For my first western riding lesson at Wildwoods Riding Centre, Ariat supplied a full western outfit including a shirt, jeans, belt and boots.
As someone who spends most of their time riding in breeches, riding tights and paddock boots, I was interested to see how western clothing would compare. Was it simply part of the look, or was there a practical reason western riders have been wearing similar styles for generations?
After spending a lesson learning western riding from scratch, here's what I thought of each piece.
VentTEK Western Shirt (£60)
Shop the Ariat VentTEK Western Shirt.
The first thing I noticed about the VentTEK Western Shirt was how lightweight it felt.
Western riding might look relaxed from the outside, but learning a completely different set of aids turned out to be much harder work than I expected. Despite that, I never felt too warm or restricted while riding.
The shirt felt breathable throughout the lesson and allowed plenty of movement in the saddle. I also liked that it felt western without feeling over the top. It looked smart, but still practical enough for a normal riding lesson.
My verdict
A really comfortable riding shirt that felt lightweight, breathable and easy to ride in.
Colour: Pear Sorbet Kaleidoscope
Size: Small
Price: £60
R.E.A.L Perfect Rise Stretch Rosa Boot Cut Jean (£85)
Shop the Ariat R.E.A.L. Perfect Rise Stretch Rosa Boot Cut Jeans.
As someone who normally rides in breeches or riding tights, these were probably the item I was most curious about.
The boot-cut fit works really well with western boots, sitting neatly over the top without bunching or feeling bulky. Once I was in the saddle, they felt much more comfortable than I expected.
The denim has enough stretch to move with you while still feeling supportive, and they never felt restrictive during the lesson.
What stood out most was how practical they felt. Western riders often spend long periods in the saddle, and you can see why this style of jean has remained popular. They're comfortable, durable and designed to work with western boots rather than against them.
My verdict
Comfortable, flattering and easy to ride in. If you're trying western riding for the first time, these felt like a very natural alternative to breeches.
Colour: Lita
Size: 28
Price: £85
Oval Concho Diamond Belt (£85)
Shop Ariat Oval Concho Diamond Belt.
The belt probably isn't the first thing people think about when discussing riding clothing, but it completed the outfit nicely.
The leather felt good quality and the western detailing gave it a traditional look without feeling excessive.
It's also the item from the collection that I could see myself wearing regularly away from horses.
My verdict
A classic western belt that feels well-made and finishes off the outfit perfectly.
Colour: Tan
Size: Small
Price: £85
Cattle Caite Wide Square Wide Toe Western Boots (£180)
Shop Ariat Cattle Caite Wide Square Toe Western Boot.
The boots were my favourite item from the collection.
I absolutely loved the design straight away, but what impressed me most was how comfortable they were.
The heel felt secure in the stirrup, which was particularly useful when trying something completely new. They felt supportive without being heavy and I quickly forgot I was wearing brand-new boots.
The grip felt solid and they felt built for long days in the saddle. They're also boots I would happily wear away from the yard with jeans or a skirt.
Sizing-wise, I'm normally between a UK 6 and 7 depending on the brand. I wore a 6.5 for the lesson but could comfortably have worn a 6.
My verdict
Comfortable, secure and easily my favourite piece from the collection.
Colour: Distressed Brown/Adobe Clay
Size: 6.5
Price: £180
So, Are Western Riding Clothes Actually Practical?
Before this lesson, I probably thought western clothing was one of the most recognisable parts of western riding.
After spending a lesson wearing it, I came away appreciating the practical side much more.
The shirt was lightweight and breathable. The jeans were comfortable and supportive in the saddle. The boots felt secure from the moment I put my foot in the stirrup.
Nothing felt restrictive and everything felt designed around spending long hours riding. It quickly became clear that western clothing isn't just about appearance. These styles have stuck around because they work.
Watch the Full Ariat Review
Want a closer look at the clothing?
Watch our Ariat western collection review video, where I unbox the full outfit, discuss sizing and share my first impressions of each piece.
Explore More Western Riding Content
Curious about western riding itself?
Visit our Western Riding Hub to watch the full lesson at Wildwoods Riding Centre and discover what English riders can learn from western riding.
