What to wear for trail riding?

[Crown_Royal]

@Ong

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.

English vs western for trail riding is totally subjective to the rider, but if the saddle doesn’t fit the rider (or is cheaply made) it doesn’t matter whether its an English or western saddle. It’ll be uncomfortable and the longer you’re in it the more you’ll notice. I, personally, am happy to trail ride in either type of saddle but I have my own saddles that I like and that fit me and my horses.

Any type of boot will probably be uncomfortable to go on a long ride in if they are new and not broken in yet- keep that in mind if you choose to wear a new pair of western boots. I would walk and ride and walk and ride to put a few hours of wear into them before heading out on a long trail ride.

Keep in mind, for a new rider especially, a 2+ hour ride will take some adjusting to (soreness wise!) but properly fitted tack and comfortable, broken in shoes helps!

[Ong]

@Crown Royal

English vs western for trail riding is totally subjective to the rider, but if the saddle doesn’t fit the rider (or is cheaply made) it doesn’t matter whether its an English or western saddle. It’ll be uncomfortable and the longer you’re in it the more you’ll notice. I, personally, am happy to trail ride in either type of saddle but I have my own saddles that I like and that fit me and my horses.

Any type of boot will probably be uncomfortable to go on a long ride in if they are new and not broken in yet- keep that in mind if you choose to wear a new pair of western boots. I would walk and ride and walk and ride to put a few hours of wear into them before heading out on a long trail ride.

Keep in mind, for a new rider especially, a 2+ hour ride will take some adjusting to (soreness wise!) but properly fitted tack and comfortable, broken in shoes helps!

I want to try the western saddle next time and I’ll get to buy a new pair of western boots as well, my riding breeches came back very dirty. For english saddle I find it very hot after riding for long hours and western saddle seems to have more room. The horse and tack is not mine because I went to a barn where they provide trail rides. Do you own western boots and how tall it is? I wear my tall leather field boots for my first trail ride and I don’t feel hot but my boots are expensive, don’t really want to get them muddy.

[2DogsFarm]

Why on Earth would you want to get off & walk on a guided trailride?
I’d think the livery company’s liability would want you in the saddle, on the horse at all times.
Inexperienced rider handling a rental horse from the ground off their property could add a whole laundry list of potential problems.
Did you ask the guide if you could dismount?

Personally I find a Western saddle torques my knees uncomfortably - even tried a friend’s treeless one & ended up dropping the stirrups after the 1st hour or so.
Same with every guided ride I’ve been on if the tack is Western.
Probably my fault as a lifelong English rider I am not familiar with how to adjust the leathers so I am sitting right.
Once I am riding sans stirrups in a Western saddle I’m fine.

Don’t get how an English saddle can generate more heat for the rider - I’d think less leather would be cooler.
Unless you’re riding in a too-small saddle?

As for new boots - they are just not going to be comfortable for a long ride unless they are broken in, no matter the style.
Mud is not a bootkiller - it washes off. However. branches could scrape your tall boots so if you want to keep them pristine probably not the choice for trails.
Dirty breeches can be laundered, but again save the pair you wear to show & wear older ones.
If you wear jeans the seams on the inside of the leg is going to rub no matter what saddle you use. There are brands of riding jeans that don’t have this seam, look for those.

[Ong]

@2DogsFarm

Why on Earth would you want to get off & walk on a guided trailride?
I’d think the livery company’s liability would want you in the saddle, on the horse at all times.
Inexperienced rider handling a rental horse from the ground off their property could add a whole laundry list of potential problems.
Did you ask the guide if you could dismount?

Personally I find a Western saddle torques my knees uncomfortably - even tried a friend’s treeless one & ended up dropping the stirrups after the 1st hour or so.
Same with every guided ride I’ve been on if the tack is Western.
Probably my fault as a lifelong English rider I am not familiar with how to adjust the leathers so I am sitting right.
Once I am riding sans stirrups in a Western saddle I’m fine.

Don’t get how an English saddle can generate more heat for the rider - I’d think less leather would be cooler.
Unless you’re riding in a too-small saddle?

As for new boots - they are just not going to be comfortable for a long ride unless they are broken in, no matter the style.
Mud is not a bootkiller - it washes off. However. branches could scrape your tall boots so if you want to keep them pristine probably not the choice for trails.
Dirty breeches can be laundered, but again save the pair you wear to show & wear older ones.

No I didn’t and I don’t want to dismount anyway, it is so muddy. I want to try western saddle first, will be doing water crossing at a different track. I think tall boots will give more protection against water, if western saddle is comfortable for me then I will choose western saddle for trail riding in the future, I’ll buy western boots as well. Any tips when riding on western saddle?

[Guilherme]

@2DogsFarm

Why on Earth would you want to get off & walk on a guided trailride?
I’d think the livery company’s liability would want you in the saddle, on the horse at all times.
Inexperienced rider handling a rental horse from the ground off their property could add a whole laundry list of potential problems.
Did you ask the guide if you could dismount?

Personally I find a Western saddle torques my knees uncomfortably - even tried a friend’s treeless one & ended up dropping the stirrups after the 1st hour or so.
Same with every guided ride I’ve been on if the tack is Western.
Probably my fault as a lifelong English rider I am not familiar with how to adjust the leathers so I am sitting right.
Once I am riding sans stirrups in a Western saddle I’m fine.

Don’t get how an English saddle can generate more heat for the rider - I’d think less leather would be cooler.
Unless you’re riding in a too-small saddle?

As for new boots - they are just not going to be comfortable for a long ride unless they are broken in, no matter the style.
Mud is not a bootkiller - it washes off. However. branches could scrape your tall boots so if you want to keep them pristine probably not the choice for trails.
Dirty breeches can be laundered, but again save the pair you wear to show & wear older ones.
If you wear jeans the seams on the inside of the leg is going to rub no matter what saddle you use. There are brands of riding jeans that don’t have this seam, look for those.

The reason you dismount periodically (once an hour or so) on trail rides is to give some relief to rider’s knees and horses’ backs!!!

I “get” than on a commercial, guided ride that will be a challenge for ride management. But the reason we call them “management” is that one of their jobs is to “manage” the ride. That includes basic good horsemanship. Basic good horsemanship includes paying attention to the comfort of the horse. I’m satisfied it also includes paying attention to the comfort of the rider because if the rider is not comfortable they will fidget and that can make the horse uncomfortable all by itself. It’s a “synergistic” problem!!!

Trail riding is really not for the overly fastidious. Indeed the equestrian art is not for those folks. It’s a doing art where you will get dirty. In a pristine, indoor arena with climate control you will get much less dirty than you will on a muddy forest trail in the mountains in mid-August. But it’s just a matter of degree.

Smart folks learn that they should select functional clothing and tack for the task at hand. Neither English nor Western is inherently better that the other because there are so many variations on the theme within both broad categories. Then you’ve got the Aussie and military saddles that constitute a couple of other broad categories. During the Age of Horsepower you had other categories that were “road saddles” designed specifically for getting from here to there. If you want a pretty good overview on saddles read Man Made Mobile, a history of early American saddles. It was published in 1980 and can be found in multiple sources, including downloads.

Don’t wear anything on a horse you can’t afford to replace. The best trained horse can have a “Monday” and when it comes to places to have that Monday we all know about Murphy’s Law. And we all ought to know that Murphy was an optimist!!!

If you want one word to guide the rider it’s “comfort.” For the horse that means tack that fits a body that is in shape and properly shod to do the job. For the rider it means clothes that fit properly and are appropriate to the location and time of the ride and that they are not concerned about replacing if they are damaged. This kind of comfort leads to peace of mind and that allows the fun of the ride to be enjoyed. Enjoy!!!

G.

[Ong]

@Guilherme

The reason you dismount periodically (once an hour or so) on trail rides is to give some relief to rider’s knees and horses’ backs!!!

I “get” than on a commercial, guided ride that will be a challenge for ride management. But the reason we call them “management” is that one of their jobs is to “manage” the ride. That includes basic good horsemanship. Basic good horsemanship includes paying attention to the comfort of the horse. I’m satisfied it also includes paying attention to the comfort of the rider because if the rider is not comfortable they will fidget and that can make the horse uncomfortable all by itself. It’s a “synergistic” problem!!!

Trail riding is really not for the overly fastidious. Indeed the equestrian art is not for those folks. It’s a doing art where you will get dirty. In a pristine, indoor arena with climate control you will get much less dirty than you will on a muddy forest trail in the mountains in mid-August. But it’s just a matter of degree.

Smart folks learn that they should select functional clothing and tack for the task at hand. Neither English nor Western is inherently better that the other because there are so many variations on the theme within both broad categories. Then you’ve got the Aussie and military saddles that constitute a couple of other broad categories. During the Age of Horsepower you had other categories that were “road saddles” designed specifically for getting from here to there. If you want a pretty good overview on saddles read Man Made Mobile, a history of early American saddles. It was published in 1980 and can be found in multiple sources, including downloads.

Don’t wear anything on a horse you can’t afford to replace. The best trained horse can have a “Monday” and when it comes to places to have that Monday we all know about Murphy’s Law. And we all ought to know that Murphy was an optimist!!!

If you want one word to guide the rider it’s “comfort.” For the horse that means tack that fits a body that is in shape and properly shod to do the job. For the rider it means clothes that fit properly and are appropriate to the location and time of the ride and that they are not concerned about replacing if they are damaged. This kind of comfort leads to peace of mind and that allows the fun of the ride to be enjoyed. Enjoy!!!

G.

Can’t wait to ride again, need to take pictures this time.

[Guilherme]

@Ong

Can’t wait to ride again, need to take pictures this time.

Good. Enjoy!!!

G.

[Crown_Royal]

@Ong

I want to try the western saddle next time and I’ll get to buy a new pair of western boots as well, my riding breeches came back very dirty. For english saddle I find it very hot after riding for long hours and western saddle seems to have more room. The horse and tack is not mine because I went to a barn where they provide trail rides. Do you own western boots and how tall it is? I wear my tall leather field boots for my first trail ride and I don’t feel hot but my boots are expensive, don’t really want to get them muddy.

Western saddles are not any less hot than any English saddle. No more roomy than an English saddle unless you’re sitting in one far too large for you, in which case it will probably be uncomfortable. Leather is leather, and western saddles actually have more leather!

I own western boots, and they are just as comfortable as my English paddock boots and half chaps combo BUT my boots are VERY broken in. I would trail ride in either and be equally cool and comfortable. I choose to ride in the English paddock boots w/ chaps in my English saddle to protect my calf from the stirrup leather pinching, and the western boots in my western saddle. The western boots are only mid calf height- shorter than the half chaps or tall English boots. Absolutely must be broken in first!

I, personally, would not go for a casual trail ride in my expensive tall boots or expensive breeches. Each are bound to get dirty when you’re around horses which is fine, but I don’t want excessive risk of having them scratched or torn out in the woods. But expect dirty- we’re around horses!

[Ong]

@Crown Royal

Western saddles are not any less hot than any English saddle. No more roomy than an English saddle unless you’re sitting in one far too large for you, in which case it will probably be uncomfortable. Leather is leather, and western saddles actually have more leather!

I own western boots, and they are just as comfortable as my English paddock boots and half chaps combo BUT my boots are VERY broken in. I would trail ride in either and be equally cool and comfortable. I choose to ride in the English paddock boots w/ chaps in my English saddle to protect my calf from the stirrup leather pinching, and the western boots in my western saddle. The western boots are only mid calf height- shorter than the half chaps or tall English boots. Absolutely must be broken in first!

I, personally, would not go for a casual trail ride in my expensive tall boots or expensive breeches. Each are bound to get dirty when you’re around horses which is fine, but I don’t want excessive risk of having them scratched or torn out in the woods. But expect dirty- we’re around horses!

So you suggest wearing western boots for my next trail ride? I’ll be using western saddle for sure. Will my jeans get wet if I ride across a mountain stream?

[candyappy]

@Ong

I want to try the western saddle next time and I’ll get to buy a new pair of western boots as well, my riding breeches came back very dirty. For english saddle I find it very hot after riding for long hours and western saddle seems to have more room. The horse and tack is not mine because I went to a barn where they provide trail rides. Do you own western boots and how tall it is? I wear my tall leather field boots for my first trail ride and I don’t feel hot but my boots are expensive, don’t really want to get them muddy.

Don’t they make a gel seat saver for both english and western saddles? You could provide your own which would give more padding for your seat during the ride. I don’t use them but it might increase the heat value too?

I do suggest seamless jeans and ones that fit well but not binding anywhere. I think they do make ones for riding. I can’t think a guided trail ride would have you going into water deep enough to get your legs wet.

[Ong]

@candyappy

Don’t they make a gel seat saver for both english and western saddles? You could provide your own which would give more padding for your seat during the ride. I don’t use them but it might increase the heat value too?

I do suggest seamless jeans and ones that fit well but not binding anywhere. I think they do make ones for riding. I can’t think a guided trail ride would have you going into water deep enough to get your legs wet.

I don’t buy any tacks because I don’t own a horse, I’ll just use whatever they got. I’ll just jeans and western boots and see how it goes, last time I use english saddle already so this time I’ll use western saddle. Western saddle seems to design for long hours riding and I like the horn and the high cantle, after this ride I will know which one is better. My first ride is a jungle trail and the coming ones is forest trail, the things that I want to do the most is to do water crossing.

[Rackonteur]

Tall boots were originally developed to protect the rider’s legs when riding across country. Think water, mud, brush, branches, etc. Also to protect the rider’s legs from getting pinched by the leathers and probably to keep off the horse’s sweat too. Think hunting and steeplechasing and the cavalry.

It makes me smile to hear about wanting to protect tall boots from the elements they were developed to protect the rider from! Yes, I know show boots are often kept for the ring nowadays, even an indoor ring. Still …

[Ong]

@Rackonteur

Tall boots were originally developed to protect the rider’s legs when riding across country. Think water, mud, brush, branches, etc. Also to protect the rider’s legs from getting pinched by the leathers and probably to keep off the horse’s sweat too. Think hunting and steeplechasing and the cavalry.

It makes me smile to hear about wanting to protect tall boots from the elements they were developed to protect the rider from! Yes, I know show boots are often kept for the ring nowadays, even an indoor ring. Still …

I made my decision to buy the western boots since I’ll be using western saddle and this is for my second trail ride. I wear breeches and tall boots for my first trail ride and that was on english saddle, the reason why I don’t want to use tall boots for trail riding is just because of the price, tall boots are super expensive especially mine is a custom made ones. I’m not a fan of paddock boots which I have a pair of cheap ones and it’s uncomfortable. Western boots are cheap and I tried a few pair already, just that my jeans leg is not big enough to cover the boot shaft so I can only tuck in which makes it a bit tight. I’ll wear a different pair of jeans and try again, most likely I will buy that boots today. It looks so exotic but if I tuck my jeans in it and show the whole boot to me it seems to be too over.

[candyappy]

@Ong

I don’t buy any tacks because I don’t own a horse, I’ll just use whatever they got. I’ll just jeans and western boots and see how it goes, last time I use english saddle already so this time I’ll use western saddle. Western saddle seems to design for long hours riding and I like the horn and the high cantle, after this ride I will know which one is better. My first ride is a jungle trail and the coming ones is forest trail, the things that I want to do the most is to do water crossing.

Unless it is a padded type seat you will still be sore in a western saddle too. The reason is because you don’t ride often.

If you shell out money for boots and horse related clothing , a seat saver won’t be a big deal and makes perfect sense to me.

[AshleyandAnnabel]

@Guilherme

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.

I want to try this method on my next endurance ride! It seems like a great strategy when you are doing 50+ miles as long as you can make time.

To the OP;

Some people mentioned that it takes time to adjust. The longest ride I’ve ever done was a 55 mile endurance ride that took me 11 hours to complete. (10 hours of riding + 1 hour vet hold). I came from a show jumping and eventing background so I was used to being in the saddle no more than an hour at a time. In that time though you are moving your body into all sorts of positions, from sitting to posting to two pointing. The thing that wears me out the most on a E-ride, is doing too much of one thing. Posting for 40 minutes straight will kill my ankles and burn me out, walking up mountains for too long will wear me out as well. I also used to think that 10 mile conditioning rides were long (about 2 hours), now those are nothing compared to what I do now.

I get your frustration of trying to find the perfect medium between an english and western style. Remember that there are all different kinds of “in-betweens” when it comes to trail riding. It doesn’t have to be a dressage saddle vs. a roping saddle. Check out Tucker Saddlery online. I have a Tucker Endurance saddle which is a western style tree with fenders. This saddle gives me the versatility of riding in tights and Ariat terrain boots on an E-ride, to wearing bootcut jeans and cowgirl boots for a leisurely trail ride. I feel like the western style saddles give you a bit more security in the saddle, especially when it comes to climbing up and down mountains. I am ordering a River Plantation saddle which is more of an english style for my TWH mare who is slap-sided/flat barreled. I also used to want to be a very fashionable endurance rider but quickly learned that comfort is the key to completing. I have a full fleece seat saver on the Tucker Endurance so I don’t have to worry about what’s going to rub and chafe me. If you are confident with your comfort you can always take it off.

I will say right now though that those gorgeous brown tall boots are probably going to be regrettable after you buy them. Please give the Ariat Terrains + Half Chaps a chance so you can ride a bit more rugged and be comfortable.

[quietann]

Another fan of Ariat Terrains plus half-chaps (suede ones, not too expensive) here – as should I need to get off the horse and walk, this combo is much more comfortable than tall boots. I wear sock liners (microfiber in the summer, wool in the winter) and wool hiking socks with my footwear.

Other than that, I wear what I usually ride in – breeches, a long sleeve sun shirt, possibly a vest. And ALWAYS a helmet, gloves, and cell phone ** on my body.** And these days, sunscreen and DEET on all exposed skin, and I’m finally getting around to applying permethrin to my riding clothes. The ticks are really bad here.

In case it isn’t obvious, I ride English. My saddle is a Black Country Celeste, modified to fit my weird body. Right now I’m using a hackamore, one-handed as my right hand is getting over surgery. When I can use both hands, I’ll go back to the eggbutt or Pelham bit I’ve normally used.

good luck – trail riding can be great fun, and very relaxing.

[tabula_rashah]

I generally wear riding tights, half chaps, sneakers (always use cage stirrups) and a tee-shirt or technical shirt. I don’t know how people can do long sleeves in the summer but then again I think anything over 70 degrees is sweltering LOL. Oh and a helmet along with a good coating of sun screen and bug spray.
Saddle-wise I tend to like endurance saddles that put me in an English seat- my new Podium Bravo, OMG to die for comfortable. I cannot stand most Western saddles. Like Guilherme, I do get off and walk occasionally, although I don’t have such a strict plan. Usually it’s more terrain dictated, like I’ll get off for a steep downhill or hey what’s that cool snake or flower. Also changes in pace will really help you from getting sore.
And, hey, mudd, thorns, bugs, etc- that’s what it’s all about. My DH often says I look like a battle victim when I come back from a long ride or orienteering competition- I’m not a manicured trails type of gal

[Guilherme]

At my age and with my background a bit of “strictness” in procedure and practice is a Good Thing!!!

Time is a guide and we look for a good place to dismount as we approach the time. We, too, are guided by the terrain. A couple of years ago the proper stopping time along an established trail was right at a small grove of trees with a water tank, a small grassy area, and a couple of park benches. Nice!!! We’re not always so lucky.

G.

[tabula_rashah]

@Guilherme

At my age and with my background a bit of “strictness” in procedure and practice is a Good Thing!!!

Time is a guide and we look for a good place to dismount as we approach the time. We, too, are guided by the terrain. A couple of years ago the proper stopping time along an established trail was right at a small grove of trees with a water tank, a small grassy area, and a couple of park benches. Nice!!! We’re not always so lucky.

G.

One time I was out by myself and noticed a very rare flower that only shows up in certain conditions. I got off and tied the horse a bit a way so she wouldn’t trample it, then I was laying on the ground off the side of the trail to try and take a good photo of it. A cyclist came down the trail and was sure my horse had thrown me off in the weeds lol- I was like no, I’m just a crazy lady really excited about this plant