one-inch heel, and a properly fitted riding helmet. Dress in layers for the weather, and avoid shorts, sandals and loose clothing.
Key takeaways
- Long pants and heeled closed-toe shoes are the essentials.
- A properly fitted helmet is required — ask about sizing.
- Dress in layers, since barns and bodies both change temperature.
- Skip shorts, sandals, loose clothing and dangly jewelry.
Ride with Solitude Stables
We are a small family farm in Harwood, MD offering horseback riding lessons and guided trail rides for riders across Anne Arundel County. We would love to welcome you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
More on this topic, answered simply.
Not necessarily. Any sturdy closed-toe shoe or boot with a small heel will do for a first lesson. If you continue riding, paddock boots are a worthwhile early purchase.
Yes. Every rider wears a properly fitted helmet for every lesson, starting with the first. We can help you with sizing so your child is safe and comfortable.
Yes. Comfortable jeans are perfectly fine for early lessons. Some riders later prefer leggings or riding tights because seams sit more smoothly, but jeans work well to start.
Keep reading
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Read articleBring this to life on the farm
Now that you know what to wear, the only thing left is to book your first horseback riding lesson in Harwood, MD.
Have a question first? Email us at [email protected].