Junior Rasmussen
Riding a horse in a wedding dress is a dream for many equestrian brides. However, it requires a lot of preparation and consideration to ensure the safety of the bride, guests, and horse. The horse's temperament is a key factor, as well as the choice of riding attire and the riding environment. Prior preparation is essential to reduce the likelihood of the horse becoming stressed and to ensure a smooth and safe entrance for the bride. With the right planning and execution, a bride can confidently ride her horse down the aisle and create magical memories on her special day.
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What You'll Learn
Choose a suitable horse
Choosing a suitable horse is one of the most important decisions for your wedding day. The horse should be well-trained, trustworthy, and have a calm temperament. It should be comfortable with loud noises, large crowds, and the feel of your dress material, both when standing and walking.
If your horse is high-energy, easily spooked, or not used to busy environments, it may not be the best choice for your wedding. Consider whether your horse is generally well-behaved and if it is likely to get spooked in a strange, busy environment. If the answer is yes, it may be best to consider alternatives.
Before the wedding, ensure your horse is comfortable with the venue and decorations by riding it through the planned course at the speed you will be entering. This will help the horse become familiar with the environment and reduce the likelihood of it becoming stressed on the day. It is also a good idea to have a trial run at the venue without guests, so your horse can get used to the surroundings.
On the day, ensure your horse is cleaned and prepared, with someone to assist you with mounting and holding the horse steady. A mounting block will also be necessary for safely mounting while wearing a heavy wedding dress.
Remember, the comfort and safety of both you and your horse should be a top priority when choosing a suitable horse for your wedding.
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Pick a rideable dress
Picking a rideable wedding dress is a crucial part of planning to ride a horse on your wedding day. A dress that hugs at your hips will make it almost impossible to ride, as you will need to pull it up over your hips to mount. Therefore, a wide skirt is a must, preferably one that flares out from the waist. Underskirts are also fine, but hoops are not.
If your heart is set on a form-fitting dress, consider changing into it after you have ridden the horse. Alternatively, you could wear a pair of shorts, leggings, or long control underwear underneath your dress, which will reduce chafing and add grip for bareback riding.
It is worth getting a second-hand dress with a similar cut to practice riding in before the wedding. This will benefit both you and the horse. Practice mounting and dismounting in your chosen dress, as this will be more difficult than in regular clothes.
The material of your dress is also important. Floaty fabrics can scare horses, so it is a good idea to desensitize your horse beforehand by draping similar material across their rump. If your dress has a train, you can lay it over the horse's back and hindquarters as you ride.
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Prepare the horse
The first step in preparing the horse is to choose the right horse. The ideal horse for the occasion is one that is well broke, trusting, and mellow, and will not spook or bolt. It is also important to consider the horse's temperament and whether it is well-behaved in general. If the horse is not used to being ridden in dresses, it is crucial to practice beforehand. This includes getting the horse accustomed to the sight and feel of the dress, as well as the noise and atmosphere of the wedding.
To get the horse used to the dress, start by wearing a sheet or a second-hand dress with a similar cut around the horse. Drape the sheet or dress loosely around your waist, letting it fall over the horse's hindquarters. This will help the horse get used to the sensation and movement of the fabric. You can also try riding with a sheet first on the ground and then while mounted, progressing to a bed sheet if the horse is already accustomed to wearing horse blankets.
Additionally, it is important to desensitize the horse to unusual materials, such as ruffles or glitter, by exposing it to similar textures beforehand. This can include sacking out the horse with plastic bags, tarps, coats, and other items. It is also crucial to consider the venue and ensure the horse is comfortable with the environment, including any crowds, noise, or distractions. Practice riding at the wedding venue, if possible, and expose the horse to similar conditions to help it adjust.
On the wedding day, ensure the horse is cleaned and prepared beforehand, and consider having an assistant to help with bathing, tacking up, and handling the horse during the event. It is also recommended to have a horse trainer or assistant trainer present to ensure the horse's comfort and safety throughout the festivities.
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Practise riding in a dress
Practising riding in a dress is an important step in preparing to ride a horse at your wedding. It is recommended to get a second-hand dress that has a similar cut to your wedding dress so that you can practise riding in it several times before the big day. This will benefit both you and the horse, as mounting in a wedding dress can be challenging.
To start, consider wearing leggings or long control underwear underneath your practise dress to reduce chafing. You may also want to swap heels for a pair of boots to make riding easier and safer. If you plan to ride bareback, be aware that it can be harder to stay on if your horse has behavioural issues. Using a saddle will provide more support and make it easier to mount and dismount.
When practising, begin by getting your horse accustomed to the feel of the fabric. Drape a sheet or blanket over their hindquarters while they are on the ground, and gradually progress to riding with the sheet tucked under the back of the saddle or draped from your waistband. This will help desensitise your horse to the sensation of a flowing dress.
In addition to getting your horse comfortable with the dress, it is crucial to familiarise them with the wedding environment. Ride at the speed you intend to enter the ceremony, and consider doing a trial run at the venue without guests to reduce the likelihood of your horse becoming stressed on the day. Remember to also practise your dismount, as getting off the horse while wearing a dress can be tricky.
Practising riding in a dress is an essential step to ensure the safety and comfort of both you and your horse on your wedding day. By taking the time to prepare, you can increase the chances of a smooth and memorable entrance.
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Get help on the day
It is essential to have a good assistant or a few helpers on the day of your wedding to ensure that everything goes smoothly. They can help bathe the horse, tack it up, and get it ready while you are getting your hair, makeup, and dress on. Assistants will also be needed for mounting, holding the horse steady, and helping you get settled and stay clean. You will need a mounting block to mount safely in a heavy wedding dress.
If you are hiring a horse, it is a good idea to visit the stables and get comfortable with the horse before your wedding day. That way, you can get a feel for its behaviour and get it accustomed to you. It is also important to introduce your horse to your dress, and if you plan to sit on it for photos, get comfortable sitting on it in a large, heavy dress.
On the day, you will need someone to lead the horse if you are not a professional rider. It is also a good idea to have someone walk alongside you to ensure your dress and train are not getting caught or dirty.
If you are including other horses in your wedding, perhaps for your bridal party, it is a good idea to have someone in charge of them to ensure they are well-behaved and do not cause any disruptions.
Finally, ensure that your photographer is experienced in capturing horses in their prime environment. They should be able to make you and the horses look your best and know how to capture the perfect shots.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to prepare your horse for the wedding by getting it used to the feel of your wedding dress and the way you look in it. You can do this by wearing a similar dress and riding your horse in the venue before the wedding day. You should also get your horse accustomed to the venue and the decorations.
A wide skirt is a must when riding a horse at your wedding. Dresses that hug at the hips will make it difficult to get on the horse as you will need to pull the dress up over your hips. Avoid dresses with hoops as well.
You can wear 3/4 leggings or long control underwear under your wedding dress to reduce chafing. You should also consider wearing shorts to protect your legs and add grip if you are riding bareback.
It is important to choose a well-broke horse that is trusting and mellow and will not spook or bolt. You should also have an assistant to help with mounting and holding the horse steady. Additionally, walk instead of galloping to keep the horse calm in a strange environment.
