I am going for trail riding tomorrow but this is my first time, I got a pair of short boots with half chaps and tall boots but don’t know which one will be more suitable. Up until now I only do dressage riding in the arena and I took ten lessons already. Does anyone know what to wear for trail riding?
I would think tall boots would get hot. I ride in worn out Jeans, half chaps, and all-terrain boots or hiking boots. Wear a loose t-shirt, it is cooler. I wear my oldest stuff since it is bound to get dirty. Bring water.
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Can I wear western cowboy boots?
As long as it is a hard sole, with ankle support you can wear it, so yes. I try not to wear anything with lug soles or a heavy tread, as you do not want the possibility of getting caught in a stirrup. Wear something you are comfortable walking in, just in case. I rarely have to walk but when I do I’m always glad my footwear is comfortable.
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Cowboy boots are great for trails because if your foot does get caught in the stirrup, they’re designed so that your foot slides right out of them (hopefully). I got an earful when I bought lace up ankle boots when I was taking barrel racing lessons! They’re also good for crossing water. The aforementioned laceups got absolutely slogged during a trail ride once. Don’t wear your tall boots outside of special occasions/the arena - they’ll only get scratched up. If you want to wear your short/paddock boots, you can wear them without half chaps (in case of any falling off).
Second the loose t-shirt! Long sleeves are great in case there’s pine trees/brush. Jeans are also great to ride in. Don’t worry about looking slovenly - they’re extremely comfy. Bring a rain slicker if possible (unless weather states otherwise). Snacks, water, etc. Make sure you have your mobile phone in case of an accident (of course).
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I notice cowboy boots is so much cheaper than my tall boots, might go to a shop and have a look after the ride. I think I might just wear my tall boots for my first ride, the short boots is not very confortable and I’ll only use the tall boots for this ride. Thanks for the advice.
Oh yes definitely! Unless you’re looking for fancy rodeo boots, cowboy boots are comfortable, functional, and quite a steal. They’re great to slog around in. Getting a used pair may also be a good idea.
If your short boots aren’t comfortable, definitely don’t go in those. You’ll be looking pretty sharp in your tall boots regardless! Good luck on your first trail ride! They’re lots of fun!
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Did you try river crossing? It looks so much fun.
What to wear? Since I ride in an English saddle I wear jodpurs, paddock boots, puttees (like this https://onlinemilitaria.net/products/3138-US-M1911-Leather-Puttees/), a long sleeve shirt (I really, Really, REALLY, REALLY hate bugs ;), and a helmet. I’ve ridden in denim and chambray don’t find it as comfortable as the cotton jods. If I were in a Western saddle (I still own one) I’d wear the same thing.
And gloves.
You want clothes that fit comfortably, move with you, aren’t too “voluminous” (those catch on branches and all sorts of other things), and are not too expensive so if they get dirty, ripped, etc. you’re not too concerned. I favor cotton and natural fabrics over the more modern poly-weave stuff. Others like the more modern fabrics as they may “wick” perspiration better making for a cooler experience. This is a personal choice item.
Enjoy your first experience. You’ll quickly learn what works best for you!!!
G.
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First of all, and most important, I’d wear a helmet!
And sunscreen.
Cowboy boots are OK if you’ll be riding in a western saddle. I wouldn’t wear them if riding in an English saddle or any other saddle with an “English” type stirrup. I’d wear my low endurance/paddock boots instead, though, in case I ended up having to do any walking.
I wear schooling tights for trail riding as they are much cooler and more comfortable for me than jeans. I have even worn my western boots with them (in a lesson, not on the trail). For trail riding I would wear my endurance/paddock boots with schooling tights, and, if riding in a western saddle, I wouldn’t bother with half chaps unless I’d be riding through a lot of high brush/bushes. I would think breeches would be much more comfortable and cooler than jeans.
If you wear a T-shirt, try to wear one that isn’t all cotton but that will wick away sweat.
Whatever shirt you wear, if you’re riding in a western saddle, be sure to tuck your shirt in so it won’t get hung up on the horn.
And lightweight riding gloves (e.g., SSG) to protect your hands.
Have fun!
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Yes I did try river crossing! What was supposed to be a quick walk through a shallow river ended with me battling a reluctant horse through the water for fifteen minutes 
They’re super fun - when you have an experienced horse!
I want to do river crossing as well but not sure if they have it or not, will be riding very soon. Damn excited.
Everything G said :yes:
I’ve ridden in breeches &(slip-on) paddock boots on trails for all my riding Life < some 50+yrs.
I also ride in my English saddles - A/P & my dressage saddle is actually my most comfortable for trails.
& I am talking 6h rides on some very vertical trails.
Don’t invest in new cowboy boots that will not be comfortable/broken-in on your first ride.
River crossings are fun, but you may end up with wet boots if your guide isn’t certain of depth.
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Wear what is comfortable and works for the weather. I’d avoid loose clothing since it might snag. I’d wear the half chaps - if you go through a narrow brushy area branches might scrape your legs and half chaps are good for that, as well as impervious to the occasional sticker bush.
I’d work with the horse in the arena on obstacles that might be encountered prior to heading out on the trail. Most accidents are due to the rider not preparing the horse for the situation.
Have fun!!
just finished the trail ride in the morning, didn’t quite like it as I don’t enjoy riding for full 2 hours. The saddle is quite uncomfortable, I would like more padding for long hours riding though. I wear my tall leather field boots and it didn’t get muddy because we didn’t get to walk for the whole trip, my ass gets very hot after riding for so long.
{Shrugs}To each their own.
I look at trailrides as a chance to “hike” through some beautiful scenery while the horse does the walking.
Not sure what you meant about “didn’t get to walk” < was the whole ride done at trot/jog/canter/lope?
I’d question a leader who would take a first-timer out and not slow the pace at least a bit.
Did you go with friends or was this a guided ride?
Sometimes the company you ride with makes a whole lot of difference to your enjoyment.
If you decide to give it another chance, try a sheepskin seatsaver for padding and it will be cooler than leather-to-butt.
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Yes, saddle fit is important for horse AND rider! Way too many folks forget this.
When we ride we dismount every hour or so and walk the horse for 10 min. and periodically just sit and rest both of us. The British Army used a “clock” system where they rode at a walk/trot for 40 min., dismounted and marched for 10, then rested and grazed if possible for 10. Then repeated the process. The American Army used a similar system but was not quite as rigid. Few people in the U.S. seem to do this and, instead, ride for long periods and then complain about sore horse backs and stiff human muscles. Well…DUH!!! 
Horses are equine athletes, not dirt bikes. They require periodic rest if they are going to perform well and not suffer injury.
G.
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Lately, I have been wearing jeans, Ariat Terrains and half chaps, and either a tee shirt or polo shirt. As it gets hotter and more humid, I will wear riding tights instead of jeans. Hope you had fun on your first trail ride.
Is it better to ride in english saddle or western saddle for trail riding? The first time I was using english saddle but it’s uncomfortable, I went to a shop to try western boots as well but I’m wearing skinny jeans and find it quite hard to tuck my jeans into the boot.
What I mean by “didn’t get to walk” is the rider didn’t get to walk on foot for the whole ride. There’s one of their staff riding in front of me and it’s only just me and that staff, if I ride with western saddle is it more comfortable? I’m thinking of jeans and western boots as well if I’ll be going for my next trail ride.
