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{"PageID":1463,"ThemeCode":null,"BlogInfo":{"Breadcrumbs":[{"Name":"News","URL":"https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/NEWS/News"}],"ID":46,"SpaceID":2,"Name":"News","Description":"Key news items","Author":{"ID":14,"Name":"John Hudson","CompanyName":null,"HasEmail":true},"CreationTime":"18/11/2019 11:00","Tags":[],"URL":"https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/NEWS/News","IsWatching":false,"CanWatch":false,"CanPostBlogEntry":false},"EntryInfo":{"Breadcrumbs":[{"Name":"News","URL":"https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/NEWS/News"},{"Name":"What to Wear at an Endurance Ride","URL":"https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/NEWS/News/What+to+Wear+at+an+Endurance+Ride"}],"ID":1463,"Name":"What to Wear at an Endurance Ride","Abstract":"New to endurance riding? Discover what to wear for comfort, safety, and performance. From hats and footwear to layering and essential kit, this beginner-friendly guide helps you prepare for a confident, enjoyable ride with your horse.\n","ImageUrl":"https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Client/Images/Cms/_GC_9802_Large_Jpeg.jpg","ThumbnailImageUrl":"","Author":{"ID":13249,"MembershipNumber":null,"Username":null,"Forename":"John","Surname":"Hudson","Name":"John Hudson","Handle":"John","CompanyName":null,"FamilyGroupName":null,"Branch":{"ID":21,"Name":"South West","Description":"Devon \u0026 Cornwall","Icon":null,"Colour":"rgb(98, 3, 48)","Depth":0,"Indent":0,"CanBeSelected":true,"Sections":null,"Label":"\u003cspan class=\u0022label label-default\u0022 style=\u0022background-color: rgb(98, 3, 48)\u0022\u003eSouth West\u003c/span\u003e","LabelLarge":"\u003cspan class=\u0022label label-default label-lg\u0022 style=\u0022background-color: rgb(98, 3, 48)\u0022\u003eSouth West\u003c/span\u003e"},"IsLoggedInUser":false,"ImageUrl":"https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Client/Images/Mugshots/jhudson.jpg"},"IsDraft":false,"PublicationDate":"Sunday, 12 April 2026","CreationTime":"08/04/2026 06:01","CommentCount":0,"Tags":["getting started"],"URL":"https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/NEWS/News/What+to+Wear+at+an+Endurance+Ride","CanAdmin":false},"Content":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cem\u003eA beginner’s guide to staying comfortable, safe, and ready to enjoy the miles\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you’re new to endurance riding, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: \u003cem\u003ewhat on earth do I wear?\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe good news is—you don’t need anything complicated or expensive. Endurance is the sport that suits everybody and every horse, and that includes your wardrobe too. The key is simple: \u003cstrong\u003ecomfort, safety, and practicality over long hours in the saddle.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eStarting with the basics\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you arrive at your ride, you’ll be given a \u003cstrong\u003eride bib\u003c/strong\u003e when you check in—this displays your number and must be worn while mounted. Everything else is about helping you and your horse enjoy the day.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEndurance riding often means several hours in the saddle, so your clothing needs to work \u003cem\u003ewith\u003c/em\u003e you, not against you.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\u0022https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Client/Images/Cms/DSP29655.jpg\u0022 data-image=\u00221\u0022\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eYour essential rider kit\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSafety first – your riding hat\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003esafety-certified riding hat is mandatory\u003c/strong\u003e and must be correctly fitted with the chin strap securely fastened at all times when mounted.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour hat must meet \u003cstrong\u003eone of the following recognised safety standards\u003c/strong\u003e:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nBritish \u003cstrong\u003ePAS 015:1998 or 2011\u003c/strong\u003e (with BSI Kitemark)\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nEuropean \u003cstrong\u003eVG1 01.040:2014-12\u003c/strong\u003e (with BSI Kitemark)\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nAmerican \u003cstrong\u003eASTM F1163 (2015 or 2023)\u003c/strong\u003e (with SEI mark)\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSNELL E2016 or E2021\u003c/strong\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAS/NZS 3838:2006 onwards\u003c/strong\u003e (with SAI Global mark)\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEN1384:2023\u003c/strong\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf your hat carries more than one standard, as long as \u003cstrong\u003eone is compliant\u003c/strong\u003e, it is acceptable.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTop half – breathable and protective\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose a \u003cstrong\u003etechnical, sweat-wicking top.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eHelps prevent rubbing\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eProtects against sun exposure\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eKeeps you cool and comfortable\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLong sleeves are often a favourite—even in summer.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\u0022https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Client/Images/Cms/DSP28657.jpg\u0022 data-image=\u00221\u0022\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBottom half – comfort is everything\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRiding tights or breeches\u003c/strong\u003e are the go-to for endurance riders.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eStretchy, breathable fabrics reduce chafing\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eSilicone grip adds stability in the saddle\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eMany now have large pockets—perfect for your phone\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFootwear – secure and supportive\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen it comes to footwear, endurance riders have a bit more flexibility than you might expect—and comfort is key over long distances.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany riders choose to ride in \u003cstrong\u003etrainers paired with caged stirrups\u003c/strong\u003e, thanks to their breathability and wide, supportive footbed. This can be a great option, particularly in warmer weather or for longer rides where comfort really matters.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat said, plenty of riders still prefer more \u003cstrong\u003etraditional riding boots\u003c/strong\u003e—either long boots or short boots with half chaps—for added support and a familiar feel in the saddle.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUltimately, it’s up to you and what you feel most comfortable riding in.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe one non-negotiable is safety:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nIf you are \u003cstrong\u003enot using a stirrup cage\u003c/strong\u003e, your footwear \u003cstrong\u003emust have a heel (at least ½ inch)\u003c/strong\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nThis helps prevent your foot slipping through the stirrup and becoming caught\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWellington boots are not permitted.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\u0022https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Client/Images/Cms/DSPX2016.jpg\u0022 data-image=\u00221\u0022\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGloves \u0026 comfort extras\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDon’t underestimate the value of:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRiding gloves\u003c/strong\u003e (prevent rein rub over long distances)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTechnical socks\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeam-free or padded underwear\u003c/strong\u003e to avoid chafing\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePractical extras you’ll be glad you packed\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEndurance riding is as much about preparation as it is about riding.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBumbag or saddle bag\u003c/strong\u003e – ideal for your phone, snacks, and essentials\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMedical ID card\u003c/strong\u003e – especially important if you have a medical condition (and required at \u003ca href=\u0022https://www.scottishendurance.com/Cms/Spaces/TAH/What+equipment+does+horse++rider+need\u0022\u003eSERC events\u003c/a\u003e).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMobile phone\u003c/strong\u003e – fully charged and switched on\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater bottle\u003c/strong\u003e – hydration matters for both you and your horse\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSunglasses \u0026 sunscreen\u003c/strong\u003e – even in the UK!\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHi-vis gear\u003c/strong\u003e – recommended for safety\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome rides may also require or recommend a small \u003cstrong\u003efirst aid kit\u003c/strong\u003e, particularly for longer distances.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDress for the weather (because it will change!)\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the golden rules of endurance is \u003cstrong\u003elayering\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eStart with a breathable base layer\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eAdd a lightweight mid-layer if needed\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eCarry a \u003cstrong\u003ewaterproof jacket or gilet\u003c/strong\u003e that can be tied to your saddle\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou might leave the start feeling chilly and finish in sunshine—being prepared makes all the difference.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to avoid\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA few simple mistakes can turn a great ride into an uncomfortable one:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eBrand new clothing (test everything beforehand!)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eRough seams or stiff fabrics\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eIll-fitting boots or tack\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eSpurs (not permitted)\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComfort over style—always.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDon’t forget your horse\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile this guide focuses on you, your horse’s comfort is just as important.\u003cbr\u003eA well-fitted saddle, breathable saddle pad, and correctly adjusted tack are essential for a happy partnership.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFinal thoughts\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEndurance riding is about \u003cstrong\u003eexploring, achieving, and enjoying the journey with your horse\u003c/strong\u003e—and what you wear should support that, not distract from it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep it simple. Keep it comfortable. And most importantly, choose gear you trust so you can focus on what really matters—your ride.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom your first 16km pleasure ride to longer challenges ahead, you’ll quickly find what works best for you. And remember—everyone starts somewhere, and our community is always here to help.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor full safety standards and up-to-date guidance, always check the official Endurance GB rules and recommendations.\u003c/p\u003e","HasCommentsThread":true,"SeoTags":{"OpenGraphTags":[{"ID":"og:title","Name":"What to Wear at an Endurance Ride"},{"ID":"og:type","Name":"website"},{"ID":"og:url","Name":"https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/NEWS/News/What+to+Wear+at+an+Endurance+Ride"},{"ID":"og:description","Name":"New to endurance riding? Discover what to wear for comfort, safety, and performance. From hats and footwear to layering and essential kit, this beginner-friendly guide helps you prepare for a confident, enjoyable ride with your horse.\n"},{"ID":"og:image","Name":"https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Client/Images/Cms/_GC_9802_Large_Jpeg.jpg"}],"NonOpenGraphTags":[{"ID":"description","Name":"New to endurance riding? Discover what to wear for comfort, safety, and performance. From hats and footwear to layering and essential kit, this beginner-friendly guide helps you prepare for a confident, enjoyable ride with your horse.\n"}]},"PageURL":"https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/NEWS/News/What+to+Wear+at+an+Endurance+Ride","Comments":[],"UpdatedComments":[],"LastViewTime":null,"CanEdit":false,"CanPublish":false,"CanComment":false,"CanReadComments":false,"CanModerateComments":false}
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