The equestrian lifestyle requires from any rider a particular way of dressing. Various competitions ask riders to appear wearing strict attire or change outfits depending on the discipline.
The variations go from very formal classic style to sporty equestrian clothes for training and everything in between.
If you’re interested in what you should wear to the stables, we’ve got you covered. This guide will explain how to feel confident while riding and enjoy every outfit.
Fashion Trends and Rider’s Attire
Every season brings the latest trends in the world of riding. New materials appear each season and make riding more comfortable, while itchy and uncomfortable materials are slowly getting out of fashion. Another big trend among equestrians is to color-coordinate the rider’s colors and materials with the horse’s riding equipment.
On the other hand, it seems that new materials didn’t influence the basic equestrian dress-code on formal occasions. The basic rules in every riding discipline are still pretty much the same, especially in traditional equestrian disciplines.
The Formal Outfit
Formal outfits have a long history in Europe and the U.S., and that’s why every modern rider has to refer to the past with their attire choices. When it comes to competitions taking place in the U.S., the Dressage Federation provides detailed outfit specifications for every stage of the eventing.
Some of the essential components of any professional rider outfit are a riding jacket and paddock boots. The jackets should be black or navy blue with distinctive metal buckles. Famous riders often have uniquely tailored jackets and wear them with yellow vests.
Every rider is required to wear a riding hat that shows its status in the riding community. The novice riders usually wear derby hats or equestrian helmets, while the professionals have a top hat that matches their coat.
One of the most recognizable elements of every upper-level rider’s outfit is black or white riding gloves.
The Sports Outfit
When riders want to focus on endurance training and long-distance races, their outfits become more athletic. When the race requires adaptability as well as speed, the riders need to have the right equipment, especially for long races.
The basic outfit for any training or endurance race is a t-shirt and breathable sporty riding tights that are very comfortable even after several hours on the saddle. Also, every rider needs a helmet for protection and safety and a pair of gloves. Nowadays, they’re made from breathable materials and come in various shapes and sizes.
Adequate horse riding boots are also an essential part of sports outfits as they’re lightweight and come just above the ankle. Ideally, they should be waterproof and feature new materials to make them more comfortable as riders have to wear them throughout several competition stages.
The Cross Country Outfit
When compared to formal and sports outfits, cross country is the least formal. Cross country is equestrian eventing where riders test their horse’s jumping skills. Usually, horses have to jump through various obstacles like logs, fences, and small ponds.
In this discipline, riders often get very creative with their outfits as there are just a few simple outfit rules they need to follow. Combining various patterns, colors, and outfits, riders can suit up to feel at ease while performing.
The majority of cross country riders prefers to wear a long sleeve polo shirt combined with a safety vest. All of them need to wear protective headwear shaped like a skull helmet with a cover.
In this phase of the competition, riders usually wear tall horse riding boots. High-quality leather makes them extremely comfortable and provide stability, especially when performing difficult jumps. Some riders even wear spurs for additional safety.
An interesting detail that you can find only in the cross-country category is a riding watch that monitors their time. Every rider has it to keep an eye on its performance.
The Importance of Dressing Accordingly
Once you decide to live the equestrian lifestyle, you’ll notice that outfits are a big part of it. Before getting in the saddle, you have to dress accordingly, especially when competing.
Since proper attire and equipment have a substantial effect on how you ride, you have to consider both comfort and looks when getting a new outfit.
Being safe is one of the imperatives, and a good horseback helmet and good boots are considered essentials for a safe ride. Afterward, the rest of your riding equipment, like gloves or watches, can give the audience a glimpse of your style.
