A horseback riding trip offers a unique way to explore the outdoors. Navigating through forested paths, crossing rivers, or simply galloping across open fields, the experience is truly immersive. This explains why more and more adventurers are looking to discover the joys of exploring the outdoors from the saddle, embracing a journey where you not only get to discover new landscapes but also bond with the incredible animals that horses are.
However, to ensure you have a safe and sound trip, there are some essentials you must bring with you. Let’s take a look at them.
Gear Bag
Of course, you’ll need a bag to carry all your essentials, the reason why it’s first on this list.
To withstand the harshness of a horse riding trip you’ll need a bag that is built to be durable. But this doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be practical or stylish. One of the popular Ariat models, for example, combines all of these qualities in one bag.
When searching for an Ariat bag for sale, you’ll instantly see that these are crafted to endure tough conditions while offering a sleek, functional design. They are made from reinforced materials that can withstand rough use and feature compartments and pockets that keep your gear organised and accessible. Their thoughtful design ensures they’re comfortable to carry, even on long journeys.
Withing the Ariat bag for sale collection you’ll find different models to fit different needs. Which one to choose will depend on the length of your trip. For example, if you need a compact bag that offers enough space for smaller loads, the Ariat Junior could be the option. This bag is built for durability, with robust materials and reinforced stitching to endure rough treatment yet is still lightweight and easy to carry around. It’s a great choice for short trips and for carrying essential equipment such as riding gear.
When in need of more space, turn to the Ariat large gear bag. It offers the capacity and durability you need for packing for a long trip or packing bulkier items like helmets and boots. Made from heavy-duty fabric and with reinforced handles, these bags also feature a padded shoulder strap for improved comfort and multiple compartments for better organisation.
You may also want to consider getting the Ariat toiletry bag. It’s a small and practical bag for keeping your toiletries organised and accessible. They have a waterproof and easy-to-clean interior, which is vital for dealing with spills and leaks and fits easily into the Ariat Junior or the Ariat large gear bag.
Long, Fitted Pants
Jeans are your best bet for a versatile wardrobe piece that will protect your legs from the leather from the saddle and can be worn at many different points of your trip. Straight or slim is ideal; jeans that are too slack around your calf will most likely ride up your leg.
If you aren’t a fan of jeans, are travelling in a really hot climate, or think that jeans are simply too bulky to pack, full-length leggings could be good replacement pieces.
Tall Socks
Riding with tall socks will allow you to pull them over your pants to prevent them from riding up. Tall socks will also provide you extra protection where the leather tends to pinch as well as protection from flies.
Boots With a Heel
For classic riding, having proper riding boots is essential to ensure safety. For a trail ride, any pair of boots you may have with a small heel will work fine.
If you’ll be wearing long pants and tall socks, it doesn’t matter how high the boot reaches on your calf. But make sure the heels are about 2, maybe 4 centimetres to help keep your foot and leg from sliding all the way through the stirrup, which could be dangerous. It’s very important that your boots are close-toed.
Layers of Clothing
If questionable weather is expected during your riding trip, consider wearing layers of clothing. Give preference for pieces that open in the front; pieces that fit over your head won’t fit over your helmet, and changing them mid-ride will be a total hassle. Great options include zip-up jackets, cardigans and vests.
You’ll also want to consider long-sleeved tops. Look for materials with capabilities to keep you relatively cooler even during hot weather and with SPF protection to prevent you from burning from the hot sun.
Don’t forget to bring a rain jacket with you, one that has a hood big enough to fit over your helmet and that isn’t made from loud materials like nylon. A soft-shell jacket is a great option here.
Swimwear
Even if you aren’t certain you’ll have the opportunity to win, consider packing swimwear. It doesn’t take much space, and if there is a chance to swim during the trip, you’ll certainly feel sorry not to have it with you.
Gloves
If you’re going on a trail ride in the cold, this will save your life. If it’s going to be a warm day, this might be unnecessary. However, reins may give you blisters, the reason you should consider wearing gloves every time.
Although blisters are unlikely to occur during an hour-long ride through the forest, gloves can still make you more comfortable. Again, if it’s going to be chilly, gloves are essential. You won’t be able to put your hands in your pockets to warm up them.
Helmet
You might not be required to ride with a helmet, but you consider wearing one anyway. A helmet can protect your head if you lose balance and fall. A helmet can also help shield your head from low-hanging branches or thorny vegetation, helping you avoid cuts, scrapes or head injury.
Look for a helmet with proper ventilation and with inside padding that is removable to be washed out.
Other Essentials to Pack
- Sunscreen – you’ll most likely be spending long days in the sun, so make sure to pack a good sunscreen.
- Sunglasses – to protect your eyes from the sun and flying dirt.
- Bug Repellent -bugs can not only be a serious distraction during riding, impacting balance and focus, but getting bitten by bugs can also lead to allergic reactions.
