Trail Attire: It’s All About Function

by Sarah Gee

Ok, so you’re all set to hit the trail. You’ve got the best-behaved, spook-proof horse, well fitting tack, a trail emergency kit, and the perfect ‘trail-chic’ outfit. You get out there and things are going great until you notice a gradually worsening pain on your inner thigh – the seam on your brand new pair of designer jeans is in the process of rubbing a huge blister on your leg. Suddenly, the nice peaceful ride you’d hoped for is no more. Your leg is killing you and to compensate you start shifting in the saddle and you stop paying complete attention to your surroundings, your horse notices these changes and picks up on your agitation, Tripping, spooking, and other not so fun activities follow – all because you picked the wrong pair of jeans. The right attire can make a huge difference in your comfort in the saddle and even in the way you ride. Here are some guidelines:

• Pants
Jeans are the classic and they’re great but you’ll want to choose a jean that doesn’t have a bulky inseam. The fit should be snug but not too tight. Loose jeans will rub more, and tight jeans can make it difficult to mount and sit in the saddle (it’s nice to be able to breath while riding). You’ll also want at least two extra inches in length, so they fit over your boots and don’t ride up your leg.

Distance or endurance riders often choose to wear tights or breeches. These come in many styles from the basic pull-ons with knee patches to zipper-style breeches to those with full seats for maximum grip. Choose tights or breeches that are made of cotton with Lycra or Spandex added. Cotton is cool in the summer and offers a little warmth in the fall or winter. The Spandex and Lycra offer stretch and close fit to your leg and thigh to prevent rubbing. Tights made out of pure Lycra can be comfortable but tend to be slippery in the saddle. If you plan to spend many long hours in the saddle, you may want to consider a padded seat and padded knees. These can prevent rubbing and add a cushion to your ride.

• Shirts
If you aren’t necessarily looking to be fashionable, cotton T-shirts are a comfortable choice. They’re lightweight and breathable, and they come is every color and design imaginable.

For those of you who prefer a more traditional look, western-cut shirts are a good choice. ‘Brush Popper’ chambray shirts are popular among cowboys who spend a lot of hours in the saddle, although they are a bit heavy for hot, humid climates. Lightweight cotton or linen shirts are more suitable in warm weather.

If your trails include dense trees and brush, you’ll definitely want a long-sleeve shirt. Long sleeves offer protection from sunburn and possibly skin problems. Lightweight long-sleeve cotton is surprisingly cool.

However, many in the endurance and distance set claim to stay cooler in short-sleeve bicycle shirts. These types of shirts, made out of a variety of high tech materials including Lycra and Spandex help wick moisture away from the skin.

• Undergarments
Most tack retailers now offer padded underwear. This might be a viable option for you if you’re planning on spending some long hours in the saddle.

Many women find that a sports bra, which is made of cotton or a mix of cotton and Spandex or Lycra and offers strong support, more comfortable than an everyday bra.

• Jackets
You’ll want to avoid bulk and anything that constricts your movement. Polar fleece is a great option as it is both lightweight and warm. You may also want to consider wearing layers. Temperatures can change quickly and being able to adjust the number of layers you’re wearing accordingly is a good thing. Also, it’s always a good idea to carry a rain poncho that is big enough to cover both you and your saddle.

• Footwear
Leather boots breathe and repel moisture to some degree, making them the top choice in footgear. Traditional cowboy or riding boots will have a heel over one half inch in height to prevent a foot from slipping through the stirrup, and they come up over the ankle to protect your leg in the saddle.

Many riders are now choosing to wear a cross-training type shoe, which is a cross between a sneaker and a boot. They have the advantage of being as comfortable as a sneaker while still providing a small heel for security in the stirrup. They usually don’t offer as much leg protection as traditional boots because most only come up just over your ankle.

Some endurance riders choose to ride in running shoes for comfort, If you decide to do this, use a safety cage on your stirrup to prevent your foot slipping through.

Other riders like to use a work boot that can perform double duty working in the barn as well. Work boots tend to be designed with a wider foot base that doesn’t fit in the stirrup well and could get caught in an accident. If you must wear work boots, think about buying oversized stirrups.

Whatever the footwear, if they’re lace-up make sure you double knot them. An un-tied shoelace can get hung up while mounting or dismounting and cause you to have a wreck.

• Headgear
Wearing a helmet or not is your choice. Just be aware that ASTM.SEI helmets protect your head and eyes from branches and limbs, and in the case of a fall, may even save your life. Many of the newer helmets are so comfortable and lightweight, you’ll hardly notice them.