Affordable Horseback Riding Clothes

When I first started horseback riding I kept hearing everyone around me mention equestrian brands that I had never heard of before: Tailored Sportsman, R.J. Classics, ROMFH Equestrian, the list goes on. When you’re new to something you just want to learn and understand what everyone is talking about. 

I remember going home one night looking up the brands that I had heard about and was shocked at the prices of some of them. It blew my mind that people would pay $200 for a pair of breeches when they were just going to get filthy. I’m very budget conscious and so I didn’t know how I was going to afford my lessons plus plus buy super expensive horseback riding breeches.

In the beginning though, those items were the “shiny new objects” that I thought I just had to have. I did spend money I didn’t have on a pair of Tailored Sportsman mid rise breeches (which I do love by the way and understand why others do too) and a few of their Ice Fill Long Sleeve Riding Shirts. After that, I filled my closet with some of Smartpak’s knee patch piper breeches. 

 

It took me a while to realize that you don’t have to have the expensive horseback riding breeches or the most expensive branded shirt to be a successful rider or to “fit in” to the equestrian community. The clothes aren’t even the important part, which is pretty obvious, but sometimes I feel that it’s forgotten or pushed aside. 

A few weeks ago I asked for some input towards a future blog post that I will be sharing soon about budgeting for your horse and one of the biggest pieces of feedback I received was that people stopped buying new riding clothes all the time. One rider, Bailey Nolte, said she has had the same pairs of Smartpak breeches for years because not only does it save her money by not buying new but they’re still in great shape and do the job, which is what we all want.

Click here to read my interview post with Bailey Nolte, USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist.

It made me realize that I didn’t have to have the most expensive horseback riding clothes. Many of my horseback riding lesson outfits consist of either breeches or riding tights plus a regular short sleeve shirt or my one of two ice fill long sleeve shirts. When I say short sleeve shirt I mean like old sorority tees or tees from 5k races, school events, etc. You’re going to sweat in it so why make it fancy? Most equestrians are on a budget because of how expensive their horses are in general (i.e. care, board, lessons, emergencies, etc.) so we understand! When you show is when you can invest in something nice because you will be in it for days at a time!

Now, like I said, I do have a pair of Tailored Sportsman breeches and I do love them and understand why they’re one of the most well-known brands in the equestrian industry. However, that doesn’t mean that you HAVE to have them and that they have to be the ONLY option in your closet. 

Below are some of my favorite affordable equestrian brands for horseback riding. 

Affordable Horseback Riding Breeches:

Smartpak Piper Breeches ($79.95)

Dover Saddlery Breeches ($79)

Kerrits Cross Over Knee Patch Breeches ($99)

Elation Breeches ($99-$129)

Botori Riding Pants ($110)

Affordable Horseback Riding Shirts/Tops:

Smartpak Piper Long Sleeve Sun Shirt ($39.95)

Ovation Cool Rider UV Tech Shirt ($44.95)

Noble Outfitters Lindsey Performance Long Sleeve Shirt ($39.99 on sale)

 

Three more things that I’ll also add are:

1) You don’t have to buy the super cute (always expensive) socks for under your tall boots.

While I love all of the cute designs, most of the time I can’t spend $16-$20 on one pair of socks (even though every once in a while it’s a fun treat or a great gift idea for a friend!). I tend to stick with regular crew socks or any other well-known sock brand. A whole pack is usually under $7-$8!

2) You don’t have to buy an expensive belt! 

While there are some pretty designs out there, $50-$100 for a belt is just insane to me! In my opinion, the best bang for your buck is to get a nice belt at a great price at stores like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Target, etc.! 

If you’re on a budget like me, you will love the affordable horseback riding clothing options above. As long as you take care of them, wash them how the label specifies, they should last you a long time (give or take any normal barn wear and tear haha!). 

3) Shop. The. SALES!

Many retailers have sales that can save you a TON of money! I know Smartpak has their buy two piper breeches get one free as well as other retailers that mark their breeches down to below $60! 

In addition to this, don’t hesitate to look at your local second-hand shop. I’ve found some great deals on breeches that were in perfect condition for half or more than half the price!

I hope you loved this post about affordable horseback riding outfits! I’m always trying to find ways to save money while still having the correct equipment that I need to make me a successful rider. 

Have you heard of any of these brands? Do you swear by them too? I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below!

Photography: Nicole Schultz Photography