Help me choose some new kit!

[willow]

Am off on a week's riding hol in July and am using it as excuse to get some new kit. First up, really need to get a better hat (still wearing old jockey one) and, as we will be covering quite hilly terrain, been advised to get some boots with grippy, chunky soles (so not my jodphur boots.) Have whacking big calves, so long boots not option unless they allow for this. Oh, and could probably do with some waterproofs too.

I bow to your knowledge on all the above.
:)

Just looked at info sheet and re boots, ideally an off road/all terrrain riding boot is what I need.

bump for evening lot

Love my Muck Boot Tynes and use them for everything (and they're long and waterproof but stretch for big calves), but they are likely to be hot in July unless you're going to Iceland or somewhere!

I have a waterproof Musto jacket that I wear all the time for riding, it's a great general purpose jacket, can't see it on the web to show you though. Anyway, there are so many waterproof jackets for you to choose from! And of course you don't need an equestrian one, a walking jacket would do. I'd pick a short one over one of those long ones that cover your thighs as again, that's likely to be hot. Pick something with pockets for gloves etc. - sounds obvious but lots of jackets I looked at were poor on pockets. Got mine at the Highland Show - if you have anything similar near you it's great for Equestrian shopping.

I also have some waterproof trousers from a cycling shop that I wear in a downpour, but I'd have thought you could probably skip these in July. Again, they can get hot on top of your jodhpurs and boots.

Enjoy your holiday!

I second Muck boots! I adore mine! They might be hot, but are sooo comfy, and as they are neoprene, you can fold the tops down to make an ankle type boot. I'd go for a thin long rider type coat personally, which folds up small, but you could get a shorter jacket and get something called 'rain legs' which you wear like a belt, then roll down when it rains. They cover the tops of your legs and keep you dry.
I'd also stick with a jockey type skullcap, they don't have a fixed brim and are safer across country.

For long boots for wider calfs, check out fuller fillies.

Thank you. Am riding in Cumbria - so could pour down or be blissful... pack for all eventualities type thing!
Why is skullcap safer, btw? (My head gets so bloody hot in it!)
Fuller Fillies - sounds like just what i need :) or should that be :(?

You can get vented skull caps? They are not much better though!

I have a vented Troxel hat, I don't get hot in that.

By the way, are you a regular rider? Actually, scratch that, even if you are - I recommend lots of exercise in advance, especially bum and thigh, and ankle strengthening. It will pay off!

I am a rusty intermediate - used to have a horse as a teenager and have dipped in and out over the intervening decades. Was riding quite regularly last year, but then had to take a break, so coming at it as new as far as body concerned! Anyhow, am getting as many hours in the saddle as poss before setting off next month. In between I'm trying to do as much cycling as possible - and lots of squats and leg lunges!

Ankles are feeling it, that's for sure - but thighs are ok after yesterday's ride (took arnica last night!!) What are good boots for ankle support? I only have bog standard jodphur ones which offer very little support it has to be said.

Do you think I should invest in padded pants? :)

Padded pants, possibly yes! I was dissuaded from taking a seat saver on my riding holiday a couple of years ago (maybe they thought it would damage their saddles) but it would have been a good thing.... After 3-4 hours a day on the saddle, when you get back on the next day it's like sitting on a brick!

I rarely ride in anything but my Muck Boots so can't offer much help there, though I can say they give good support. I have some short Woof Wear ones too but generally find my legs more stable in the long Muck Boots.

Mountain horse boots are v good
have a look on the casual footwear section here (ridiculously names, you can ride in most of them)

www.derbyhouse.co.uk/Equestrian/Women/Footwear+and+Chaps/Casual+Footwear/Mountain+Horse+Easy+Rider+Pro_552-0005.htm

waterproof pants prob better to get from an outdoor shop (and cheaper)

Thanks - those last boots look ideal.

Another vote for Tyne Muck Boots. Although if it's hot I wear my walking boots and chaps. Also def reccommend a seat saver, your bum will thank you.

Saggyoldcloth... why is skullcap safer?

Weellll, I think it has something to do with being more likely to fall off cross country, for jumping really I suspect, if you land on a fixed brim you could do your head serious damage.

thanks x

Just in case anyone is interested, I ended up getting these
Have worn them around house for a bit to soften them up and rode in them today. Great ankle support and far more comfortable than my old jod' boots. Think they will prove a good purchase. Thanks for tip in right direction, brighthair - ones you suggested looked great but turns out not remotely waterproof so no good for lake district. (Although, having said that, I'll now probably experience heatwave up there!)