Now that the summer is almost here, you may already be counting down the days until you head off on your equestrian holiday. Horse riding – in all of its forms – can be a fun and rewarding experience, regardless of whether you are going as an individual or a group. There are also many destinations that offer horse riding, in both the UK and abroad, so it’s likely that you’ll have found somewhere that offers excellent scenery and landscape for riding.
What you actually bring with you will be dependent on whether you are travelling by road to your horse riding destination, and whether you actually own a horse that you’ll be bringing. There are a few essential items that you should bring along with you though, unless you are able to hire them when you arrive at your destination. Here are four things to keep in mind for your equestrian getaway…
Riding hat:
If you don’t own one already, the first thing you’ll need to buy is a riding hat to keep your head protected in the event of a fall. Just like you would use a helmet on a bicycle, a riding hat offers you an extra element of safety when you’re riding. These hats come in all manner of styles, fits and colours, so it is important to find one that best suits your needs. If you are going to a warm destination, you might want to consider one that has a good ventilation system, whereas if you are bringing children with you on holiday you’ll need to look for additional riding hats in junior sizes.
Riding boots:
The next thing to consider is the footwear you’ll need when riding. This will come down to the weather conditions on your holiday, as well as your budget. For example, you’ll be able to find a pair of jodhpur boots for around £30, but you’ll also find high leg boots above this price towards the £400 mark. Do your research so you’ll know whether you need built-in insulation, and from that point you can choose a style and colour that you like.
Jodhpurs:
Now you’ve got your hat and boots sorted, you can consider what you’ll actually wear when riding. Many people choose to wear jodhpur trousers as they are regarded as practical and comfortable, as well as being smart enough to wear for competitions. If you’ve already started a colour theme with your other accessories, you’ll be able to find jodhpurs to match this, or you could opt for a neutral black or chocolate colour instead.
Hi-vis clothing
If you are going to be riding next to (or on) a road, it is worthwhile buying some hi-vis equestrian clothing before you head on your holiday. Make sure you buy these items from a reputable retailer as it is important to make sure that they are actually doing their job of keeping you safe. You will be able to choose special items from an equestrian retailer such as bright hat covers and polite body harnesses.