What to Wear for Horseback Riding in The Fall: Our Best Tips

Horseback riding is always an excellent choice for a fun outdoor activity that you can enjoy all year round, including summer, fall, winter, and spring. However, to make the most of your experience, it is essential to wear the right outfit to stay safe and comfortable, especially during the colder months. So, if you are looking to ride during the September-November season and are unsure about what to wear for horseback riding in the fall, don’t worry; Touch of Chrome Trail Rides has you covered. Keep reading so we can find your perfect outfit together!

Is Autumn a Good Time for Horseback Riding?

We’ve already mentioned that horseback riding is an all-year-round activity, but how enjoyable is it to ride in autumn? From late September through November, Fort Worth’s high temperatures drop from the mid-80s °F to the low-70s °F, with crisp mornings in the 50s. This is the ideal “sweater weather” that is enjoyable for both riders and horses alike.

In addition to the temperature, fall is a wonderful time for horseback trail rides because you’ll encounter fewer insects, drier trails, and stunning sunsets over Rocky Creek Park, which add to the magic and turn each ride into a postcard.

Building Your Riding Outfit: Fall Edition

Now let’s build your ideal fall outfit for an enjoyable ride:

Tops & Layers

For the upper part of your outfit, light layers will be your best friend. Start with a breathable base layer, then add a light fleece. Finish with either a regular or lightweight rain jacket or a vest. If you still feel cold, you can also wear a cozy light neck sweater without any issues.

Pants

For pants, choose full-length jeans, riding tights, or breeches. If it’s very cold, add a pair of regular or thermal leggings. If you pick jeans, go for boot-cut styles. The wider hem fits easily over ankle boots and protects your calves from stirrup rub. Lastly, avoid super-tight skinny jeans that make it hard to bend your knees and thin leggings that can snag.

Footwear

Ideal riding shoes are closed-toe boots with a slightly defined heel. This small lift helps prevent your foot from sliding through the stirrup if you lose your balance. If you don’t own riding boots, a sturdy pair of ankle-high work boots will suffice. You can also wear sneakers for casual rides, but only as a last resort. If you have a pair of boots, it’s best to choose them!

Accessories & Extras

Lastly, the most important accessory will always be the helmet, but we will provide you with one at Touch of Chrome Trail Rides. Some other accessories you can take on your horse ride are:

• Lightweight gloves
• Polarized sunglasses
• A small waist-pack for your phone
• Ear Warmers (ideally, a thin fleece
• headband fits under your helmet)
• Clip-on water bottle

Do You Need Special Horseback Riding Gear?

For our guided trail rides, there’s no need to wear fancy equestrian fashion or gear. We provide helmets, mounting blocks, and well-fitted western saddles to ensure your comfort. Just bring the essentials mentioned above and avoid the clothing items from the next section; we’ll take care of the horses and everything else.

What Not to Wear for Your Fall Horse Ride

With our recommendations, you might be imagining some outfit ideas for your perfect ride on a fall day. However, let’s ensure you don’t bring any of these clothing items for your comfort and safety:

Loose or Flowy Clothing

Billowy scarves, ponchos, flowing garments, or too oversized hoodies can flap, startle your horse, or catch on the saddle horn; therefore, we do not recommend them.

Heavy or Bulky Layers

Heavy coats can trap heat and limit shoulder movement; instead, layer thin pieces that you can easily remove. Remember: you need to rotate your shoulders to open gates and give gentle cues with the reins.

Inappropriate Footwear

Flip-flops, sandals, high heels, and flat-soled sneakers lack the heel and support needed for safe riding. That’s why we prefer boots or sneakers with more cushioning.

Innapropiate Accesories

Dangling earrings, long necklaces, uncomfortable belts that are too big, and even selfie sticks can become hazards if they tangle with reins or branches. Therefore, you should avoid any of these accessories.