The riding hat, the only non-negotiable
No reputable riding school will put you on a horse without an approved hat. Everything else on this list can be improvised or hired; the hat cannot. If you don't have one, ask whether the school has loan hats available, most do. But if you're planning to ride more than once, buy your own early.
Current UK hat standards
Most riding schools accept hats to PAS 015:2011 or EN 1384:2023 (the replacement European standard). If you plan to compete, check the rules of the relevant governing body, British Eventing and the BSJA have stricter minimums for cross country and jumping phases respectively.
Always buy from a retailer who will fit the hat in person. Hat sizing and fit varies significantly between brands, and a hat that does not fit correctly does not protect correctly. regardless of its standard certification.
Budget: a decent beginner hat runs from around £40 to £150. The price difference mostly reflects ventilation, weight and finish, not safety. An entry-level hat from a reputable brand (Charles Owen, Gatehouse, Tipperary) is entirely adequate to start.
Footwear, a heel matters
Riding footwear needs a defined heel, typically around 2–3cm, to prevent the foot sliding through the stirrup. Open-toed shoes, trainers and flat-soled boots are a safety risk and will usually get you turned away.
Paddock boots + half chaps
The most practical starter combination. Paddock (ankle) boots are easy to wear off the horse and pair with half chaps to protect the lower leg from the stirrup leather. Far less expensive than full-length boots and covers most disciplines comfortably.
Full-length riding boots
Smart for dressage, cross country and showing. Less practical for everyday yard use. The gap between entry-level synthetic boots and quality leather is significant, it's worth waiting until you're riding regularly before spending on a good pair.
Wellies in a pinch
Rubber wellingtons have minimal heel and are not ideal, but many schools will accept them for a first lesson if nothing else is available. They offer no ankle support and poor feel, not a long-term solution.
Jodhpurs, breeches or riding leggings
Traditional jodhpurs remain the standard, they're designed to sit comfortably in a saddle, resist abrasion, and not bunch behind the knee. Breeches are the shorter version, designed to be worn with long boots or gaiters.
Riding leggings with a full-length silicone or suede grip panel are now widely accepted, including at most riding schools. The grip panel matters, it provides the same stability function as the traditional jodhpur fabric. Standard gym leggings are not equivalent.
What to avoid: jeans (seams cause rubs), loose-fit trousers (catch on the saddle), and anything so thin that it offers no protection against stirrup leather friction. Cargo pockets at the knee are also a minor nuisance in the saddle.
Body protectors, when you need one
Body protectors are not required for flatwork or standard lessons. They become relevant, and in some cases compulsory, for jumping, cross country and for young riders at many schools.
If required, look for a BETA (British Equestrian Trade Association) certified protector to Level 3 standard, which is the minimum for cross country at most competition levels. Level 3 protectors are rated for higher-impact falls and are the standard used by British Eventing.
Frequently asked questions
What hat standard do I need for horse riding in the UK?
The current minimum for most riding schools is PAS 015:2011 or EN 1384:2023. Competition standards vary by governing body, always check the rules for your specific discipline and level.
Can I wear leggings instead of jodhpurs for horse riding?
Riding-specific leggings with a full-length silicone or suede grip panel are a practical and widely accepted alternative. Standard gym leggings are not, they lack grip and offer no abrasion protection.
Do I need riding boots for a first lesson?
Most riding schools can hire or loan boots. If you plan to continue, a pair of short paddock boots with a half chap is the most practical and cost-effective starter option, typically £60–£130 combined.
What should I avoid wearing to a horse riding lesson?
Avoid open-toed shoes, trainers, loose or flowing clothing, scarves, jewellery, and hoodies with drawstrings. Jeans are uncomfortable over time due to seam positioning. Flat-soled footwear is a safety risk.