Dramatic volcanic mountains with lush-green ridges, white-crested waves rolling and breaking across gorgeous panoramic ocean views, warm trade-winds blowing across your face – everything is so spectacular you can almost feel the all your troubles melt away…ALMOST, except that you’re not appropriately dressed and your discomfort is quickly becoming the only thing you can think about…
One of the most exciting things to do on your vacation to Hawaii is jumping on a horse and riding to a secluded location in the valley where trails are only available to those on horseback, and the adventure is in the journey.
However, if you are wearing the wrong things, it’s might not only be uncomfortable but due to safety reasons, some places won’t even let you ride – either way, they can affect your enjoyment of your horseback-riding experience.
Therefore, here are some simple recommendations so that nothing ruins your fun!
Top things NOT to wear
- 1When you ride horses, remember, you and your body are continually moving up and down, side to side, and front to back to front — under those circumstances, some clothes like to ride up, scrunch up or drop down and you should probably avoid those clothes.
- 2This may not be as likely in Hawaii, but just to make sure, NO GUNS. Your belt might have a cool holster but it will have to remain empty for this experience.
- 3Big shade sunglasses that doesn’t secure to your face easily. You don’t want sunglasses that are flopping around and bouncing off your face with every step.
- 4Shorts = chafing. We highly recommend you just don’t do it. Your legs will keep rubbing on the saddle the whole time, and they WILL chafe.
- 5Hats that easily fall off. Just like the movie-star sunglasses that won’t stay on your face, this will just annoy you. Also, most places in Hawaii can get pretty windy.
- 6Slippers – Not only will you be uncomfortable, but you are also risking injury to your feet.
- 7Hiking boots – I suppose this is better than a pair of flip-flops (or *slippas* as you would say it here in Hawaii) but
- 8A cigar. I know you want to celebrate but keep it in the holder until the right moment. Do not light it when you are riding — would you want someone to be smoking when you are giving a piggyback ride?
- 9Scottish Kilt. Um, ya, no…remember? Windy, chafing, lots of movement…
- 10Very low hip-hugging jeans. First, the rider community’s consensus is that you will be very uncomfortable. Also, you might look fantastic in them, but the person behind you also paid for this experience and may not want that particular view.
- 11Now, the last one. You might ignore the warning because it’s not something others will see, but trust us, it’s your loss. Thong underwear! Just think of all the motion and rubbing that is going to take place during the ride. Ugh, we warned you!
Now, that we got that out of the way – Here are items you should have:
MUST HAVES!
- 1Sunscreen. SPF 45 or higher. If you’re fair-haired, wear SPF 70 and bring a hat that you can secure on your noggin. Oh, “it’s cloudy” you say? Just remember: Hawaii is closer to the equator than you think and those clouds are just tricking you. Also, bad sunburns will make the rest of your vacation very un-fun…not to mention skin cancer. Ouch.
- 2Water (please check each tour’s policy on this) to bring along with you. Please keep hydrated – heat/sun stroke are very real things here.
- 3Long pants. If you have actual horse-riding attire, then you probably someone who doesn’t even need to read this list, but if you don’t have them, jeans should do the trick.
- 4Closed-toe shoes! If they have low heels, that’s even better. It’ will help to prevent slipping off of stirrup (that thing that you put your shoes on).
Highly recommended:
- 1Sunscreen – did we mention sunscreen already? At the risk of seeming obnoxious, we’ll say it again. The rest of your vacation or your flight home will be so much more enjoyable if you’re not fire-y red and peeling.
- 2Light, waterproof jacket. I once was on a 90-minute horseback ride with my aunt, and it poured for a good 60 minutes of it. Because the weather is usually warm, it wasn’t really a big deal, but still pretty uncomfortable when you are soaking wet, especially when you just spent good money for the experience. Some parts of Hawaii rarely rain (yes, there are desert climates in Hawaii), but most places can be pretty rainy and prone to random rain showers. By the way, it’s not a bad idea to have a light, waterproof jacket in general when you are visiting the islands in a wet season.
- 3Leather gloves (if possible) – you’ll be holding reins for the duration of your ride, so this will protect your hands.
- 4Shorts – wait, what??! DON’T wear them for the horseback ride, but bring them if you have a bag or leave them in your car. Don’t wear ‘em, but bring ‘em. It’s Hawaii, so you’ll want to change into your shorts afterward.
- 5Slippers – yup. Again, not for the ride, but for afterward.
- 6Cowboy hat – Well, why not? 🙂 Just make sure it’s the right size so it stays on your head.
- 7Sports bra – bounce, bounce, bounce…yeah, I’d rather be comfortable (and supported!) than poked by underwire for 60+ minutes.
- 8Bug spray – depending on the type of tour and what type of trail it is, you may want to bring a can at least. We have quite a few mosquitos on the islands and jokingly tell people the mosquito is our second state bird. Also, very rare but some of the species carry zika virus and dengue.
- 9Bathing suit (check beforehand – it depends on the ranch)
- 10Spandex shorts (or biking shorts if you have them) to wear under your jeans (not a requirement, but it might make you more comfortable)
- 11Sunscreen – yup, I mean it. Not to beat a dead horse (sorry, it’s late and I’m tired), but remember: burns + peeling + increased risk of skin cancer = less fun time and bad vacation.
If you are missing some items, don’t let it stop you from enjoying the tour. Also, remember, this is just a recommended list based on our own experiences and other peoples’ recommendations – they’ll help you prepare for an awesome vacation and for a great horseback ride but feel free to add additional suggestions! Enjoy your horseback riding in Oahu, Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, or whichever island you decided to jump on 🙂
