What to Bring Hacking: A Practical Kit Guide

Hacking — riding out on roads, bridleways and open countryside rather than in an arena — has its own practical demands. Here's what actually matters, and why.

Hi-vis is the one non-negotiable

If any part of your route uses a public road, even briefly, hi-vis for both you and your horse isn't optional — it's the single biggest safety factor in a hack. A hi-vis tabard or vest for yourself, and exercise sheets or leg bands for your horse, make you visible to drivers well before they'd otherwise see you. Worth wearing even on routes that are "mostly off-road", since most hacking accidents happen on the road sections people assume are safe because they're short.

Shop hi-vis for riders and hi-vis for your horse at GS Equestrian.

Riding boots or jodhpur boots with a small heel

A proper heel stops your foot sliding through the stirrup — genuinely important if you come off unexpectedly on uneven ground, which is more likely hacking than in an arena. Wellies or trainers aren't a substitute.

Shop jodhpur and paddock boots at GS Equestrian: women's men's kids'.

A correctly fitted, current-standard riding hat

Most riders already own one before their first hack, but if you're borrowing or buying, make sure it meets the current safety standard (PAS 015 or VG1 kitemark) and is properly fitted, not just "close enough".

Shop riding hats: women's men's kids'.

Gloves

Useful for grip and control, particularly if conditions are wet or your horse is fresh at the start of a ride. A small, easy addition most first-time hackers don't think to bring.

Shop riding gloves: women's men's kids'.

Weatherproof outer layers

British weather changes fast, and a hack can be out for an hour or more with no shelter. A lightweight waterproof that packs down small is worth keeping in mind, especially for autumn and winter riding.

Shop waterproof riding kit at GS Equestrian.

A body protector, if the route includes faster paces

Not essential for a gentle walk-and-trot hack, but worth considering if your route includes canters or unpredictable terrain.

Shop body protectors: women's men's kids'.

New to riding out? Our what to wear horse riding guide covers the basics before you head out, and you can find places to hack near you on Saddl.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need hi-vis for hacking if my route is mostly off-road?+

Yes. If any part of your route touches a public road, even briefly, wear hi-vis — for both you and your horse. Most hacking accidents happen on the short road sections riders assume are safe because they are brief. Exercise sheets or leg bands make your horse visible to drivers well before they would otherwise see you.

What footwear should I wear hacking?+

Riding or jodhpur boots with a small heel. The heel stops your foot sliding through the stirrup if you come off on uneven ground, which is more likely hacking than in an arena. Wellies and trainers are not a safe substitute.

What riding hat standard do I need?+

A current standard — PAS 015 or a VG1 kitemark — and a correct fit. If you are borrowing or buying, do not settle for close enough on fit; a properly fitted hat protects far better.

Do I need a body protector to hack?+

Not for a gentle walk-and-trot hack. It is worth considering if your route includes canters or unpredictable terrain, where a fall is more likely.

Key checklist

✓Hi-vis for you (tabard or vest) and your horse (exercise sheet or leg bands)
✓Riding or jodhpur boots with a small heel — no wellies or trainers
✓A current-standard riding hat (PAS 015 or VG1), correctly fitted
✓Gloves for grip, especially in the wet or on a fresh horse
✓A packable waterproof for changeable weather
✓A body protector if your route includes canters or rough terrain

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