New Riding Apparel I Love
As I returned to riding, I had to pick up some new riding gear to wear during trail rides and lessons. One of my favorite tops is the Kerrit's Rail Quarter Zip Tech Fleece Top. It comes in five different colors and an extensive line of sizes. I have the Leather Snaffle Harmony (shown above) and the Iris Starlight. It is soft and warm without being too hot, even while riding. I love that it sheds horse hair and dirt and looks great after repeated washes. The length in the back is long enough to be comfortable during riding, which means no bare lower back from shirts riding up.
Dublin Shona Full Seat Denim Breeches are stretchy and comfortable, however I find myself wearing the Piper Stretch Denim Full Seat Breeches by SmartPak far more often. Maybe they fit me better, or they are simply more stretchy and easier to get on and off a horse with than the Dublin pair. Both pairs need a belt, at least for me. They seem to need adjusting and pulling up, especially after walking around the barn - which can be annoying. The “suede seat” on the Dublin pair doesn’t seem to stretch much where the SmartPak Piper breeches do. Both are machine washable and line dry.
I also have a pair of Piper Evolution High-Rise Breeches by SmartPak but have yet to wear them. They seem comfortable enough, but they don’t fit as well as the denim ones do. Again, they will need a belt. I adjust them - a lot - when I’m only trying them on. What are they going to be like if I wear them to the barn? I guess I need to try them out and see what they are like to give an accurate assessment of them.
I love my TuffRider Ladies Derby Leather Half Chaps from Dover Saddlery. I’ve had compliments on them. They are soft leather with durable zippers. (I looked at other half-chap brands and some have very small zippers. I wondered about them holding up with regular riding.) They fit fine right out of the package and are comfortable when riding. The only issue I have is the zipper going up the back of the leg instead of the side. It can be hard to start the zipper from the top if you aren’t a yogini (and I am a yogini). Still, they are attractive and beautifully made. The stretch panels allow for leg contouring and holding them in place while I ride. They look especially smart with my Ariat Ladies Heritage IV Zip Paddock Boots. It’s a nice clean line on my leg.
My Ovation Deluxe Schooler Helmet also from Dover Saddlery rounds out my new gear. As a former riding instructor, I never let anyone I gave a lesson to get on a horse without a helmet. Period. During my time around hunter/jumper stables, I saw several accidents where the rider thankfully HAD a helmet on and prevented a terrible injury. Helmets protect you. Wear one. This Ovation helmet is **ASTM F1163-15/SEI Certified. Almost all riding helmets will have this certification level for protection. (Please, no bicycle helmets when riding. Wear proper head gear.)
MHWF Website.
I donate regularly to the Midwest Horse Welfare Foundation. I have followed them for years and would like to someday adopt a suitable horse from them. They are currently seeking donations for their 2023 Hay Drive. They only need $2475 to complete their funding. Please follow the link if you’d like to donate to their wonderful cause. It will feed their rescued horses for the winter and more. Thank you!
Author Kerri Lukasavitz and the middle grade Oak Lane Stable Novel Series: Books written for young readers, but enjoyed by horse lovers of all ages.
