Long show days, dust in the air, back-to-back training sessions. Summer is prime time in the equestrian lifestyle calendar, but it’s also when your riding gear takes the hardest hit. Sweat, sun, and wear can break down even the best-made pieces if they’re not properly looked after.

We understand how important horse riders value their kit and their appearance. That is why we have created the ultimate guide to summer horse riding gear care so you can look and feel your best. Whether you’re training or performing in the competition ring, equestrian clothing maintenance is key to your equestrian success. 

Here’s how to keep your breeches, riding jackets, helmets, competition shirts, and training shirts performing and looking their best.

 

The Benefits of Equestrian Clothing Maintenance

Equestrian clothing maintenance isn't just about maintaining a professional and premium look in the competition ring, but it also plays a vital role in performance, comfort, and longevity. From extending the lifespan of your equestrian apparel to enhancing your comfort and performance in the competition ring, there are many benefits of looking after your equestrian attire. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or you’re just starting out in equestrian riding, looking after your equestrian attire is significant for a successful riding experience.

1. Extended Lifespan

Purchasing premium equestrian attire is an investment, and regular maintenance means you get the most out of it. From washing your breeches correctly to caring for technical materials to prevent wear and tear, these little maintenance tips save you from having to replace your equestrian apparel. 

2. Enhanced Comfort and Performance

Clean and well-maintained clothing fits better and functions as designed. For example, breathable fabrics work more effectively when they’re free of dirt and buildup. That means better moisture-wicking fabric, flexibility, and temperature regulation while you ride. 

3. Professional Appearance

Maintaining a professional appearance in the competition ring reflects your dedication and respect for the equestrian sport. Plus, judges and trainers take note of your professional appearance, which signals that you take riding seriously. 

4. Improved Safety

Whether your equestrian gear is dirty or damaged, it can have a negative impact on your safety when riding. Worn stitching, frayed fabric, or degraded materials in gloves or jackets can reduce their effectiveness, especially during long rides or in unpredictable weather conditions. 

How to Take Care of Your Riding Breeches the Right Way

Taking care of your riding breeches is crucial to ensure they stay in top-quality condition. With the right care routine, you’ll preserve the fit, function, and look of your breeches for the long ride ahead. Follow these steps for excellent results:

DO:

• Wash inside-out on a cool, gentle cycle (30°C or lower) - This protects the fabric and detailing of your riding breeches, especially silicone grips or logos, from friction and wear.

• Use mild, non-bio detergent & no bleach or fabric softeners - Ensure you use a mild, non-bio detergent when cleaning your riding trousers and avoid using fabric softeners and bleach as they can break down the breeches' technical fabrics. Plus, using these harsh chemicals can also reduce elasticity or grip performance. 

• Air dry flat or on a hanger - Ensure you don’t tumble dry your riding trousers as high heat can damage elastic fibers, shrink fabric, and warp the shape of your breeches.

DON’T:

• Don’t overload the drum - Cramming too many items into your washing machine can put an unnecessary strain on your breeches. This can stretch out seams, stress fabric, and lead to premature sagging or distortion. Always ensure to wash your breeches with similarly lightweight items and give them enough room to move freely during the cycle. 

• Don’t iron, even on low heat - Technical fabrics and silicone grips do not respond well to high heat temperatures. If you iron your breeches, this can cause them to warp, melt the fibres, or damage the stretch properties.  

Pro tip: Silicone grip systems, like those on the Animo Metrik breeches or Cavalleria Toscana breeches, will last longer if kept free from detergent buildup. Every 3–5 washes, run a rinse cycle only.

How to Care for Your Equestrian T-Shirts and Polos This Summer

Taking care of your technical riding shirts and polos is essential to keep them performing at their best. With the right care routine, you’ll maintain their breathability, UV protection, and quick-dry comfort. Plus, you’ll also preserve their shape, stretch, and fresh appearance. Follow these steps to keep your shirts in excellent condition this summer season:

DO:

• Wash after every wear - Make sure you wash your riding shirts after every wear, especially on hot days. Sweat can be incredibly damaging to the technical fibres of your equestrian shirt or polo. The salt and acidity from perspiration break down technical fibres over time.

• Use a sportswear detergent if possible - Technical equestrian shirts are similar to athletic wear and require a detergent designed for high-performance fabrics. Choosing a sportswear detergent when riding is incredibly beneficial as it can clean deeply without leaving residues that clog breathable fibres. Plus, sport detergents are free from harsh chemicals, so they also protect stretch and quick dry properties. 

• Dry away from direct sunlight to preserve colour and structure - To preserve your shirt’s shape and performance, ensure you air dry for best results. If you expose your technical shirts to harsh UV when drying, this can fade your shirt’s colours, weaken UV-protective captions, or stretch elements. Hand your shirt in a shaded and well-ventilated space to maintain its structure and softness. 

DON’T:

• Never use harsh stain removers - Make sure you never use harsh stain removers on your equestrian shirts or polos, as they degrade the stretch over time. Strong chemicals such as bleach can reduce moisture-wicking coatings, damage stretch fibres, and lead to thinning over time. 

• Don’t leave them balled up post-ride - After a riding session, sweat and bacteria settle into the fabric quickly. For best results, hang your shirt to air out as soon as possible after riding, even if you can’t wash it right away. This simple step can greatly extend its freshness and longevity.

Our go-to? The Cavalleria Toscana Competition Polo and Animo Mens Algee Polo Green wash and wear beautifully, but still deserve a little care after a long day.

How to Take Care of your Equestrian Jacket & Maintain its Premium Look

Modern riding jackets are technical pieces, not traditional wool blazers. They’re lightweight, stretchy, and often water-repellent - but they’re not designed to live in the back seat of your car.

DO:

• Spot clean regularly with a damp microfibre cloth - Whether you’ve spent the day training or competing, a quick wipe down of your riding jacket after riding helps remove dust, arena grit, and light stains between full washes. Using a microfibre cloth is gentle on your jacket’s technical fabrics and effective at lifting surface dirt without abrasion. 

• Hang your jacket up properly - Maintain your riding jacket’s shape and shoulder with hanging it up after each use. Use a wide wooden or padded hanger, as wire hangers can leave dents or stretch the fabric. 

• Air out after each show - Ensure you hang your competition jacket up in a well-ventilated space which allows it to dry out naturally and helps prevent odours, mildew, and fabric degradation. 

DON’T:

• Machine wash excessively - Whilst competition jackets are machine washable, ensure you aren’t washing your riding jackets excessively, as this can cause wear and tear over time. Repeated cycles can stress seams, reduce water-repellent coatings, and wear down the fabric’s stretch and structure. Instead, choose wisely when to wash your jackets and put them on a delicate cycle with cold water.

• Never dry clean - Ensure you never dry clean your riding jacket as the chemicals can break down the technical fibres. These harsh chemicals can disrupt the elastic fibers and leave residue that interferes with breathability or water resistance qualities. 

Pro move: Invest in a proper garment bag. Your Boss Andrew Jacket or Samshield Louis Jacket deserves it.

Equestrian Helmets & Gloves Maintenance: The Overlooked Essentials

While breeches, boots, and competition jackets often steal the spotlight in equestrian wardrobes, helmets and gloves are equally as important to take proper care of. These two equestrian accessories play a crucial role in your comfort, safety, and overall performance in the saddle. Therefore, proper maintenance not only enhances their durability but also ensures they perform as intended, whether you’re training or competing in the show ring.  Here's how to keep both your helmet and gloves in top condition:

Helmets

Riding helmets are a crucial piece of protective equipment that ensures maximum safety when riding. Whether you’re spending long days training or in the competition ring, keeping your helmet clean, fresh, and properly stored maintains its comfort, appearance, and performance. Here’s how you can take care of your helmet without compromising its material or fit: 

• Wipe down with a soft, damp microfibre cloth - Gently remove sweat, fingerprints, and dust from the shell using a soft, damp microfibre cloth. This helps preserve your helmet’s finish, especially on matte or gloss surfaces, without leaving scratches or streaks.

• Machine wash helmet liners at 30ºC (Samshield helmets and similar models) - Most equestrian helmets come with removable liners that can be safely machine washed on a gentle cycle (cold or 30ºC max). Ensure you always air dry them and never tumble dry. For between-wash freshness, use helmet deodorisers, sprays, or wipes specifically made for equestrian gear to reduce odour and bacteria.

• Store in a breathable bag - After every riding session, your helmet needs to breathe. Best practices include storing it in a well-ventilated area or in a soft, breathable helmet bag that isn’t zipped airtight. This prevents moisture buildup, mildew, or odour. Also, ensure you avoid leaving it in hot cars as heat can affect the integrity of the materials. 

Gloves

Riding gloves are an essential equestrian accessory for both grip and protection purposes when on the saddle, but they’re also one of the most overlooked items when it comes to proper care. Whether you’re wearing them on the daily for training sessions or just to complete your look on competition days, regular cleaning will extend their performance and durability. Here’s how you can care for your riding gloves: 

• Hand wash in cool water with a mild detergent - It's common for equestrian gloves to be crafted with delicate materials, whether that's leather or a technical mesh. These delicate materials can easily lose shape or dry out with harsh washing. To ensure the best results for your gloves, gently hand wash them in cool water using a mild, non-bio detergent. Plus, avoid soaking it for a long period of time, just a light rinse is enough to remove sweat and dirt from the fabric and seams.

• Air dry only - Never tumble dry riding gloves, as heat can warp or shrink the material. Instead, ensure your riding gloves are lying flat to preserve fit and avoid shrinkage. For leather gloves, allow them to dry away from direct heat or sunlight to prevent cracking.

• Rotate pairs if you ride often - Just like the rest of your equestrian attire, like boots or breeches, gloves benefit from rest between rides. Sweating in the same pair after each day wears down the fibres and stitching quickly. Keeping two or more pairs in rotation allows them to dry out fully and last longer. 

Storage Tips for the Season

• Keep everything out of direct sun (UV breaks down fibres + bleaches colour).

• Avoid damp tack rooms - store clothing somewhere dry and breathable.

• If you're traveling between shows, fold with tissue or use travel garment sleeves to reduce creasing.

Caring for your kit isn’t about vanity, it’s about discipline and respect. Just like your horses, your gear performs best when it’s looked after properly. And with the right habits, it lasts longer, looks sharper, and keeps you focused on the ride, not the wardrobe.

Shop Summer Equestrian Essentials at Moore 

Refresh your equestrian wardrobe at Moore with premium men’s equestrian apparel that you can rely on. Whether you’re looking for a stylish and comfortable pair of breeches or a versatile polo crafted from lightweight and stretch performance fabric, mid-season is the perfect time to replace those sweat-faded polos or over-worn breeches.


Browse our extensive collection of men’s equestrian clothing today →