Summer is one of the best seasons for riding. With long daylight hours, sunny skies, and mostly dry footing, it’s the perfect time to spend more time in the saddle. But summer weather also requires lightweight performance riding apparel that keeps you cool, comfortable, and shielded from the sun’s harsh rays. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what to wear when riding in the heat—so you can stay safe and comfortable in the sun without sacrificing style.
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What to look for in summer riding clothes
When the temperature climbs, the right riding outfit can make all the difference between enjoying your ride and baking in your boots. You still want to look polished in the summer—but staying cool, dry, and protected is key so you can focus on your ride, not the heat. From fabric choices to innovative design features, here’s what to look for when building your warm-weather wardrobe.
Breathable layers
Lightweight fabrics, like technical blends, performance microfiber, and Italian jersey, are designed to encourage airflow and reduce heat buildup. These materials don’t just feel lighter—they help prevent overheating and dry quickly when you sweat. For all-day comfort, choose breathable pieces from helmet to boots.
Sun protection
Hours in the sun calls for UV protection that goes beyond sunscreen. Look for riding clothes with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating to help shield your skin from harmful rays. Long-sleeved riding shirts with ventilated panels strike the perfect balance between coverage and coolness. And don’t forget to protect your face, neck, and eyes with a helmet featuring a built-in visor and UV-protective sunglasses.
Moisture-wicking fabrics
Sweat is inevitable in the summer, but discomfort doesn’t have to be. Moisture-wicking fabrics draw sweat away from your skin and allow it to evaporate quickly, keeping you dry and helping regulate your body temperature. Opt for quick-dry performance tops and breeches to stay comfortable and prevent chafing during long rides.
Ventilation
Strategic ventilation goes hand-in-hand with breathable fabrics. Features like underarm vents, airy back panels, or mesh lower legs in key heat zones allow built-up heat to escape. Look for pieces designed with ventilating features that allow air to flow freely, working with your body to keep you cool.
Fit and mobility
Summer riding clothes should move with you, not against you. Prioritize stretchy, well-tailored pieces with articulated seams or gussets that enable natural movement in the saddle. Whether you’re mounting up or schooling over fences, your clothing should offer full mobility without riding up, bunching, or restricting your range of motion.
Light colors
Color is a big factor when it comes to staying cool. Light-colored clothing reflects sunlight instead of absorbing it, helping prevent heat from building up near your skin. Shades like white, soft gray, pastels, and other summer-friendly hues aren’t just stylish—they’re practical choices for equestrian shirts and riding pants that help keep you cool all season long.
What to wear horseback riding in the summer
Helmets
No matter the season, a helmet is a must. In the summer, opt for one with built-in ventilation and a removable, moisture-wicking liner to help keep you cool and comfortable. Longer visors or visor attachments can provide extra shade for your face—an easy way to reduce glare and UV exposure while riding in the sun.
Learn how to buy a horse riding helmet →
Lightweight shirts
A good riding shirt is essential in the summer heat. Choose training and show shirts made from lightweight, quick-drying performance fabrics that wick away sweat and cool you down. Thoughtful details like mesh ventilation, UPF sun protection, and athletic fit add comfort and function without sacrificing style.
Learn how to buy show shirts →
Mesh show coats
When it’s not quite hot enough for show coats to be waived, you’ll want one that helps keep you cool under pressure. Mesh show coats and lightweight options made from Italian jersey offer airflow and flexibility, with unstructured designs that move with you in the saddle. No more feeling restricted or overheating mid-course!
Gloves
Sweaty hands can make it tough to hold the reins securely, especially during longer rides or summer shows. Lightweight riding gloves improve your grip while protecting your hands from the sun. Choose styles with mesh or ventilated zones to keep your fingers cool while still offering the control you need to perform your best.
Breeches
A reliable pair of breeches is always a must—but when the temperatures rise, you won’t want to mount up without a lightweight, breathable pair that wicks sweat effectively. Look for high-performance breeches with a second-skin feel that protect your legs from rubs, provide grip in the saddle, and keep up with the demands of riding. And remember: light-colored breeches can help keep your legs cooler under the sun.
Riding boots
Your feet need relief from the heat, too. Make sure your riding boots have moisture-wicking linings, and when you can, wear paddock boots with half chaps for maximum flexibility and airflow. For the show ring, opt for lightweight, breathable tall boots that fit well—poorly fitted boots combined with sweat can lead to discomfort and blisters.
Learn how to choose the right riding boots →
Breathable socks
Socks might not be the first thing you think about, but they’re a key part of staying comfortable in your boots. To prevent blisters, pick riding socks that wick moisture, reduce friction, and offer a smooth fit. Dreamers & Schemers make some of our favorites—they’re breathable with flat seams and come in fun prints that add a pop of personality to your look.
What not to wear
You may be tempted to wear everyday summer clothing when you ride, but loose silhouettes and shorts can be dangerous in the saddle. To stay protected and comfortable, skip these items:
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Shorts – They leave your legs exposed to sunburn, plus rubs and pinches from the leather saddle and your boots.
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Jeans – While a staple for summer evenings out, jeans are too hot, too bulky, and not designed to stretch where you need it.
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Cotton fabric – Unlike technical performance fabrics, 100% cotton traps sweat and dries slowly, making you feel hot and sticky.
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Loose clothing – Boxy shirts and flowy pants may provide airflow, but they can bunch, flap, or get caught on tack while you ride.
7 summer horse riding outfits
From schooling days to show weekends, these summer riding outfits are designed to keep you cool, comfortable, and polished. Each look features lightweight fabrics, ventilated designs, and performance-driven details perfect for riding in the hot weather.
Summer schooling outfits
1. Lucy 1/4 Zip Shirt x Gracie Knee Patch Breech
Lightweight and breathable with subtle flair, this outfit is a go-to for summer schooling. The Lucy shirt offers UPF 50+ protection, moisture-wicking fabric, and a breezy 1/4 zip design—all in a refined microprint that levels up your look. Pair it with the Gracie breech, made with just the right amount of stretch, mesh paneling at the calves, and Clarino™ knee patches for grip that holds up through every ride.
Need full coverage without sacrificing comfort? The Libby shirt’s long sleeve 1/4 zip style keeps you protected from the sun, while silky, cooling fabric and mesh underarms offer the breathability you need for summer schooling. Classic seam lines and a subtle microprint pair perfectly with the Hayden breech. Built with quick-dry stretch fabric and silicone knee patches, these lightweight riding pants provide grip and structure that won’t slow you down in the heat.
3. Jordyn Crew Neck Shirt x Kaia Full Seat Breech
This effortlessly sporty look was made for warm-weather rides. The long-sleeve Jordyn shirt features UPF 50+ protection, quick-dry fabric, and perforated underarm panels to keep air flowing. Its modern crew neck style keeps your look clean and put-together. Complete the outfit with the Kaia full seat breech, designed with breathable fabric, a silicone full seat, and mesh calf panels and available in several light colors that don’t trap heat.
Summer show outfits
4. Tessa Show Shirt x Hayden Silicone Breech
Stay chic and keep cool in this polished summer pairing. This mostly-white show outfit reflects sunlight and brings a crisp look to the ring, with the Tessa shirt’s subtle microprint adding elevated detail to its trending bib style design. Both pieces are made with quick-dry, cooling fabric, and mesh leg panels in the Hayden breech provide airflow under your boots. Complete the look with the iconic Bobbie Belt—it adds contrast and balance for a perfectly put-together finish.
5. Harmony Mesh Show Coat x Sofia Show Shirt
Breathable, cooling, and ready for the ring. The Harmony show coat features an ultra-lightweight athletic mesh design with a structured Italian jersey front panel for a traditional, tailored finish. Underneath, the Sofia show shirt keeps you cool and comfortable with mesh underarms, stretch and wicking fabric, and a 1/4 zip design. Plus, with UPF 30 protection and a built-in stock tie loop, it keeps you polished and shielded from the sun, even in between rounds.
6. Melody Mesh Show Coat x Tori Show Shirt
Timeless style meets modern innovation in this show-ready summer ensemble. The Melody coat features airy mesh for breathability, just the right amount of structure, and four interchangeable buttons for an elegant finish. The Tori shirt peeks through like a classic white show shirt, but hidden prints in the collar and cuffs add a subtle pop of personality. With built-in sun protection and smart ventilation, you’ll be ready to beat the heat—and the competition.
7. Rhapsody Mesh Shadbelly x Radnor Traditional Stock Tie
The perfect outfit for formal summer shows. The Rhapsody shadbelly offers traditional style in a lightweight, unconstructed design. Made with breathable mesh fabric, it keeps you cool and comfortable all day long. Finish off this classic look with the Radnor stock tie—a polished touch to elevate your dressage or derby turnout. For a subtle detail, use a decorative stock tie pin to secure your stock tie after tying it.
Learn how to buy a shadbelly →
Stay cool in the saddle
Make the most of your summertime rides with a wardrobe that can handle the heat. Whether you’re schooling at home or showing in the ring, R.J. Classics offers performance pieces designed to keep you cool, comfortable, and polished all season long.
Our moisture-wicking technology, ventilated designs, and breathable fabrics work together to help you ride your best—even on the hottest days. From lightweight schooling shirts to mesh show coats, you’ll find everything you need to stay cool in the saddle.
Shop R.J. Classics women’s equestrian clothing to find your new summer go-tos.
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