12+ Best Hairstyles for Horseback Riding

When you’re showing, appearance matters. From your helmet to your boots, you are expected to present a clean, polished look—and that includes your hair. While traditions and expectations vary by discipline, a neat, secure, show-ready hairstyle is a must in any arena.

In this guide, we’re sharing our favorite judge-approved hairstyles by discipline and hair type, plus expert tips to help you keep your hair tidy and helmet-safe. Whether you’re rocking short hair, long curls, or protective braids, you’ll find styles that look great, stay put, and meet show expectations.

• Best hunter & equitation hairstyles →
• Best show jumping hairstyles →
• Best dressage hairstyles →
• Best kids’ equestrian hairstyles →

How to choose a hairstyle for horseback riding

The right riding hairstyle depends on your discipline, age group, and the type of competition you’re entering. But beyond rules and traditions, you’ll also want to consider your hair type, length, and most importantly, how your style works with your helmet. A secure, well-fitted helmet is non-negotiable, so your hairstyle should never interfere with the safety or fit.

Age group

For young riders—especially those who wear paddock boots or ride ponies—two braids tied with colorful bows are a popular choice. While this adorable look is traditional for younger age groups, riders typically shift to more polished hairstyles in their teen years to align with discipline expectations.

Adult riders are generally expected to wear their hair neatly secured and either tucked into their helmet or styled in a low bun or ponytail, depending on the discipline. Regardless of age, your hairstyle should look tidy, intentional, and appropriate for the formality of the competition.

Discipline

Each English discipline comes with its own tradition and set of expectations—some call for a neatly tucked style, while others offer more flexibility. Here’s how those standards vary and how to choose a hairstyle that suits your discipline.

Hunters & equitation

While there are no explicit USEF rules requiring riders to tuck their hair into their helmet, “hunter hair” is a long-standing expectation, and judges do consider overall turnout. Most riders wear their hair up under their helmet using an equestrian hair net that closely matches their hair color.

Thicker hair may require a heavier-weight net or a double hair net technique. One-knot hair nets are commonly used, often paired with a hair band to help smooth the hair under your helmet. Colored hair nets, show bows, or decorative buns are not appropriate for hunter or equitation classes.

Above all, prioritize helmet fit and safety. Always make sure your helmet fits properly with your chosen hairstyle, and consider getting professionally fitted to ensure comfort and safety.

Show jumping

Show jumpers have more flexibility when it comes to hairstyles. While a neat, professional appearance is still expected, riders aren’t required to wear their hair up unless they prefer to.

Some jumpers tuck their hair into their helmet for a clean look, while others opt for a tidy low ponytail, bun, or braid. Just make sure your hair doesn’t block your number, distract from your round, or interfere with your helmet fit.

Dressage

In dressage, polish and elegance are essential. Most riders wear their hair in a low bun, secured with a decorative hair net, scrunchie, or show bow. If you have long hair, you can also tuck it into your helmet—as long as it doesn’t affect the fit.

Riders with short hair can use a fine mesh hair net to keep flyaways in check. Whatever your hair type or length, the goal is a refined style that enhances your overall turnout without sacrificing safety.

Eventing

Because eventing includes three phases—dressage, cross-country, and show jumping—you may switch up your hairstyle between phases or choose one that works for all three. Here’s what’s required for each phase:

• Dressage phase – You can wear your hair in a neat bun or tucked under your helmet. 
• Show jumping phase – Opt for a low ponytail, bun, or tuck your hair inside your helmet.
• Cross-country phase – Secure your hair into a ponytail or wear it fully contained in your helmet.

Tucking your hair into your helmet works for all three phases, which can save time and hassle. But if you prefer to show in a ponytail, you can simply twist it into a bun for the dressage phase. Ultimately, the best eventing hairstyle is whatever feels most comfortable and secure.

Hair type & length

Your natural hair texture and length play a big role in choosing a riding hairstyle that’s both practical and show-ready.

• Fine, straight hair often needs extra hairspray and texturizing products to help the style hold.
• Long, thick, or curly hair may require extra-secure styles and heavy-duty accessories, like double hairnets, wide elastic bands, or extra pins to keep everything in place.
• If you have short hair, you can achieve a clean, polished look using a fine mesh hair net to keep flyaways contained.
• Textured hair often works well in protective styles like braids, mini twists, or buns that evenly distribute volume and fit comfortably under a helmet.

Whatever your hair type, aim for a style that keeps your hair secure, comfortable, and out of your face, especially while showing or during long rides.

Helmet fit

No matter what hairstyle you choose, your helmet must fit correctly, and your hair should never compromise that fit. A well-fitted helmet should sit level on your head, with no pressure points, gapping, or shifting as you ride. If your hairstyle adds bulk or changes the shape of your head, it may affect the helmet’s ability to protect you in the event of a fall.

Always try on your helmet with your hair styled the way you plan to wear it for lessons or shows. For riders with thick or textured hair, that might mean experimenting with flatter styles or using different helmets for lessons and shows. To ensure a secure fit, visit your local tack shop for a professional fitting.

Remember: A good hairstyle can help you look the part, but a well-fitting helmet is what keeps you safe in the saddle.

Check out our riding helmet guide →

12+ of our favorite hairstyles for horseback riding

No matter your riding style or hair type, a good riding hairstyle should check three boxes:

✅ It stays secure and out of your way.

✅ It fits comfortably (and safely) under your helmet.

✅ It looks clean and intentional.

With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best hairstyles for horseback riding, organized by hair length, texture, and discipline. From hunter hair hacks to elegant dressage buns, there’s a style here that’ll help you feel confident and comfortable in the saddle.

Best hunter & equitation equestrian hairstyles

Hunter hair is the standard for hunter and equitation classes. But while it may look simple, achieving this style can take a little practice. Below are some of the safest, most secure ways to tuck your hair into your helmet using an equestrian hair net.

For short hair

Knotted hair net

With short hair, the challenge is keeping flyaways neatly tucked. A one-knot hair net offers a sleek, comfortable solution.

1. Part your hair down the middle.
2. With the knot at the back, lay the hair net over your head, and pull it down over your nose.
3. Smooth your hair over your ears and gather it into a ponytail with the net.
4. Slide the hair net up to your hairline and adjust the sides over your ears.
5. Flip the ponytail up and put your helmet on back to front.

Optionally, you can secure any stray hairs with bobby pins.

For long/thick hair

No-knot hair net

A no-knot hair net is ideal for long or thick hair. It keeps everything flat and evently distributed under your helmet.

1. Open the hair net, place it around your neck, and pull your hair through.
2. Pull the net up and over your head, fully covering your hair.
3. Adjust your hair to partially cover your ears and position the net at your hairline.
4. Flip your hair up and fan it out so it lays flat.
5. Put your helmet on back to front.

If you don’t have a no-knot hair net, you can use two hair nets: one to form a ponytail and another to secure the ponytail under your helmet.

For textured hair

French braided

If you have textured hair that doesn’t easily fit inside your helmet, securing it down with French braids first can keep it looking tidy while keeping your hair close to your head.

1. Detangle and part your hair into two sections.
2. French braid each side, securing the ends together with a hair tie.
3. Undo the braids, flip the hair over your head, and secure it with a thick hair net.
4. Fan the hair out to flatten it before putting on your helmet back to front.

For protective styles

Tucked and pinned into hair net

If you’re wearing a protective style like braids or locs, you’ll want to flatten it as much as possible before securing it inside your helmet. When choosing a style during show season, note that micro braids and twists will sit the flattest against your head.

1. Use water and mousse or gel to flatten your hair, then protect it with leave-in conditioner.
2. Put a thick hair net over your head and tuck your hair inside.
3. Secure it with a hair tie around the hair net.
4. Put your helmet on and gently tuck any loose sections into the bottom.
5. Pin and adjust as needed until it looks tidy and feels secure.

Learn more about how to use an equestrian hair net →

Best show jumping equestrian hairstyles

Show jumpers enjoy more flexibility with hairstyles. While neatness is still important, your look can be slightly more personal, as long as it’s secure and doesn’t interfere with your helmet or number.

For short hair

Low tucked bun

A tidy low bun is perfect for short hair, offering a change from the typical hair net style. It’s simple and subtle with a sleek, secure finish that’s just right for the show ring.

1. Slick your hair back into a low ponytail.
2. Split your hair just above the elastic, and tuck the ends into the opening to hide them.
3. Adjust your hair over the ponytail to hide the hair tie and secure with bobby pins.

Finish with a light mist of hairspray or a hair net to hold flyaways in place.

For long/thick hair

Low braided ponytail

A braided ponytail is sleek, sporty, and practical—more secure than just a braid and more fun than a plain ponytail.

1. Pull your hair into a low ponytail, leaving out a small section.
2. Wrap the loose section around the hair tie and pin it underneath.
3. Braid the ponytail, and secure the end with another hair tie.

If your hair is especially long, twist the braid into a bun to keep it up and out of the way.

For textured hair

Triple french braid

French braiding helps distribute and flatten textured hair. The more braids, the flatter your hair will be. 

1. Detangle and divide your hair into three sections.
2. French braid each section and secure the ends.
3. Braid the three braids together and secure with a hairband.

If your hair is in a protective style, you can simply tie your hair into a ponytail or braid—no need to tuck your hair for jumpers!

Best dressage equestrian hairstyles

Dressage hairstyles are always elegant, and most of the time, they involve some type of bun. Once your hair is secured, you can elevate your look with a decorative hair net, pin, scrunchie, or bow.

For short hair

Low bun with a donut

A hair donut is a great way to form a full bun with shorter hair. Be sure to choose one that even your shortest layers will fit around. 

1. Pull your hair into a low ponytail.
2. Position the hair donut at the base of your ponytail.
3. Spread your hair evenly around the donut to cover it completely.
4. Pin your hair around the donut to form a sleek bun.
5. Place a hair net over the bun and pin it to keep flyaways in place.

If your hair is too short to gather into a bun, it may be most comfortable to tuck it into your helmet.

For long/thick hair

Braided bun

With long hair, it can be difficult to create a sleek bun that doesn’t fall. A braided bun keeps your hair secure and looking elegant.

1. Pull your hair into a low ponytail. 
2. Split the ponytail into two sections and braid each one.
3. Wrap the braids around each other to form a bun and secure with a hair tie and bobby pins.
4. Cover the bun with a hair net and pin it down.

For textured hair

French braids with overlapping bun

This style flattens and secures textured hair while still looking elegant.

1. Detangle and braid your hair into two French braids.
2. Cross one braid to the opposite side of your neck and pin it in place.
3. Repeat with the second braid.
4. Continue wrapping the braids until all of your hair is pinned.

If your hair is in braids or locs, twist it into a low bun, then pin and finish with a hair net for a clean look.

Best kids’ equestrian hairstyles

Young riders can wear a fun hairstyle with show bows, as long as it stays secure and doesn’t cover their number. Here are a few go-to styles for kids in the show ring.

For short hair

Pigtails

Pigtails are a cute and easy option for shorter hair.

1. Part the hair down the middle.
2. Brush each section back into a ponytail and secure with a hairband.
3. Add show bows to complete the look.

For long/thick hair

Braids with show bows

This is the most common hairstyle for young riders. It’s secure, tidy, and looks adorable with bows.

1. Part her hair down the middle.
2. Braid each section and tie the ends with hairbands.
3. Position the show bows evenly at the end of the braids.

If the braids are too long, leave a longer tail and secure the bows higher up to avoid blocking the show number.

For textured hair

Puffs

For kids with natural hair, puffs are a playful, comfortable style that will stay secure all day.

1. Part the hair down the middle.
2. Wet and detangle each side, then slick back with gel and secure with hairbands.
3. Apply leave-in conditioner to define curls.
4. Add show bows to each puff for a cute, ring-ready finish.

If your child’s hair is in braids or twists, you can also braid it into two sections and add show bows to the ends.

You might also like: Pony Mom Show Survival Guide

Practical hair styling tips for riding

No matter what style you go for, these tried-and-true tips will help your hair stay neat, secure, and helmet-friendly:

• Start with slightly dirty hair. Clean hair can be slippery and harder to manage. Hair that hasn’t been freshly washed often holds braids and buns better, with fewer flyaways.
• Use styling products for grip and hold. Hair spray, texturizing spray, or styling cream can help tame flyaways and add staying power.
• Double up on hair nets. For thick or textured hair, using two fine-mesh hair nets can help evenly distribute volume and hold everything in place under your helmet.
• Try a helmet with a dial-fit system. If you regularly change your hairstyle, a helmet with an adjustable dial can help you maintain a safe, snug fit no matter your style. 
• Practice before show day. Don’t wait until the morning of a competition to try a new hairstyle. Test it ahead of time so you know what works, how long it takes, and whether it’ll stay secure as you ride.
• Keep extra styling supplies on hand. Always have spare hair nets, ties, pins, hairspray, and a brush or comb in your show bag. You never know when you’ll need a quick fix.

Finish your look

The right hairstyle can boost your confidence in the saddle, and the right gear makes all the difference. From high-quality equestrian hair nets and accessories to top-rated helmets, we carry everything you need to ride comfortably and look polished in the ring.

Not sure what works best for your hair type or discipline? Our staff of experienced riders is here to help. Visit us in-store or give us a call at 864-457-3557—we’re happy to offer personalized guidance and helmet fittings to ensure a safe, secure fit every time you ride.

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