Horseback Riding: What to Pack for a Horseback Adventure

You should have a cowboy hat. You have to have leather chaps, right? Who would go horseback riding without the boys? Chaps and spurs. The spurs have to adhere well, you know, because you will look ridiculous walking into the bar, opening the half doors when the spurs don’t adhere, right? Cowboy scenes and adventurous gallop always come to mind when you think of horseback riding. Riding essentials don’t have to be made solely of leather, and you can definitely have fun galloping without the spurs. Here are some really useful things to pack for your horseback riding adventure.

1. Sunblock and lip balm. Very important, commonly forgotten. You need to protect your skin from the strong sun while driving and your lips from the wind burn as you gallop across the field.

2. Insect repellent. Horseback riding will take you to some of the most secluded places that can only be accessed on horseback. Apply insect repellent to your clothing to protect yourself from mosquito and tick bites that can ruin your experience.

3. Long-sleeved shirt preferably with a collar to protect your arms and neck from the sun’s rays. Comfortable jeans with soft seams to avoid chafing, especially on the inner thigh, which gets the most friction from the saddle while riding. It is also advisable to wear lycra leggings under jeans for added protection. Be sure to bring one or two of these pieces of clothing.

4. Riding boots. Contact your horseback ride provider or expert for the best affordable brands suitable for riding.

5. Wide-brimmed hat preferably with a tie rope to keep it secure when riding.

6. Personal reserve of necessary medications, first aid kit, water and between snacks. Horseback riding generally involves long trails in weather conditions that can easily wear you down. Never rely on the food and drink provided as part of the adventure package. Better to be prepared with some snacks if you feel like a snack.

7. Cotton sweat absorbers or head bandanas.

8. Camera. Riding a horse will take you to incredible places, immortalize the experience and relive it by capturing it on film.

9. If you plan to go on a horse riding expedition overnight, you may need to bring a sleeping bag. It’s best to ask the provider if they provide any and even if they do, you may prefer to use your own.

10. Always have a map of your trail or route and a compass. You never know when it might come in handy. After all, horse riding spots are unlike anything you’ve been to before, it’s good to be familiar with the place and have some navigation tools in case you need them.

Horseback riding is a laid-back, laid-back activity that doesn’t require a lot of equipment compared to other outdoor activities. Most of the rigging equipment can come from your closet and be rented from the supplier. Aside from the basic riding skill and knowledge that will be taught to you as soon as you arrive at the stable, all you really need to remember to pack will be the personal items essential for an outdoor activity. Pack light, bring only what you need to make sure the horse is less tired as you haven’t added much to its load.