How to dress for a horseback ride: useful tips
You have finally booked your outdoor horseback ride, but a doubt assails you, namely: 'How should you dress?' A common question that is not so much about fashion, but rather about comfort and safety.
This is an exciting, stress-relieving activity that allows you to take in the scenery slowly, immerse yourself in nature and explore enchanting places. But for the experience to be perfect, it cannot be improvised.
For a flawless itinerary, it is always best to call on professionals, as well as wearing appropriate shoes and clothing. Indeed, if it is your first time on horseback, with NowMyPlace you can tackle the baptism of the saddle in total serenity, followed by an expert equestrian guide who will lead you to discover the area.
In this article, therefore, we will see how to dress for a horseback ride and the best places to do it at Lake Garda.
Clothing for horse riding from A to Z: how to dress
You don't need professional clothes and accessories to spend a pleasant day on horseback, you just need to take a few simple precautions.
First of all, clothing must be comfortable and practical. Also, before setting off, it is always best to keep an eye on the weather forecast and dress accordingly so as not to be caught unprepared in the event of a sudden downpour.
Long trousers are preferable to short ones (stretch jeans are also fine) because they prevent discomfort caused by the skin rubbing against the leather saddle. In addition, they protect the legs from small scratches from bushes and branches that may be encountered along the way. Clothing that is too loose should be avoided because it can form creases and create friction on the skin; simple, seamless underwear is recommended.
A green-light then to t-shirts, short- or long-sleeved shirts, jumpers and jackets (depending on the season) to be layered and slipped on or off depending on the temperature (or a sudden change in the weather). Rainwear - consisting of mackintoshes, windproof jackets or capes - can be an excellent alternative to the classic jacket.
What about shoes? Better to opt for closed footwear, hiking boots or rain boots. Open models (including slippers) do not protect the feet, especially in case of accidental falls. Finally, be very careful with shoes with laces: loose laces could get caught in the stirrups.
Finally, unnecessary accessories such as long necklaces, bulky earrings, pendants and scarves that could get caught in tree branches or plants should be avoided.
What about the helmet? The cap (or riding helmet) is an important element for a person's safety because it protects the head from falls, so it is highly recommended to use it for outdoor outings. It must be comfortable, never tight and guarantee full visibility. It is usually provided on request by the facility, but if you prefer - and the horse riding experience is an activity you want to repeat on each of your trips - you can also purchase it.
An extra tip: to ward off insects, you can equip yourself with repellent sprays and use sunscreen on sunny, hot days. Also take a water bottle with you - it can always come in handy!
To recap, the outfit for the riding outing includes:
- comfortable, layered clothing;
- long, not too loose trousers;
- closed shoes or boots;
- comfortable underwear;
- rain cape;
- helmet.
To be avoided:
- sandals, slippers and other open shoes;
- short or too loose trousers;
- jewellery or accessories.
Outfits for going out riding: how to dress the boys?
All the advice you have just read also applies to younger people, with one important difference: up to the age of 18, the use of a helmet is compulsory (as is also the law in the FISE - Italian Equestrian Sports Federation - regulations).
Go for a layered look - easy to adapt to all weather conditions - preferably in breathable, rain- and wind-resistant material.
Lake Garda: where to go horse riding? 3 ideas to try now
Now that we have seen the right clothing for such a memorable experience, all that remains is to find out the best places to do it. The excursions and horseback rides on Lake Garda are magnificent and suitable for everyone, even beginners. You can evaluate immersive itineraries among paths, woods, vineyards and olive groves (perfect for those who love nature and want to discover the area), walks along the lake or among historical places. Here are a few tips for spending unforgettable moments on horseback:
1. Toscolano Maderno: where to go horse riding near me?
If you are in Toscolano Maderno, on the Brescia coast, and love historical sites and good food, you can book a horseback ride at sunset and a tasting of local products. A magnificent excursion of about 5 km immersed in nature to discover - with an expert guide - the village of Gaino and other wonderful areas, with a spectacular view of the lake.
After such a journey, what could be better than sitting down at an agritourismo to taste local wines and products? Ideal for leaving the stress and hustle and bustle behind and enjoy this pleasant moment with family or friends.
2. Riding through hills and olive groves
For a magical experience in contact with nature, you can also reach the first hinterland of Lake Garda in Brescia and, from Gavardo, set off on a horseback ride to explore the Valtenesi.
A 1.5 hour tour through paths, olive groves and hills to be savoured at a leisurely pace, giving you a unique view of the lake from the western hinterland.
3. A two-hour walk (on horseback) in the Trentino Dolomites
Villages, forests, nature, trails, mountains, lakes: is there anything missing from the list? If you want to discover the area and its beauties, a 2 hour horseback ride through nature and historic villages in the Trentino Dolomites is just the thing for you. A route that passes through the Valli Giudicarie (an area between Lake Ledro, Lake Garda and the splendid Adamello-Brenta mountains) and crosses pastures, woods, villages and small towns with a unique view of the mountains.
An exciting experience, perfect for those who love eco-friendly trips, contact with animals and nature. Suitable for beginners and novices alike, always supervised by an experienced guide who knows the terrain and will help you keep the horses at bay.
Horse riding on Lake Garda: why choose NowMyPlace
With NowMyPlace you can organise your free time by choosing unique and original activities for an outing, a weekend or even a holiday (alone, with friends or with the whole family). Horseback riding experiences are safe and designed to meet the needs of both experienced and novice riders.
The entire preparation for the outing is followed by an expert guide who will show you how to approach the horse and how to handle it along the walk. A figure who will follow you along the entire route to help you discover the lesser-known areas of Lake Garda, with anecdotes and curious stories, as well as always being at your disposal in case of difficulty.
By choosing NowMyPlace for your horseback ride, you can:
- approach the animal and establish a sincere bond with it
- discover the area from a new point of view and fall even more in love with Lake Garda
- spend moments of relaxation and freedom in nature
- strengthen relationships with family members with fun and exciting activities
- make new friends.
What do you say: would you like to try a horseback ride with us?
