We’ve Got You Covered! What To Wear Horseback Riding

Even if you’re not a “horse person,” horseback riding is an excellent choice for a fun activity on your next vacation! Most stables offer horseback rides for beginners and at Mountain Creek Riding Stable, we have a caring staff that will make sure you feel safe and are having fun through the entirety of your ride!

However, there’s one thing we don’t have complete control of and that’s how you choose to dress. You may be daydreaming of the fresh air, beautiful views, and free feeling of riding a majestic animal – however, if you’re extremely uncomfortable, you won’t be able to embrace the experience to its full potential. If you’re wondering what you should wear horseback riding, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a comprehensive list of what NOT to wear horseback riding, along with our recommendations for what to wear for optimal comfort.

What NOT To Wear Horseback Riding

High Heels

Imagine for a moment – a sunny, beautiful day with a gentle breeze blowing. In front of you is the horse that you’re going to ride and the friendly guide says to you, “Alright, we’re going to get you up now. All you have to do is step up these few steps, put your foot in the stirrup, and then swing your right leg over the saddle.” You attempt to do this but the front of your high heel slips as you put pressure on it, causing your foot to slide into the stirrup as you attempt to stand. Because the heel itself is so long though, it gets caught in the stirrup and you end up falling backwards off the horse with your foot still stuck up high (and twisted in a way it probably shouldn’t be) as the guide tries to catch the rest of your body – particularly your head – before you hit the ground.

This is what we in the business call a “bad time,” and we seek to avoid them whenever possible.

Shorts

You’re probably thinking, “Whoa whoa, if I’m taking my ride in July, then I’ll HAVE to wear shorts. It’s going to be freaking hot!” Indeed, you would be correct in assuming that the sun shining all day is going to make things a bit toasty mid-July and that includes the leather saddle upon which you will be riding. Make no mistake – we allow people to ride in shorts, however, between the heat of the saddle and the rubbing that occurs from the natural motion of the horse while you ride, your thighs will not be happy with you by the end of the hour ride.

Speaking of July, we see a lot of open-toed shoes show up to our stables in the summer. Unfortunately, they are an absolute no-go. Again, think of a cowgirl who ISN’T retired and lounging about the house: can you can envision her wearing flip-flops? No, and the same goes for all open-toed shoes. One of the main reasons is safety. If a horse accidentally steps on your foot, you’ll wish you had a real shoe on. The second reason is that they are not snug-fitting. If one of them should fall off on your ride there’s no guarantee we’ll be able to get it back for you.

And wandering around for the rest of the day with only one flip-flop?  That’s a sure fire way to have a…not-great time.

Très Chic

Feel like you’re well prepared for a horseback ride and are just itching to get out there? Come join us at Mountain Creek Riding Stable. Browse our horseback trail ride options in the Poconos today!