The Equestrian Expert’s Guide to Dressing for a Horse-Riding Trip

From safari camps to desert trails, equestrian expert Ginevra Rossini shares exactly what to pack.

A horse-riding holiday is not the place for guesswork dressing. Between unpredictable climates, technical demands, and the enduring codes of equestrian style, what you pack needs to work – in and out of the saddle. For Ginevra Rossini, co-founder of Riding Safari Club, preparation is part of the experience. Her itineraries – whether navigating the wildlife-rich waterways of the Okavango Delta, Maremma’s rugged, cowboy-hemmed coastline, or Rajasthan’s desert plains – are as much about cultural immersion as they are about riding, with packing approached accordingly.

Guests are equipped with detailed, destination-specific style direction ahead of departure, ensuring they arrive not only prepared for the terrain, but attuned to the visual language of each place – whether that means bold Argentine ponchos or protective outerwear suited to the Mongolian steppe.

How to pack for a horse-riding vacation

Read on for Rossini’s expert approach to packing – from foundational pieces to destination-driven styling.

Ginevra Rossini photographed for Riding Safari Club ©Francesca Avventi

Build your wardrobe with intention

A successful riding wardrobe is less about volume and more about versatility, especially when luggage allowances on mobile safari camps are often limited. The key lies in striking a balance between technical performance and timeless style. “I always mix brands that are more about style with those focused on comfort and technical aspects,” says Rossini, citing Ralph Lauren and Hermès as enduring favorites alongside specialist labels.

Start with foundational pieces: breathable shirts, well-cut breeches, and outerwear that can adapt to shifting climates. A crisp white cotton shirt – Rossini’s non-negotiable – works just as well in the saddle as it does at lunch.

For riding-specific essentials, heritage equestrian brands like Cavalleria Toscana or Parlanti offer precision tailoring and technical fabrics designed for long hours on horseback.

Invest in footwear that works – and travels well

Footwear is arguably the most important investment. A good boot should offer support, durability, and enough flexibility for extended wear. Rossini favors classic silhouettes with character, from the Spanish craftsmanship of Valverde del Camino to the signature tassel boots by Penelope Chilvers.

When riding in Argentina, however, she recommends sourcing locally. “Arandu boots are incredible, but they don’t ship internationally, so you have to buy them in Buenos Aires,” she notes. Founded in 1987 as a family-run saddlery, Arandu is deeply rooted in Argentina’s rural traditions, producing handmade leather goods using high-quality, ethically sourced materials and imbuing each piece with generations of craftsmanship – from waxed jackets to saddle bags.

Just as important as the boots themselves is how you travel with them. A structured leather boot carrier – such as Arandu’s Panama design – keeps footwear protected in transit while maintaining a sense of polish on arrival.

©Francesca Avventi

Dress for the destination

No two riding environments are alike, and your packing should reflect both climate and culture. In Patagonia, Rossini leans into gaucho codes: a traditional beret-style felt hat, a woven poncho from Siesta Argentina, and sturdy leather boots.

In India, the mood shifts: “On my last horseback trip to India, I wore a beautiful Hermès gilet with block-print patterns and a fringe jacket that really paid homage to the Marwari way of dressing.” For colder, windswept climates like Mongolia, performance outerwear becomes essential. “A jacket from Norwegian Rain makes all the difference for dramatic temperature drops, along with a ski jacket from Sease to combat the elements,” she says.

The guiding principle? Dress in dialogue with your surroundings. Leaning into local style not only enhances the aesthetic but deepens your connection to the place.

Accessorize with purpose

Accessories are what transform a functional riding uniform into something distinctly personal. Beyond their practical role, they’re where equestrian glamour can be expressed most clearly.

Rossini’s essentials include a silk scarf – often tied at the neck or wrapped around the wrist – with styles from Dear Cecilia adding a refined, equestrian-leaning touch. She layers delicate jewelry from Graziela Gems and Kimaï, alongside practical eyewear from Ray-Ban or LGR (always polarized, anti-scratch, and impact resistant).

A structured hat remains essential for sun protection, with styles ranging from gaucho or rancher silhouettes to safari hats or European riding caps. Hat covers are also a wonderful way to switch up your helmet’s look according to where you’re planning on riding.

©Francesca Avventi

Pack smart, and leave room to discover

While preparation is key, Rossini sees packing as only part of the process, with the rest of the wardrobe often acquired once she arrives. “Shop in advance, but also buy pieces while you’re there,” she advises.

From Maasai beadwork picked up from markets in rural Kenya to handcrafted textiles in India, local artisans offer pieces that carry both cultural significance and individuality. Brands like Ituvana – whose collections are produced in India using natural fabrics such as organic cotton, linen and silk, and shaped by Indian and Indonesian influences – underscore the value of clothing with a strong sense of origin. Meanwhile, Norlha Atelier is rooted in Ritoma, a remote village on the Tibetan plateau, where each piece is spun, woven and felted by hand using rare yak fibre, preserving traditional textile techniques and directly supporting the livelihoods of local craftspeople.

Transition seamlessly from saddle to sundowners

After hours of riding, comfort becomes paramount – but that doesn’t mean compromising on style. This is where your wardrobe should shift from structured to soft – from utility to ease. “For sundowners, I like to change into a long, flowy dress so you feel relaxed after being in the saddle all day,” Rossini says. Lightweight fabrics and loose silhouettes allow the body to recover while maintaining an effortless elegance.