Shop Smart: How to Build a Complete Riding Outfit for Girls

Buying riding gear for kids can get confusing pretty quickly. You start with “just a shirt and tights” and suddenly there are boots, helmets, jackets, belts, socks, and about ten other things you didn’t even know existed.

It’s hard to tell what actually matters and what you can ignore for now.

This is just a simple way to sort through that and figure out what your child really needs to get started, and what can wait.

Start with the Basics (What Really Matters)

Before worrying about styles or colours, focus on the core pieces that every young rider needs.

1. A Good Riding Shirt

A proper riding shirt is more than just a top, it’s part of safety and comfort. Look for:

• Breathable fabric (especially important for Australia’s warmer weather)
• Stretch for easy movement
• A fit that isn’t too tight or too loose 

Good girls horse riding shirts should feel comfortable enough to wear for hours without kids constantly tugging at them or asking to change. 

2. Comfortable Riding Tights

This is the piece kids usually care about the most.

Comfortable riding tights for girls should:

• Stretch easily when mounting and riding
• Stay in place without sliding or bunching
• Feel soft against the skin (no stiff seams)

Tights are especially popular for beginners because they’re easy to move in and don’t feel as formal or restrictive as traditional breeches. 

3. Boots and Safety Gear

While clothes matter, safety always comes first. A properly fitted riding helmet (non-negotiable). Riding boots with a small heel to prevent the foot slipping through the stirrup. These don’t need to be expensive, they just need to fit well and meet safety standards.

What to wear to pony club and Lessons?

Once the basics are covered, you can think about what makes sense for regular riding days and pony club.

Most pony club outfits in Australia follow a simple formula:

• Riding shirt or polo
• Riding tights or breeches
• Belt (optional)
• Boots and helmet 

Some clubs may require specific colours or styles, so it’s always worth checking local rules, but comfort and neatness usually matter more than fashion.

Beginner Horse Riding Essentials for Kids

If your child is just starting out, you really don’t need much.

A simple beginner setup looks like:

• 1 to 2 riding shirts
• 1 pair of riding tights
• Helmet and boots
• Light jacket for cooler mornings
• That’s enough to get started without overspending. 

As kids grow and ride more often, you can add extra pieces gradually.

When Should You Start Thinking About Competition Clothes?

Competition gear is one of those things people worry about too early.

If your child is just riding lessons or doing pony club, there’s really no need to rush out and buy show outfits straight away. Most kids don’t need them for quite a while.

Once competitions do come into the picture, it’s usually just a tidy version of what they already wear. A clean shirt (often white), light-coloured tights or breeches, and sometimes a jacket depending on the event and age group.

Until then, it’s honestly better to wait. Kids grow fast, and buying show clothes too early often means they’ve outgrown them by the time they actually need them.

How to Shop Smart (and Save Money)?

Here’s how most parents shop smarter: 

• Buy basics first, then build up slowly
• Choose neutral colours that mix and match easily
• Size up slightly to allow for growth 

Focus on comfort over looks, kids won’t wear what they don’t like. Affordable doesn’t mean low quality, it just means choosing thoughtfully.

Before You Build Your Cart

You really don’t have to get everything right straight away. Most parents buy a couple of basics, see what their child actually likes wearing, and then adjust from there.

Some kids love tights, some hate anything tight around the waist. Some want bright colours, others only want black or navy. You usually only find that out once they’ve worn things a few times.

The main thing is that nothing feels uncomfortable or gets in the way while they’re riding. If a shirt rubs, or tights slide down, or something feels stiff, that’s what they’ll focus on, not the lesson.

Places like GiddyUpGirl make this part easier because of their best kids horse riding outfits. They’re designed to move, stretch, and get dirty, not just sit nicely on a hanger. That saves a lot of trial and error.

So start small, pay attention to what works, and build the rest over time. It’s simpler, cheaper, and a lot less stressful that way.

FAQs

1. What should girls wear to pony club?

A breathable riding shirt, comfortable tights or breeches, boots, and a helmet are usually enough.

2. Do beginners need special riding clothes?

Not straight away, but riding tights and shirts are more comfortable and safer than regular clothes. 

3. How many outfits does a child need?

One full outfit is enough to start. Two is ideal so there’s always something clean and ready. 

4. Is it okay to buy second-hand gear?

Yes, except for helmets. Helmets should always be new to ensure safety.