| Clothing for Equestrian competition is as much about | | | | leg with some protection or reinforcement around the |
| functionality as it is for display. It is meant to be | | | | inside knee. Riding trousers are of two kinds: |
| comfortable, practical and safe. Basic competition | | | | Breeches that come down to half the calf which can |
| clothing for equestrian events involves the wearing of | | | | be worn with long riding boots only Jodhpurs that end |
| a suitable hat to protect the head; a jacket and | | | | at the ankles and can be worn with short boots as |
| waistcoat to provide body safety for the torso; and | | | | well as long riding boots. |
| boots, breeches and jodhpurs to take care of the legs | | | | Gloves |
| and feet. However, clothing can differ for different | | | | As a part of competition clothing, a rider should own a |
| events. This can range from a tweed hacking jacket | | | | good pair of original gloves as well as an everyday |
| to a black, blue, green or red show jacket for showing, | | | | general pair of gloves: |
| show jumping, dressage and eventing; or top hat and | | | | Original leather gloves are to be worn while riding for |
| tails for dressage and top level eventing. The jackets | | | | competition. |
| you wear will also depend on the level you have | | | | Everyday general riding gloves are worn whilst |
| reached for the sports event in which you intend to | | | | hacking, schooling, training and yard duties they are |
| participate. | | | | usually made from cotton, crochet, artificial leather and |
| Equestrian competition includes different events and | | | | breathable materials. |
| demands different skills from the riders. | | | | Riding boots |
| Hence competition clothing is also of various kinds | | | | Riding boots in equestrian competition are of two |
| suitable for each event. | | | | types: |
| Riding hat or Helmet | | | | Jodhpur boots with a lace or zip design at the front |
| A riding hat or helmet is the most important part of | | | | that cover the ankles and are comfortable. |
| competition clothing. It protects the rider when falling. A | | | | Long riding boots that cover the legs and which are in |
| riding hat has a strong shield and a soft lining for | | | | various styles available to suit all riding disciplines. |
| absorbing shocks in falls. It is advised to wear the hat | | | | Besides these, there are body protectors that are |
| not only for riding but also for training the horse. Hats | | | | worn on top of the clothes. They are made from |
| should be replaced at least every three or four years. | | | | shock absorbing material. The BETA Level 3 standard |
| This is because its capacity to safeguard the head it is | | | | is recommended so that you are able to compete in all |
| worn upon reduces with use. Riding hats are of two | | | | competitions and in different levels. Body Protectors |
| kinds: | | | | will help to reduce the impact in case of falling and if a |
| Classic velvet hat with a hard peak, which is traditional | | | | horse kicks. |
| and is available in different colours like brown, black or | | | | You should take proper care of your competition |
| navy blue. | | | | clothing, whether it is the daily wear or the one meant |
| Jockey cap with no peak, which is also known as a | | | | for the show. Your show attire should be clean, |
| skull cap. This was first worn by jockeys in the sport | | | | pressed and spotless. Your attire should adhere to the |
| of horse racing but is also becoming popular for leisure | | | | competition you intend to participate in. In the initial |
| and equestrian competition. | | | | stage you need not get all the equestrian competition |
| Jackets | | | | clothing, the riding hat, body protector and boots are |
| Riding jackets in equestrian competitions should be | | | | the most important. However, later as you progress to |
| fitted and not restrict the free movement of the arms. | | | | be a experienced rider or competitor, you need to |
| As you would expect, different jackets are available | | | | have access to all the required competition clothing. |
| for men and women riders. Most jackets have a vent | | | | Clothing should always fit well and be comfortable. |
| at the back that helps it to lie smoothly at the back | | | | It is vital to know about all the types of dress from the |
| and sit neatly over the back of the saddle. Broadly, | | | | beginning, even if you can't afford to buy it all at once, |
| there are three different kinds of jackets: | | | | because each item is designed to bring you safety |
| Hacking Jacket, which is a tweed style jacket in | | | | when you need it most. Since equestrian competition |
| various colours navy, brown and green Hunting Jacket, | | | | clothing is specially designed for both the safety and |
| which could also be a tweed style jacket or plain black | | | | comfort of the rider, these clothes are a necessary |
| or navy it could also be a red jacket meant for hunt | | | | expense when you start to take your riding seriously. |
| masters. | | | | However, for your daily chores and work in the yard |
| Show Jacket, which is a single-coloured jacket, often | | | | you should still keep wearing your favourite |
| black or navy blue. | | | | hard-wearing and inexpensive clothing. You don't have |
| Trousers | | | | to look like you're competing all the time! |
| Riding trousers should be close fitting around the lower | | | | |