The Essentials of Equestrian Wear

The right equestrian wear is a must-have for every rider, ensuring both comfort and safety in the saddle. In addition to a well-fitting helmet, basic riding attire includes jodhpurs, full seat breeches or knee patch breeches, half chaps for extra grip, gloves and high-quality whips, crops and spurs.

Ideally, women’s riding clothes should be tight fitting without any bulky seams and are usually made from stretch fabrics. A variety of colours and designs are available – from chic black jodphurs or white riding leggings to bright red show breeches.

In warm weather, a pair of lightweight shorts can be worn while riding, however bare legs are not recommended as they are susceptible to friction against the saddle and may lead to painful pinches and even fall off [1]. In addition to keeping them cool, wearing long pants helps prevent hay, farrier nails, splinters or other sharp objects from being caught in the stirrups. Tightly fitting boots are also recommended because they help reduce the risk of foot injury due to being stepped on by the horse if it becomes agitated. In most cases, paddock boots are preferred over tall riding boots because they don’t have the heavy tread that can jam in the stirrup.

Although it is tempting to wear sandals or flip flops when riding, these are highly dangerous and can result in serious injuries if the horse steps on them. It is best to only ride with a closed-toe shoe that is durable and easy to slip in and out of the stirrup. In addition, a rubber sole on the boot protects against slipping on the ground.

A pair of grippy gloves is an excellent idea because the reins can shred the fingers like rope and, over time, calluses develop that make it harder to get a good grip. Gloves can also protect the hands from excessive sun exposure as they provide a physical barrier against the harmful UV rays.

When it comes to show wear, a tailored and appropriately fitting outfit adds a professional touch that impresses the judge. Beige breeches are the most commonly seen color in horse showing but white, canary and tan breeches are also appropriate for certain classes. In addition, a pair of black boots that rise to just below the bent knee is essential for every rider.

When it comes to a perfect show coat, the choice is clear: The Harmony Mesh Show Coat offers both classic style and athletic functionality for a professional look at every competition. Its Champagne print blends modern flair with tradition and the back seams can be zipped up for a classy look or down to reveal the bubbly personality of a horse loving girl. It also has vertical zipper pockets that allow riders to store their show sprites and other accessories.