Examples of safe/unsafe riding attire can be seen here.

Safe Riding Attire

Safe attire is designed to keep the rider comfortable and prevent accidents caused by equipment failure or entanglement.

Helmet: Every rider must wear an ASTM-SEI approved helmet designed specifically for horseback riding every time they are mounted. Bicycle and motorcycle helmets are not safe for riding as they are designed for different types of impact.
Boots: Riders must wear sturdy, closed-toe boots with a smooth sole and a heel of at least half an inch. The heel is critical to prevent the foot from sliding through the stirrup during a fall, while smooth soles prevent the boot from getting stuck. Examples include paddock boots, cowboy boots, "roper" boots, and tall field or dress boots.
Pants: Long, stretchy, and comfortable pants are required to protect the legs from being rubbed raw by the saddle.
- English riders typically wear riding jodhpurs, breeches, or tights.
- Western riders usually prefer boot-cut jeans with a bit of stretch and a smooth inseam.
Shirts and Layers: Close-fitting shirts are best so instructors can clearly see the rider's body position. Baggy shirts should be tucked in, and jackets should be zipped to prevent flapping. In cooler weather, riders should wear layers that can be removed as they warm up.
Hair: Long hair must be pulled back in a low ponytail or bun (tucked under the helmet if possible) to keep it out of the face and prevent it from catching on tack.
Gloves: Gloves with rubber or suede grips are recommended to help grip the reins and provide warmth in winter.
Prohibited Items ("Safe Riding No-Nos"): Riders must never wear dangling jewelry, loose scarves, sneakers, sandals, flip-flops, or shorts. Additionally, chewing gum or candy is prohibited while riding.

How to Correctly Fit a Helmet

A helmet can only protect the head if it is fitted properly. Riders should ask an instructor to help them check the fit and adjust it before every ride.

If you do not regularly use a horseback helmet, watch the CHA video

If you have experience with a helmet, make sure you're fitting it to our standards and watch the Video Example Here

Position: The helmet should sit level on the forehead, approximately one or two finger-widths above the eyebrows. It should not sit on the top of the forehead.
Snugness: The fit should be evenly snug all the way around the head. To test this, lift the brim of the helmet up and down; the skin of your eyebrows/forehead should wiggle with it. You should be able to nod "yes" or "no" without the helmet shifting.
Chinstrap: The chinstrap must be adjusted so it actually touches the skin of the throat. If the strap can be slid over the point of the chin, it is too loose.
Harness: The harness should be adjusted evenly, with the sliding clips positioned just under the ear, away from the throat.
Maintenance: Always buy a riding helmet new. The protective foam inside can break down over time due to age, heat exposure, or previous impact, making a used helmet potentially unsafe.