What to Wear Horse Riding This Summer: A Complete Guide for Staying Cool, Safe and Comfortable

Summer riding is one of our favourite highlights in the equestrian calendar. Longer evenings, dry ground and better weather mean more time in the saddle. But when temperatures rise, choosing the right riding outfit becomes about far more than style.

The wrong clothing can result in overheating, discomfort, chafing and even risk safety. The right clothing, however, helps regulate body temperature, protects your skin from the sun and keeps you focused on your ride rather than the heat.

Whether you're hacking through the countryside, schooling in the arena or heading to a summer competition, here's our summer riding gear guide on what to wear horse riding this summer.

Start With Your Riding Helmet

No matter how hot it gets, a riding helmet should never be optional.

Modern riding helmets are designed with ventilation systems that allow airflow without jeopardising safety. If you're looking to keep a cool head this summer, look for:

* Strategically positioned air vents for increased airflow
* Moisture-wicking removable liners
* Lightweight shell construction to the highest safety standard
* Adjustable fit systems

A well-ventilated helmet can have a significant impact during long rides and training sessions.

Choose Lightweight Breathable Riding Tops

It's easy to assume that less fabric means staying cooler. However, in reality, lightweight technical riding tops often outperform sleeveless or casual clothing. Equetech riding tops are designed as sportswear to ensure riders feel and look good, even in hot weather.

Look for:

* Moisture-wicking fabrics
* Mesh ventilation panels
* UV protection
* Four-way stretch materials
* Quick-drying performance fabrics

Technical riding tops will feel cooler than standard t-shirts, and they are designed to offer freedom of movement with 4- way stretch and design details created specifically for riders.

Riding Tights or Breeches: Which Is Better?

Summer is not the season for wearing thick winter breeches, which is why our main range of breeches is non-seasonal and created as durable legwear you can enjoy throughout the seasons. If you are trying to decide which is better, riding tights or breeches, here is our quick glance guide:

Riding Tights

They are perfect for:

* Everyday riding
* Schooling sessions
* Yard work

Benefits include:

* Lightweight construction
* Excellent stretch
* Breathability
* Reduced bulk under boots

Lightweight Breeches

These are ideal for:

* Competition wear
* Clinic or training sessions
* Riders wanting a more traditional look

Look for designs that incorporate intelligent seam placement for total comfort, full silicon seats, and comfort waistbands.

Why You Should Never Ride in Shorts

One of the most common summer riding questions is whether shorts are acceptable.

The answer is simple: no.

Even on the hottest days, shorts leave your legs exposed to:

* Saddle rubs
* Pinching from stirrup leathers
* Sunburn
* Scratches from vegetation
* Friction burns

Breathable riding tights provide significantly more comfort and protection than a pair of shorts while remaining cool enough to enjoy your summer riding.

Don't Forget Your Riding Gloves

Hot weather often means sticky and sweaty hands.

Without riding gloves, riders may experience:

* Reduced grip on the reins
* Blisters
* Friction discomfort
* Slippery reins

Summer riding gloves often feature:

* Mesh inserts
* Breathable qualities
* Lightweight construction
* Enhanced grip technology

They're a small addition that can make a big difference on longer rides.

The Best Summer Riding Boots

During hot weather, your feet can quickly become the hottest part of your riding outfit.

For more comfortable summer ride and the best summer riding boots consider:

* Paddock boots with half chaps
* Moisture-wicking boot liners
* Lightweight breathable riding socks made from Bamboo for antibacterial qualities.

The goal is airflow without sacrificing support or safety.

Dress for the Ride You're Planning

Hacking

Happy hackers should prioritise:

* UV-protective clothing
* Lightweight layers
* Bright colours and hi-vis accessories for visibility
* Comfortable riding tights

Arena Schooling

Schooling can increase your core temperature, so here are key factors to consider:

* Maximum breathability
* Sweat management
* Flexible fabrics
* Lightweight gloves

For Competitions

Nerves and hot weather can make for an uncomfortable outing. Look for:

* Technical show shirts
* Competition jackets with excellent airflow
* Lightweight breeches
* Breathable and supportive riding underwear

Equetech's competition garments are specifically designed to perform in hot weather while maintaining a smart appearance.

What Colours Keep Riders Cool?

Colour plays a bigger role than many riders realise.

Lighter shades reflect sunlight while darker colours absorb heat.

Good summer choices include:

* White
* Light grey
* Beige
* Soft blue
* Pale green

This is particularly useful for tops, competition wear and base layers. Equetech competition shirts are designed to be worn and enjoyed for training and schooling sessions - why keep your best for best?  

Summer Riding Accessories Worth Adding

A few accessories which can dramatically improve comfort while horse riding in summer are:

* UV-protective sunglasses
* Cooling neck wraps
* Water bottles
* Helmet visors
* Cooling towels

Many experienced riders also use cooling products between rides and competitions to help regulate heat during prolonged periods outdoors.

What Fabrics Should You Avoid?

What not to wear horse riding? Not all fabrics are suitable for summer equestrian clothing.

We recommend you avoid:

• Heavy Cotton
• Cotton absorbs sweat and dries slowly.
• Thick Denim
• Too restrictive and often uncomfortable in hot temperatures.
• Non-Breathable Synthetic Materials

These can trap heat and moisture against the skin.

Instead, choose technical performance fabrics specifically developed for active sports.

Summer Horse Riding Outfit Checklist

Before heading to the yard this summer, make sure you have the following for your horse riding outfit for hot weather:

✓ Ventilated riding helmet

✓ Lightweight breathable riding top

✓ Breathable riding tights or breeches

✓ Riding gloves

✓ Cooling ice bands

✓ Suitable riding boots

✓ Moisture-wicking riding socks

✓ Sun cream

✓ Safety horse riding sunglasses

✓ Water bottle

✓ Lightweight layer for changing weather

Final Thoughts

The best summer riding outfit isn't necessarily the one with the least fabric. It's the one that offers comfort, safety, breathability and sun protection.

If you wear the right lightweight technical clothing, stay hydrated, and avoid common mistakes like riding in shorts or wearing heavy fabrics, you'll stay cooler, enjoy your ride, and make the most of every minute of the summer season.

FAQ: What To Wear Horse Riding In Summer

Our Equestrian Designer, Liz Hayman, answers FAQ on what to wear in the saddle this summer:

Q: What should I wear horse riding in hot weather?A: Wear a ventilated riding helmet, a lightweight moisture-wicking riding top, breathable riding tights or breeches, gloves and appropriate riding boots. Choose technical fabrics that promote airflow and effectively manage sweat.

Q: Can you wear shorts horse riding in summer?A: Shorts are never recommended for horse riding. Not only do they leave your legs exposed to external injuries such as grazes and sunburn, but they also increase the risk of friction and saddle rubs.

Q: Are long sleeves better than short sleeves for horse riding in summer?
A: Lightweight long-sleeved riding tops can be more effective than standard short-sleeved shirts as part of a horse riding outfit for hot weather because they protect the skin from direct sun exposure while remaining breathable.

Q: What are the best fabrics for summer horse riding clothes?
A: Look for moisture-wicking, quick-drying technical fabrics with mesh ventilation and stretch properties in your riding clothes for hot weather. These materials help regulate your body temperature and improve comfort in summer horse riding clothes.

Q: Should I wear gloves when horse riding in summer?
A: Yes. Riding gloves can help maintain a reliable grip on the reins, reduce friction, and prevent blisters and slippery reins caused by sweaty hands. Horse riding in summer can be hot and sticky, but with the right clothing and accessories, you can finish your ride calm, cool and collected.

Q: What colour riding clothes are best for hot weather?
A: Light-coloured riding clothes generally reflect sunlight and seem to stay cooler than dark colours, making them an attractive choice for summer riding. However, it's more about the fabric's technical performance than just the colour.

Q: How can I stay cool while horse riding in summer?
A: Wear breathable riding tops designed to wick away sweat, drink plenty of water, ride during cooler parts of the day and use cooling accessories such as our ice bands for the neck and wrists for instant cooling relief. The best horse riding outfit for hot weather should combine comfort with performance.

Q: Are riding tights cooler than breeches in summer?
A: Riding tights are often designed to feel lighter and more breathable than traditional breeches, making them a common pick for everyday summer riding. At Equetech, we offer the best summer riding tights by combining the fit and support of lightweight breeches with the freedom of quality riding tights. Our hybrid riding tights are ideal for riders searching for what to wear horse riding in summer.