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Equestrian Competition Clothing : Basic Components

Clothing for Equestrian competition is as much about functionality as it is for display. It is meant to be comfortable, practical and safe. Basic competition clothing for equestrian events involves the wearing of a suitable hat to protect the head; a jacket and waistcoat to provide body safety for the torso; and boots, breeches and jodhpurs to take care of the legs and feet. However, clothing can differ for different events. This can range from a tweed hacking jacket to a black, blue, green or red show jacket for showing, show jumping, dressage and eventing; or top hat and tails for dressage and top level eventing. The jackets you wear will also depend on the level you have reached for the sports event in which you intend to participate. Equestrian competition includes different events and demands different skills from the riders.

Hence competition clothing is also of various kinds suitable for each event.

Riding hat or Helmet

A riding hat or helmet is the most important part of competition clothing. It protects the rider when falling. A riding hat has a strong shield and a soft lining for absorbing shocks in falls. It is advised to wear the hat not only for riding but also for training the horse. Hats should be replaced at least every three or four years. This is because its capacity to safeguard the head it is worn upon reduces with use. Riding hats are of two kinds: Classic velvet hat with a hard peak, which is traditional and is available in different colours like brown, black or navy blue. Jockey cap with no peak, which is also known as a skull cap. This was first worn by jockeys in the sport of horse racing but is also becoming popular for leisure and equestrian competition.

Jackets

Riding jackets in equestrian competitions should be fitted and not restrict the free movement of the arms. As you would expect, different jackets are available for men and women riders. Most jackets have a vent at the back that helps it to lie smoothly at the back and sit neatly over the back of the saddle. Broadly, there are three different kinds of jackets: Hacking Jacket, which is a tweed style jacket in various colours navy, brown and green Hunting Jacket, which could also be a tweed style jacket or plain black or navy it could also be a red jacket meant for hunt masters. Show Jacket, which is a single-coloured jacket, often black or navy blue.

Trousers

Riding trousers should be close fitting around the lower leg with some protection or reinforcement around the inside knee. Riding trousers are of two kinds: Breeches that come down to half the calf which can be worn with long riding boots only Jodhpurs that end at the ankles and can be worn with short boots as well as long riding boots.

Gloves

As a part of competition clothing, a rider should own a good pair of original gloves as well as an everyday general pair of gloves: Original leather gloves are to be worn while riding for competition. Everyday general riding gloves are worn whilst hacking, schooling, training and yard duties they are usually made from cotton, crochet, artificial leather and breathable materials.

Riding boots

Riding boots in equestrian competition are of two types: Jodhpur boots with a lace or zip design at the front that cover the ankles and are comfortable. Long riding boots that cover the legs and which are in various styles available to suit all riding disciplines. Besides these, there are body protectors that are worn on top of the clothes. They are made from shock absorbing material. The BETA Level 3 standard is recommended so that you are able to compete in all competitions and in different levels. Body Protectors will help to reduce the impact in case of falling and if a horse kicks.

You should take proper care of your competition clothing, whether it is the daily wear or the one meant for the show. Your show attire should be clean, pressed and spotless. Your attire should adhere to the competition you intend to participate in. In the initial stage you need not get all the equestrian competition clothing, the riding hat, body protector and boots are the most important. However, later as you progress to be a experienced rider or competitor, you need to have access to all the required competition clothing. Clothing should always fit well and be comfortable.

It is vital to know about all the types of dress from the beginning, even if you can’t afford to buy it all at once, because each item is designed to bring you safety when you need it most. Since equestrian competition clothing is specially designed for both the safety and comfort of the rider, these clothes are a necessary expense when you start to take your riding seriously. However, for your daily chores and work in the yard you should still keep wearing your favourite hard-wearing and inexpensive clothing. You don’t have to look like you’re competing all the time!

About the Author

Equestrian competition clothing is specially designed for both the safety and comfort of the rider, these clothes are a necessary expense when you start to take your riding seriously.