Yard clothing and footwear

[SaddlePsych'D]

I'm quite very (!) excited to be starting my first horse share this week and during the viewing quickly became aware that I probably need to sort out some appropriate clothes for yard chores and riding more than once per week (my single pair of leggings is probably not going to cut it!)

I thought I could get some sports fabric t-shirts for the hot weather (maybe in a supermarket or similar, or charity shop) and I've got old tops/hoodies I can re-purpose. Does anyone have any recommendations for clothes or other bits they find comfy/useful when at the yard? Do you have things you keep in the car to change in/out of?

Footwear wise I have my old Dublin jod boots (with gaiters for riding except today because it was so hot) which are reasonably comfy but wondering if worth investing in something that's better for when mucking out etc? I wore the first pair of trainers I found today but they are not really appropriate.

Basically I've gotten all excited about the share situation and looking for an excuse to treat myself - just point and shoot me in the right direction!

 

[doodle]

I buy cheepy T-shirt and fleeces on eBay. I do splash out on decent wellies (hunter balmoral suit my fat legs) and I wear these every day at yard. You will probably find short boots no good when it gets wet and muddy. I then had short boots and chaps that I change into to ride in.

 

[milliepops]

yeah mucking out will kill your joddy boots. I try to be disciplined about only using my riding boots for riding, and changing to yard boots for other jobs.

tbh I just wear whatever t shirts I can get cheaply most of the time, I don't like fleece cos it picks up hay so those hybrid quilt/softshell jackets do me and jods.
I have dubarry boots now but wore wellies before that, short ones are better in the hot weather

 

[doodle]

Oh and every time I get a new car I vow to change boots getting to and leaving yard. In reality this doesn’t happen and my car footwell could grow tatties!

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

It's hard to believe that mud will ever be a thing again on a day like today (and the past few days) - I was going to ask if it's ever acceptable to wear shorts to ride/around the yard but sure that won't be a problem for most of the year!

 

[milliepops]

Oh and every time I get a new car I vow to change boots getting to and leaving yard. In reality this doesn’t happen and my car footwell could grow tatties!

hahaha yeah, same

SP'D if you can take the horsefly bites there's no reason why you couldn't wear shorts on the yard... not sure i would ride in them (ouch)

 

[doodle]

Shorts and wellies are the uniform in summer isn’t it? But riding in shorts will hurt.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

I wasn't sure on the shorts thing, glad not to have to learn the hard way. I've not had a horsefly bite before but understand they can be nasty so maybe shorts are out altogether.

I've got some walking boots that might do for the summer then could get a pair of wellies or similar (any recommendations?) for when it gets wet/muddy and keep my riding boots for riding only.

Also planning to get a body protector if I'm going to be riding out regularly and maybe jumping further down the line, and a hi-vis something or other. They are only little lanes but when I'm driving I really appreciate anything riders/cyclists do to help me see them.

My poor little car won't know what's hit it - although to be fair it's hardly pristine at the moment. I'll just be adding mud to the empty drinks bottles etc.

 

[Ossy2]

I like the regatta site for cheapish yard clothes and they always have sales on.
https://www.regatta.com/

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

I like the regatta site for cheapish yard clothes and they always have sales on.
https://www.regatta.com/

Ooh lots of sale things, I'll have a good look through this thank you

 

[saalsk]

I keep cheap wellies by the stable door, with a plastic shower hat covering the tops, so rain/spiders don't get in. I muck out in those, and trips to the muck heap, poo picking etc don't kill/stain/scent my nice footwear. I ride in mountain horse jod boots, which are kept with tack, and then do the to-ing / fro-ing in loose laced trainers that are easy to slip on and off, and as they don't smell, they are car acceptable. Decathlon is great for t shirts, base layers, long sleeved cotton shirts, trousers of all sorts and fleeces - all very budget, so I don't mind that they don't have a huge long life. I keep a bag in the boot that has a change of undies, socks, trousers and fleece, plus a plastic bag for the swapped out stuff. It will seem overkill, but when you land flat on your back on thick wet mud, and still have 2 horses to turn out and muck out, before a 30 min drive back home, you will consider it a sensible precaution.

How exciting for your first share - I do hope it all goes well and you enjoy it, and you will soon streamline your clothing and equipment accordingly. Just remember, the standard answer is ... " this ? goodness, no, I have had it ages ! "

 

[Ossy2]

Oh and definitely invest in a decent pair of wellies for winter yard work, look for ones that are neoprene or neoprene lined as I find these keep your feet warmer than normal ones. I have some Caldene ones which weren’t overly expensive and are doing me well.
Definitely keep your riding boots for riding only they get ruined so easily!

 

[Griffin]

Primark for t shirts (short sleeve in summer and long sleeve in winter) and leggings (save jodhpurs for when you're riding).
I buy the cheapest wellies and put thermal insoles in them in the winter.
I always wear WoofWear muckers (or similar) because they are comfortable, protect your feet and you can ride in them if you forget your boots.
A gilet is useful for giving to pockets but keeping your arms free.
Waterproof gloves for yard jobs are invaluable in the winter!

Good luck with your sharing.

 

[Nudibranch]

I wear leggings a lot for on the ground stuff and riding tights for riding (only because I don't think leggings would last more than a ride before getting holes!). Admittedly I hardly ever muck out as mine are out 24/7 at home, but after 30 odd years of it I definitely prefer yard boots to wellies. I really like Toggi boots and my Canyons have lasted a good few years now despite a fair bit of abuse and daily wear. They are just so comfy and stand up to all sorts (including accidental total submersion in a river). I keep my riding boots (also Toggi) just for riding though.
Hard to think about right now but a good waterproof coat is also a must!

 

[OrangeAndLemon]

For winter I have some Toggi Arctic breeches and they are my go to item. Lovely and warm, waterproof so I don't care if I splash myself with a hosepipe when it's already below 5deg outside, and I can ride in them.

I've got some work gloves for mucking out etc, just thin ones because my hands are quite soft but also it helps with the shared tools / wheelbarrow and covid situation.

 

[MrsMozart]

Decent wellies with a good grip! Nothing more lethal than an iced up yard or the slimey mud that exists only to get you on your ar$e! Get decent insulation your feet will need it in the winter.

Get to a decent tack shop and try on as many as possible. I'd suggest staying away from the now fashion brands such as Hunters, the quality just isn't there anymore.

 

[DirectorFury]

Summer is whatever t shirt, jeans, and daps that I have on . My old BHS instructor would go nuts if she saw me now!

Winter is normally a random t shirt, pullover jumper, fleece, warm coat, and a waterproof layer. For bottoms you can’t do better than the Decathlon Kipwarm breeches which are fleece lined and wind and waterproof. I really rate the Noble Outfitters “Muds” boots, mine are on their 4th winter, with the Dublin river boots and other fashionable ones I found they only lasted 6 months or so. Though in the winter I do still just wear daps if I don’t need to go to the field.

Don’t be tempted to buy loads of Joules/other horsey brand t shirts, they’re never great quality and tend to be a waste of money.
Body protectors are a very personal thing, if you can hold off until next year when the events are back on you’ll be able to try multiple brands. I’m a size 6-8 with 28DD boobs and Dainese bps fit me nicely.

 

[holeymoley]

Sports direct have a good sale on just now, I’ve just bought 2 polo shirts for £11 and a new waterproof jacket. I’m small so can pick up kids sizes in waterproofs from regatta etc. Waterproof trousers are great when it’s chucking it down. I wear leggings or running leggings for daily wear/riding, they’re a lot cheaper than jodhs and you don’t worry if they get washed to oblivion or ripped. Definitely buy good shoes though, I prefer country boots to wellies.

 

[MuddyMonster]

How exciting! Enjoy your share

I tend to buy my sports tools from Sports Direct, Decathalon and Regetta. I have a mix of black and navy which hide the dirt and then bright colours to wear out hacking as part of my high-viz ensemble. Primark are also good for cheap tops, hoodies and gilets - I tend to mix and match with horse brands, but you can always add to your collection when they are in the sale. For years, when I was a poor student I didn't own any horsey branded tops/base layers/gilets/jumpers and it didn't affect my riding or horse care in the slightest.

I now have Le Chemeauex wellies which are very hard wearing but costly but happily wore Dunlop wellies for years. They are cheap and with a gel/thermal insole are comfortable all year round. Plus, they are cheap and unfashionable enough to happily leave at the yard

I wear a Racesafe body protector and love it. I never used to wear it consistently and now on a yard where everyone wears one and I'm honestly not sure why I ever didn't wear one regularly as it's not restrictive. But I 100% recommend going to a shop and getting professionally fitted.

Hope you have lots of fun with your new share!

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

Here are my thrifty-saves and "go-to's".

Firstly, equip yourself with a couple of boiler suits; one for summer and one in a larger size for putting on over your winter fleeces. This will save you a huge amount of money as you won't be dirtying your nicer clothes, and also will protect e.g. fleeces from bits of hay etc - total nightmare. Also if you're going straight from doing the horse, to work, this will keep you nice and clean!

Get a "buff" to stick over your hair (lots on e-bay), and a box of disposable rubber/nitrile gloves for those mucky jobs and to protect your nails.

Go for cheap wellies; I managed to get a cheapie pair at a farm outlet for £13, luckily I can get into children's sizes. Oh and if you're buying a riding hat, look for children's sizes as they're a lot cheaper and have the same safety specs.

If you have a used plastic feed-bag, or use something like Bedmax shavings/chippings bedding, you can re-use these. If using a plastic shavings bale, cut it in the middle (short way round the centre NOT down the central line bit) so you have two equal halves - you can then use this as a cheapie "boot bag" or storage for your horsey clothes in the car! Ideal.

For things like jods plus other things like tack, rugs etc., get along to some horsey car-boots; there's a few cropping up now and its amazing what you can get! Myself and friend had a good haul last Sunday! Saved ourselves a lot of money. But beware of bringing home a load of tatt as that's all too easy too!

As others have said: charity shops and discount stores like Lidl's and Aldi are great for getting what you want. Best to avoid the "equine" prefix to anything as invariably the price goes up!

Good luck.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Summer is whatever t shirt, jeans, and daps that I have on . My old BHS instructor would go nuts if she saw me now!

I recently bought the BHS stage one book to help me refresh some of my theoretical knowledge and there's a picture which made me think 'oh that outfit looks comfy' - turns out it was the 'here's the things you should not be wearing and why' section, doh!

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

How exciting! Enjoy your share

I tend to buy my sports tools from Sports Direct, Decathalon and Regetta. I have a mix of black and navy which hide the dirt and then bright colours to wear out hacking as part of my high-viz ensemble. Primark are also good for cheap tops, hoodies and gilets - I tend to mix and match with horse brands, but you can always add to your collection when they are in the sale. For years, when I was a poor student I didn't own any horsey branded tops/base layers/gilets/jumpers and it didn't affect my riding or horse care in the slightest.

I now have Le Chemeauex wellies which are very hard wearing but costly but happily wore Dunlop wellies for years. They are cheap and with a gel/thermal insole are comfortable all year round. Plus, they are cheap and unfashionable enough to happily leave at the yard

I wear a Racesafe body protector and love it. I never used to wear it consistently and now on a yard where everyone wears one and I'm honestly not sure why I ever didn't wear one regularly as it's not restrictive. But I 100% recommend going to a shop and getting professionally fitted.

Hope you have lots of fun with your new share!

Thank you - I am excited and looking forward to getting to know the horse better and seeing what we can get up to! I think his owner would like him to be out hacking (although I can go in the school too) so I'm getting on the case with the body protector. I went for a fitting of a Racesafe but need a size that needs to be ordered in so a bit of a wait on that which is a pain.

 

[poiuytrewq]

Another primark queen! T shirts for about £2.50 also good for long socks.
I love my Nike running leggings in the hotter weather. So comfortable and wicking, I had some for Christmas but have since bought cheaper 2nd hand on eBay.
As above decent wellies and I do like nice proper coats aswell!

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Here are my thrifty-saves and "go-to's".

Firstly, equip yourself with a couple of boiler suits; one for summer and one in a larger size for putting on over your winter fleeces. This will save you a huge amount of money as you won't be dirtying your nicer clothes, and also will protect e.g. fleeces from bits of hay etc - total nightmare. Also if you're going straight from doing the horse, to work, this will keep you nice and clean!

Get a "buff" to stick over your hair (lots on e-bay), and a box of disposable rubber/nitrile gloves for those mucky jobs and to protect your nails.

Go for cheap wellies; I managed to get a cheapie pair at a farm outlet for £13, luckily I can get into children's sizes. Oh and if you're buying a riding hat, look for children's sizes as they're a lot cheaper and have the same safety specs.

If you have a used plastic feed-bag, or use something like Bedmax shavings/chippings bedding, you can re-use these. If using a plastic shavings bale, cut it in the middle (short way round the centre NOT down the central line bit) so you have two equal halves - you can then use this as a cheapie "boot bag" or storage for your horsey clothes in the car! Ideal.

For things like jods plus other things like tack, rugs etc., get along to some horsey car-boots; there's a few cropping up now and its amazing what you can get! Myself and friend had a good haul last Sunday! Saved ourselves a lot of money. But beware of bringing home a load of tatt as that's all too easy too!

As others have said: charity shops and discount stores like Lidl's and Aldi are great for getting what you want. Best to avoid the "equine" prefix to anything as invariably the price goes up!

Good luck.

Excellent tips, thank you very much! I will see what I can find in the way of horsey car-boot. Pre-lockdown I was generally on mission to buy less brand new things so I might try getting back into that - I'm sure I can find some basic bits in the charity shops.

I don't think I need anything specific for the horse, although of course I'm sure I would get tempted to buy him something the moment I walk into a tack shop! No idea what I'd get him though as sure he probably has everything he needs.

I like the boiler suit idea - particularly for winter.

 

[palo1]

Just remember NOT to hack out in a hoody! You can get caught/hung up by the hood far too easily under trees. Even if you think you won't be riding in a very wooded area it can happen if you pull in under a tree to let cars etc pass. I have no idea why equestrian clothes advertise so many people riding in hoodies tbh. I expect lots of people will say it's fine and not to worry but best not to learn that lesson the hard way...

 

[scats]

Just remember NOT to hack out in a hoody! You can get caught/hung up by the hood far too easily under trees. Even if you think you won't be riding in a very wooded area it can happen if you pull in under a tree to let cars etc pass. I have no idea why equestrian clothes advertise so many people riding in hoodies tbh. I expect lots of people will say it's fine and not to worry but best not to learn that lesson the hard way...

This actually happened to me once!

I wear riding tights in the summer on the yard and to ride in (winter I wear thicker pull on breeches), and regatta T-shirts and their half zip up tops. I have a couple of Rydale sweatshirts I wear too. Plus a few hoodies for morning yard work or days I’m not riding. I wear country boots for yard work in the summer and swap to my posher country boots for riding in. Yard work in the winter I generally wear wellies. I do have some short mountain horse yard boots, but I hate that hay gets in your socks with short boots so rarely wear them.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

I had been wondering about hoods as the only raincoat I have has a hood which isn't detachable. I suppose I could tuck the hood in for now but might end up with water running down my neck so perhaps that's another thing for my shopping list. Shame really because the coat is bright yellow which is good for visibility!

 

[mini_b]

Buy a bumbag!!
keys, phone, money (riding past the pub! Haha)
Absolute life saver when the weather is hot like this.

you will also look VERY trendy x

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Buy a bumbag!!
keys, phone, money (riding past the pub! Haha)
Absolute life saver when the weather is hot like this.

you will also look VERY trendy x

I was wondering about pockets when it's hot. It's fine while I've got someone with me but at some point I might ride out by myself so leaving my phone behind isn't an option. I do in fact have a bumbag someone bought me last Christmas. It's a very jazzy silver one, like a disco ball - trendy indeed!

 

[Sussexbythesea]

Buy a bumbag!!
keys, phone, money (riding past the pub! Haha)
Absolute life saver when the weather is hot like this.

you will also look VERY trendy x

I always wear a bumbag in the summer not just for riding but have poo bags for the dog and treats for the horses in addition to phone and keys the latter of which I leave in the yard when riding. I’m past being trendy

In the hot weather lately it’s shorts, sports t-shirts or vest tops and old trainers for yard work. Jeggings if cooler.

Riding is riding tights, sports and other cheap tops from the likes of Asda, Ariat Tellurides and synthetic half chaps. Regatta fleeces. In winter if I’m riding it’s Ariat Grassmeres for riding and yard work. When not riding I’ve got Aigle Parcour wellies as warm. I cannot ever be bothered to change out of anything except into cooler clothes in summer if it’s really hot and I’m doing a lot of yard jobs so mud and stable detritus comes home with me and what isn’t deposited in the car is deposited in the house along with dog and cat hair.