Clothes for riding

Short answer: On horseback you sit still while your legs work against the saddle. Friction on the inside of the thigh decides how long the ride stays comfortable. A smooth inner layer, socks with a long leg and enough layers to stay warm make the biggest difference.

Friction against the saddle

The inside of your thigh rubs against the saddle with every step the horse takes. That is where friction starts, and where it hurts first on a long ride. A smooth layer next to the skin lets the skin glide rather than rub, and you notice it most at the trot, where the movement repeats quickly.

Seams and folds in the wrong places

A thick seam on the inside of the leg or a fold of fabric under the saddle turns into a pressure point before long. Check where the seams sit before you ride in something new. Clothes that fit close without pulling fold less, and that makes a real difference after an hour in the saddle.

Riding boots close the leg in

Tall boots give neither air nor room, and the sock has to handle the rest. Your foot rests in the stirrup for most of the ride, and moisture struggles to escape. Soft socks that do not bunch up in the boot make the ride more comfortable, and a spare pair at the stable is always welcome. See socks for men.

Socks with a long leg

The edge of the boot should not rub directly against your skin. Choose socks with a leg that reaches higher than the boot and has a smooth surface. That way the sock sits between boot and skin all the way up, and you avoid red marks below the knee. Pull the sock up smoothly before the boot goes on.

Sitting does not keep you warm

Your body makes little heat when you sit on a horse, so it is easy to get cold in cool air. The horse is moving, but it is doing the work, not you. Start with a thin inner layer on your upper body that keeps warmth close without adding bulk under your jacket. See bamboo tank top for men.

Layers on the upper body

Over the inner layer, a soft mid layer adds warmth without stiffening your arms. You need to hold the reins and move your shoulders freely, so choose something with give. If you ride out in wind, an outer layer against the wind is all that is missing. See bamboo sweatshirt for men.

Before and after the ride

Work at the stable before and after the ride is very different from sitting on the horse. When you muck out, carry and groom, you warm up fast. Take a layer off while you work and put it back on just before you mount. That way the ride starts in dry clothes rather than a damp layer.

Washing and care

Riding clothes pick up horse hair, dust and sweat, so they need frequent washing. Brush the hair off first, wash at a moderate temperature and let them air dry, so they keep their shape longer. Turning them inside out helps the surface stay smooth. Keep two inner layers so a clean one is always ready.

Frequently asked questions

What matters most when riding

A smooth layer on the inside of the thigh. That is where friction against the saddle begins, and where it hurts first on a long ride.

Which socks suit riding boots

A pair with a long leg and a smooth surface. The boot is tall, and its edge should not rub directly against the skin below the knee.

Why is it easy to get cold on horseback

Because you move very little and so produce less heat, while you are out in the wind at the same time. The horse does the work, not you.