| Competitors in every sport want to be at their best. | | | | show clothes. |
| And being at your best includes the right apparel. | | | | Riding shirt sleeves are generally two inches longer |
| Equestrian apparel is especially important because | | | | than normal clothing, to allow you the reach when |
| unlike casual riding, competitors in English riding must | | | | jumping. After putting on your show jacket, one-fourth |
| appear sleek, refined and in control at all times. In the | | | | to one-half inch of your shirt cuff should show. |
| show ring, the judges want to be looking at the way | | | | Ratcatchers are normally white or of a pale color. A |
| you and your horse communicate and how well you | | | | stock pin should be worn with your ratcatcher. Men |
| control and direct your horse. Loose fitting clothes | | | | are required to wear a button-down shirt with either a |
| have no place in show riding as safety is of the | | | | tie or a stock pin. |
| utmost importance. English riders also need their show | | | | Jodhpurs And Breeches |
| clothes to reflect a neat, subdued and elegant air, so | | | | Jodhpurs are riding pants with an elastic cuff that is |
| that their riding skills and the training of the horse shine | | | | worn over your horse riding boots. They are also |
| through. | | | | essential if you are wearing paddock boots. When |
| Dressage, hunt seat, and pleasure classes each have | | | | sizing for jodhpurs, measure your inseam plus one inch |
| specific requirements regarding equestrian clothing. It is | | | | with your paddock boots on. If you will be wearing |
| up to you to check with the sponsoring organization to | | | | your jodhpurs in the show ring, try to find a color to |
| get the details of your equestrian clothing needs. | | | | match with your show jacket. |
| Show Clothes From Head To Toe | | | | Breeches come in many styles, including front-zip, |
| Starting at the top, helmets are the most important | | | | pull-on, side-zip, low-rise and full-seat. You'll want to |
| accessory because they may save your life in a fall. | | | | make sure that your breeches maintain the overall trim |
| An ASTM F-1163-01 and 04a/SEI certified helmet is a | | | | and professional look of your equestrian clothing. Show |
| mandatory part of your equestrian clothing any time | | | | breeches are normally beige. When shopping for most |
| you are on or working around a horse. These helmets | | | | show clothes including Jodhpurs and Breeches, fabrics |
| are tested for the rigors of riding. Helmets are sized by | | | | with Lycra are ideal in order to provide a trim fit with |
| measuring the circumference of the rider's head. | | | | stretch for movement. |
| The Importance Of A Show Coat | | | | Boots Made For Riding |
| The first part of show clothes that judges will notice is | | | | Your field or dress tall black boots must fit properly. |
| a rider's show coat. A properly fitted jacket should | | | | Since manufacturers differ, you must use the sizing |
| give you a trim appearance with squared shoulders | | | | chart for the horse riding boots that you are buying. |
| and a narrow waist. To check for a good fit, you | | | | Most horse riding boot sizing charts will ask for calf |
| should be able to take a pinch of approximately | | | | and height measurements, plus your normal show size. |
| one-inch of fabric from the sides of the shoulders, | | | | Calf measurements are taken at the widest part of |
| which will allow the freedom of movement you need. | | | | your calf, with socks and riding breeches on, while |
| The waistline of your jacket should be at your natural | | | | seated. The height measurement is from the base of |
| waistline. The length of your show jacket should take it | | | | your heel to the top of your lower leg plus one inch. |
| just to the bottom of your buttocks. Show jacket | | | | Tall horse riding boots must fit snugly in all the right |
| sleeves are measured at one inch below the wrist. | | | | places to give you the look and support you need to |
| Show coats are generally beige, gray or a dark color. | | | | do well in the show ring and to complement the rest of |
| Dressage show coats are black. | | | | your equestrian clothing. Those with hidden zippers will |
| Underneath Your Show Coat | | | | give a snug fit and will be easy to put on. |
| Under the show coat, women wear a ratcatcher and | | | | Dressing with the appropriate equestrian clothing for |
| men wear a buttoned shirt. Getting the right fit is crucial | | | | competitive events not only will showcase your |
| to creating the right image while allowing you to ride | | | | command of the sport, but will also provide the safety |
| safely and effectively. Ratcatchers are extra | | | | you need when jumping. Wearing the proper show |
| long-sleeved shirts with a short, upright collar. | | | | clothes also shows respect for the elegance and |
| Ratcatchers and shirts should be form-fitting yet allow | | | | control of English riding. |
| the rider the necessary freedom of movement with | | | | |