What to Wear to Horse Riding Lesson as an Adult Beginner

A few months ago, I shared that I was back in my horse girl era. I started horse riding lessons again last fall after a 15-year break due to college, grad school, and life in general. In the English equestrian world, I’m considered an “adult amateur”—I’m an adult (people 18 years old or older), and I don’t get paid to ride, hence: amateur! I’m also a “re-rider”: someone coming back to riding.

Riding as an adult is so much fun (there’s less pressure!), and I love seeing so many adults like me getting back into riding after long breaks OR starting lessons for the first time now that they’re in a place financially to take part in the equestrian world!

Whether you’re an adult amateur “re-rider” (like me!) or a brand new adult beginner taking riding lessons for the first time after wanting to ride for years, this post is for you! Below, I shared what to wear to a horse riding lesson if you’re an adult beginner.

I included a list of items I recommend for new riders along with some of my own riding outfits to inspire you. This list is catered specifically towards English riders, as that’s what I have experience with, but you can switch out items if you are riding Western!

READ NEXT: (Back) In My Horse Girl Era

What to Wear to Horse Riding Lesson as an Adult Beginner

Because I came back to riding, I still had a lot of my old riding gear from when I last rode 15-20 years ago, and I was fortunate to not have to purchase everything when I started lessons again. That said, I did not fit into my old breeches, so I did have to buy new pairs of those…haha! Plus, helmets expire after five years, and my helmet was 13 years old—yikes!

What to Wear for Horse Riding Lessons

These are the necessities for riding that you’ll need for your first lesson:

• Long pants

Whatever you do, do not ride in anything other than long pants. For your first lesson, it’s likely fine to wear a pair of jeans (make sure they’re stretchy enough that you can comfortably squat/move in a saddle) or a pair of leggings. Double check your lesson barn to make sure they don’t require breeches for your first lesson (but I do recommend purchasing breeches if you decide to stick with lessons).

• Boots with a heel

You will need to wear a pair of boots with a heel for safety reasons (the heel prevents your foot from slipping through the stirrup). I recommend a pair of boots that you don’t mind getting dusty or dirty.

• Equestrian helmet

You will also need a helmet for your first lesson, and you cannot wear a bike helmet or anything other than a proper horse riding helmet. You can find helmets for less than $100; they aren’t fancy, but that’s fine—you can upgrade later if you know you’re going to stick with riding!

Or, if you’re like me, you can go straight to a more expensive helmet because you know you’re sticking with it. Get one with MIPS if you can; it offers extra protection against concussions.

These are the nice-to-have items once you know you want to stick with riding lessons:

• Breeches

You’ll definitely want to upgrade from jeans and/or leggings to proper breeches, particularly if you are riding English. Breeches are riding pants that feature grip on the inside of the knees (knee-patch breeches) or on the inside of the knees, inner thighs, and seat (full-seat breeches) to help keep you secure in the saddle. Breeches have changed a lot since the last time I rode, and there a lot more options with lightweight “tech” fabric these days.

• Gloves

I personally don’t like riding without a pair of riding gloves, and some people find that they don’t like wearing gloves while riding. If you’re like me and would prefer gloves, opt for crochet or mesh gloves for summer for the airflow and go for thicker, more waterproof gloves for the winter.

• Paddock boots and half chaps

The next step up in footwear: paddock boots. These are short leather boots that are available with laces or zippers. Laces are better for ankle flexion, but zippers are much faster to do up. I have a pair of both (the laces on my pair broke because I’ve had them for so long!).

If you do go the paddock boot route, make sure to also pick up a pair of half chaps; these hook around the bottom of your boots and hug your legs below your knee to prevent the saddle or stirrup leathers from pinching your leg.

• Tall boots

Tall leather boots are the quintessential piece of English riding apparel, but you definitely don’t need a pair to take lessons. I definitely recommend waiting on these until you are serious about riding, and I also recommend buying the nicest boots you can afford.

It’s tempting to go cheap, but trust me: cheap boots are not worth it! They don’t mold to your legs like nicer leather does. You don’t need to drop $1,000+, but consider pairs above $200—and definitely check secondhand options like Poshmark if you know your measurements.

• Body protector

When you’re an adult, you tend to have more self-preservation than when you were a kid. I don’t think it’s a bad idea to invest in some sort of back protector or air vest, especially if you are not confident in your balance on horseback and/or starting to canter and jump. I’ve never worn one while riding, but I just purchased my own back protector because my body doesn’t bounce back as well as it did when I was a teenager!

Horse Riding Outfits for Adult Beginners

Basic Tee + Breeches + Paddock Boots and Half Chaps

This is the outfit I wore to my first riding lesson after my 15-year break! I just grabbed a basic tee from my closet and paired it with breeches I picked up from the local tack store. I also wore my paddock boots, half chaps, and gloves (before they all broke) from when I last rode. Not pictured is a helmet; I didn’t have my own at the time, so I borrowed my trainer’s.

Fleece Long-sleeve Tee + Vest + Winter Breeches

Come winter, I really had to bundle up for some of the rides! We only have an outdoor arena, so there’s no barrier from the elements. I’m always on the hunt for items to wear while riding, and this fleece long-sleeve tee worked perfectly for winter lessons. I layered a lightweight vest on top and wore winter-weight breeches (with fleece lining). At the time, I didn’t have my new winter gloves, but my summer gloves worked fine.

Merino Wool Tee + Breeches + Paddock Boots and Half Chaps

My favorite is when the weather is nice enough to wear a merino wool tee (I have a short-sleeve tee and a long-sleeve tee) during my riding lesson. I love merino wool because it’s moisture-wicking and breathable, so you’ll stay cooler. I can typically go without another layer on top when the temperature is around 55-60 degrees or above.

Long-sleeve Turtleneck + Legging Breeches + Boots

This is what I wore for one of my groundwork lessons with my horse, Josie! It’s one I’d wear for rides, too: just add half chaps and a helmet. I love my Euphoric Equestrian Otto turtlenecks, and this emerald really pops against the chestnut. It’s hard to tell, but I am wearing breeches even though I didn’t ride. I don’t have a pair of “barn leggings” so I just stick to breeches even if I’m not actually getting in the saddle.

Where to Buy Horse Riding Apparel

If you live in an area with a lot of English barns (such as the east coast), you’ll probably have at least one tack shop near you with riding apparel. Tack stores carry pretty much anything you’ll need for riding: apparel for you (breeches, tops, boots, gloves, helmets, etc.) and gear (tack) for your horse (saddles, saddle pads, bridles, bits, halters, lead ropes, stirrups, etc.—the list is endless).

If you’re in the Treasure Valley, we have one local English-specific tack shop, My Tack Room in Eagle, and they carry a mix of new items and consignment. Their selection of new items is limited, so I find that I still need to order many brands I want to try online.

You can find basic riding apparel (including helmets) at farm supply stores like Tractor Supply (or D&B Supply if you’re a PNW local).

Happy shopping and riding!