Horse Care:
Clothing The Horseman
When riding horses, the rider usually uses an array of garments and accessories intended only for horse riding. Through the times, these clothes, foot wear and head wear have developed to suit the needs and styles of different people, practices and beliefs.
The horse rider’s apparel is composed normally of the coat, shirt, vest, pants or trousers, boots, hat or helmet and gloves. For dressage or horse training, the spur is a special wear. Accompanying the rider’s apparel is a whip.
To protect the head of the rider, a certain head gear or a hat is used. Falls during horse riding or even being kicked by a frightened horse do sometimes happen so to be able to protect the head and avoid death or head injuries, a helmet must be used. The classic riding helmet is made of black velvet with a brim. Even during trainings, the rider must wear the helmet. Since hats have become a mark in fashion, there are actually many styles to choose from.
Aside from the helmet, the horseman may also use as a headgear the cowboy hat which is highly rugged. This is commonly made of felt or straw with a large brim that is as wide as four inches or more. This is useful in protecting the eyes from the sun. Compared to the helmet, the cowboy hat is much more fashionable.
The coat used as an outer garment is used for warmth and fashion. Coats have long sleeves and are open in front but may be closed through buttons or fasteners or belt. The coat for the horseman usually is longer than the hip of the rider. The shirt is the inner garment under the coat.
The vest is part of the rider’s clothes worn as an outer garment that has been associated with working class men. This has been worn in other outdoor activities such as hunting or fishing and has outside pockets. The vest for the horseman must have useable shock absorbing and impact resistant pads or panels.
Each of the panels must have a grid of discrete pockets with shock absorbing elements. The grid lines are placed in an overlapping fashion making the vest very flexible and form fitting. This gives the horseman significant protection.
The horseman’s pair of pants is a garment worn on the lower part of the body covering the two legs separately. This is a tight fitting but flexible garment that clings to the legs. This is made often with cotton or lycra. The horseman’s pants is comparable to the leggings.
Boots are foot wear essential for riders. This is a type of shoe that covers the foot and the ankle and can extend up to the knee. Boots sometimes have a high heel. Other features of the boots includes reinforced insteps and toe caps with a slim-cut leg. It has also a removable foot bed for added cushioning and insulation.
Other boots can have what is called a kick-rim which allows riders to kick boots off without any damage. Others may have an Achilles protector made of rubber to protect the ankle from blows. There are also boots that have anti-shock heels and linings with moisture-control that offer comfort and good foot health.
A glove is the type of garment that covers the hand. Gloves have openings and sheaths for each of the fingers. Usual gloves used for horse riding are made of leather. This is important to protect the hands whenever it holds or grips the rope or reins of the horse. Without the gloves, the hand can obtain cuts and bruises made by the friction with the rope or rein.
The spur is an attachment to the rider’s boot used to back up the rider’s leg aids. This is useful in giving a sharp jab on horses that are reluctant to move forward. Spurs shouldn't be used if they aren't necessary. They must not be used to the point of wounding the horse.
The whip is a long flexible rod that has a lash at its end. This is used to back up the rider’s leg aids. This can also be used as a training tool to tap the horse to perform some movements.
If you plan to ride a horse, make sure you have prepared your riding gear. Horse riding gear shouldn't only be fashionable, but also comfortable.
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Horse Care: Clothing The Horseman
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