Equestrian Wear

The correct Equestrian Wear can contribute to an enjoyable ride. Wearing uncomfortable leg wear that pinches or allows the riders leg to move too much can hinder the rider when performing aids and affect their safety when on the horse. While riding skills are not going to be improved with the use of suitable equestrian wear, improper clothing can hinder the progression of the rider. Jodhpurs and breeches are fitted to the leg, have durable seat and knee patches with many giving extra security in these places too. They are stretchy and the material used keeps the rider from overheating. Typically the quality of the equestrian wear, the fit of the equestrian wear and additional features are improved as the price increases.

Riding boots are important part of equestrian wear for more than one reason. The sole and heal of the boot the rider will wear will be made with safety in mind. It should be made of a hard wearing material with a fine grip tread and heel to prevent the foot from slipping right through the stirrup. Equestrian Boots can be ankle height, these are called Jodhpur boots and long riding boots cover the rider’s calf finishing just below the riders knee. Comfort is vital as a lot of control when riding your horse will come from your legs and feet.

Equestrian wear includes - Riding jackets which come in all shapes and sizes and for many different purposes. Many riders will have a number of different riding jackets, for cold wet conditions, and for showing or competing. Any jacket the rider wears should be comfortable, suitable, leaving the rider with plenty of movement through their arms and across their shoulders and should not flap or have parts that could get caught making them unsafe in any way.

Chaps are a widespread piece of equestrian wear that many riders choose to use. They are brilliant as they fit over yard boots or Jodhpur boots and on top of jodhpurs giving the rider the additional grip and comfort that Long boots would provide but whilst giving them the peace of mind that they are not damaging or ruining their more expensive Long boots. They come in two forms, full length which fit hip to ankle and half chaps which fit the lower half of the rider’s leg. They can be worn on the yard for additional warmth and available in a variety of materials. Gaiters are closer fitting chaps and are commonly made from leather.

Each equestrian sport is different and demands different skills from the horse rider so their apparel (the equestrian wear) is not just used for presentation but also to help them move freely during competitions. A multitude of clothes are made to provide head to toe protection for equestrians. The main clothing of an equestrian are composed of horse riding headgear, riding jackets, riding boots, riding jodhpurs and riding breeches, body protector, chaps and gaiters. For a novice it is important to know each of this dress. Each person’s favourite might vary but it is necessary to be have knowledge about the basics of equestrian wear before buying any clothes since horse back riding can be pricey and the clothes for this activity is no exception.

Riding hats and helmets come in different designs and the design is often chosen dependant on the discipline. More often than not the design of the hat that riders choose will be down to personal preference, comfort and fit. It is important that the hat you choose is new and conforms to current safety standards BSEN1384, EN1384 or PAS015.

The horse riding hat is essential because it safeguards the head from injuries which can occur in or out of competition and even with the best trained horse. The hat, with its hard shell and shock absorbing lining, provides safe-guard for the horse rider in case of a fall. This equestrian wear is also essential to wear them even if they are not horse riding because the horse may kick them instead so it’s equally best to wear them when handling horses while on the ground.
Riding headgear as part of equestrian wear should be updated and replaced on a regular basis as the padding inside will deteriorate and the amount of protection decreases over time. A beginner should be sure to purchase a hat that is comfortable, and all riders must remember to invariably secure their headgear when horse riding. Riding hats are critical pieces of equestrian wear that safe-guard the horse rider by reducing the risk of severe injury during potentially fatal falls. Individuals who ride horses should not buy a riding hat that used to belong to somebody else because the damage it sustained throughout the first ownership is not visible from the exterior and has a good chance to not offer as much protection, therefore invariably purchase new hats if you want to be sure.