What to Pack on a Riding Trip

General Packing Advice for Riding Trips

If you have ever stood in front of a suitcase wondering what to pack and what to leave behind, the dilemma is even bigger wen planning a riding holiday. Here we share our top tips (mine is a seat saver!), some general advice on what to pack on a riding trip and a basic packing list for a riding tour.

• For all riding trips: (except possibly training trips and dressage trips) we recommend that you bring your own water bottle (type for sports drink), preferably with a holder and hook that can be hung at the front of the saddle. Then you have guaranteed access to water throughout the day. Make sure that it is refilled as often as possible!

• For long rides: There are a variety of seat savers (cushion pads) to attach to the saddle. Some are made with gel others with sheepskin and our favourite has a memory foam inner with suede cover. These provide extra comfort during long days in the saddle, especially for riders who are not used to many consecutive hours and days. When purchasing a seat saver, make sure that it has long straps at the front and back that can be fastened in different ways to different types of saddles.

• Camping trips: It’s always good to bring a small flashlight even if they’re often available on site. Wet wipes are always good to have with you!

• Tips for all trips: No matter where you travel, it’s good to dress in layers and be able to take them off over time. Even when it is very hot, a thin cotton shirt is very comfortable to ride in. The long sleeves protect your from the sun during the hottest hours of the day and if you have a tank top underneath, you can take off your shirt until late afternoon and get some sun without burning yourself.

• Cycling shorts: For long days in the saddle (especially if you don’t normally ride much), it’s a good tip to wear cycling shorts under your riding trousers to prevent rubbing. They are now available in comfortable materials that breathe and there are also cycling shorts with padded inserts.

• Extra warm clothes: Long underpants, hat, mittens, fleece sweater, etc. can be good to wear on trips to mountain areas where there is always a greater risk of the temperature dropping suddenly. Even if it is summer and is not forecast, changes in the climate occur and the unexpected can happen suddenly. If it gets colder, especially at night, it’s important to be well equipped and be able to stay warm and dry. Some examples where we have experienced this are: Montana and several other mountainous areas in the USA and Canada especially during spring and autumn but can happen anytime, Kazakhstan, Chile, Argentina etc.

• Swimwear: We almost always recommend that this be included, although it may not be certain that the opportunity is given for to swim. It takes up so little space and if there were to be an opportunity for swimming along the way, it’s a shame not to have them with you.

• Clothes for a safari stay in Africa should preferably be khaki-coloured, green or brown and preferably not white, blue or red.

• Footwear: for almost all trips except training trips we recommend walking/riding boots with a sole that grips. These are widely available. Ariat and Mountain Horse both offer a good selection.

• Riding Helmet: It is always best to take your own both for reasons of comfort and fit as well as safety standards. Within Europe there will usually be a selection on site. We highly recommend sun and rain covers/brims for those helmet.

• Both sun block and mosquito repellent are small items to take along but unmissable when you need them.

 

What to pack on a riding trip – my suggestions:

• Two pairs of riding trousers.

• Low riding/walking boots with heels.

• Comfortable socks and underwear (thongs are not recommended for long days in the saddle).

• Short chaps/leggings.

• Riding helmet (own helmet is always best).

• Riding gloves if applicable.

• Sunglasses and sunscreen.

• A pair of jeans, chinos or similar and a pair of slightly nicer trousers.

• T-shirts, tank tops, shorts.

• A warm sweater and a jacket, long-sleeved sweaters to ride in (not needed during the summer months).

• A shirt and stylish sweater or jacket if you want to eat at a nice restaurant or pub some evening. Alternative blouse etc. for ladies.

• Swimwear and bathing shoes.

•Rainwear. A light rain jacket in warmer climates and more expensive warm/windproof breathable jacket and rainproof over trousers in more changeable climates.

• Sweets (which do not melt!) and possibly horse treats such as sugar cubes.

• Plasters, chafing tape, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, lip ointment.

• Waist pouch to wear during the riding.

• A good book for possible rest in the middle of the day.

• Camera and chargers.

Have a lovely riding trip!