The importance of buying properly fitted riding breeches
If your jodhpurs or breeches feel tight and restrictive, it naturally follows that you won’t feel comfortable in your saddle. Ill-fitting breeches or jodhpurs don’t only affect your ride it can make you feel really miserable.
Jodhpurs or breeches?Ask any rider if they prefer jodhpurs or breeches and they will have their favourite. Whichever you prefer to wear, your riding pants need to be a perfect fit, if you are to feel comfortable and relaxed in your saddle when you go out for a ride, or compete.
What’s the main difference?
They are very similar, but one of the key differences is where they finish when it comes to the rider’s leg. Both are designed to be tight fitting (snug fit).
Jodhpurs finish around the rider’s ankle, while breeches finish around the mid-calf area.
Whilst breeches can be worn with long riding boots, they tend to be combined with jodhpur or paddock boots, combined with chaps or gaiters.
Jodhpurs tend to be worn with long riding boots.
Competition rules
Jodhpurs and breeches come in a variety of different colours. Generally speaking, you will find that specific competitions state that more conservative colours should by worn by riders, ie: white or cream.
If you are in any doubt, check your rulebook for advice. For general sessions, the colour of your riding pants doesn’t matter.
Many younger children prefer jodhpurs, given they encourage the correct leg position and grip.
Here are a few things to consider when buying a pair of jodhpurs or breeches:
Try on different pairs and brands to see which one is most comfortable and the best fit.
Darker colours hide the dirt and are, therefore, a good practical option.
Most competitions will require cream or white riding pants, so make sure you have a pair in your closet.
Microfibres and some cottons provide a higher degree of breathability.
In cooler winter months, Polartec-type microfibres provide additional warmth.
Breeches and jodhpurs are low maintenance, but make sure they are machine washable – some may not be.
Make sure you measure yourself before you buy a pair of riding pants – don’t guess your size.
Many riders prefer Horbury Breeches, for both ladies and men. These breeches feature a flat front with front pockets and popper detail. They have a full seat design with elasticated lycra cuffs at the bottom of the leg to reduce bulk under boots.
John Whitaker and the Whitaker family are well known in the equine industry, particularly within the show jumping circuit. The exclusive Whitaker brand of equestrian clothing and products, including Brogini riding boots, are available through John Whitaker International (JWI). Combining superior quality with exceptional performance, the Whitaker brand has earned the respect of both amateur and professional riders across the globe.
FAQs
Upper-level riders don tailored jackets (called shadbellies) with yellow vests. Additionally, a white stock tie is worn. Bottom — Dressage riders wear traditional breeches (ankle-length) or jodhpurs (full-length) during competition. Head — Dressage riders have options when it comes to riding hats.
Do dressage coats have 3 or 4 buttons? ›
A riding jacket or cutaway coat is required for most dressage events, while Shadbelly coats are required at higher levels. These show coats typically have four buttons, though three-button coats are also permitted. Jackets are sometimes waived in case of extreme heat for the safety of the riders.
How do you fit a show jacket? ›
Fit a show coat to your shoulders and torso first. Sleeve lengths can be altered, and waists can be taken in, but the length of a coat and the hemline are difficult to change for even the most talented tailors. The seams at the shoulders of the coat should line up with the edges of your shoulders.
How do you dress like an equestrian? ›
Horseback Riding: What to Wear (With Pictures)
- An ASTM/SEI-compliant horseback riding helmet.
- Long pants like jeans, breeches, or jodhpurs. ...
- Boots with a heel so your feet don't accidentally get caught in your stirrups during a fall.
- A fitted long or short sleeved shirt that won't get tangled in the horse's equipment.
Don't talk much about other trainers, other riders, and be courteous and supportive to both your child and the trainer. Keep quite: As a parent or a spectator, never ever make an urgent noise around a horse. Cheering, shouting, yelling or any other loud sound can cause a horse to get spooked.
What arm do you salute with in dressage? ›
Once your horse has come to a complete halt, take your reins in one hand and drop the other hand to your side. There's no rule to state which arm you should drop unless you're carrying a whip — in that case, always salute with your empty hand.
Can you wear a black saddle pad for dressage? ›
It is common practice to wear a simple, white, square dressage saddle pad for dressage competitions. Although any neutral coloured saddle pad/numnah is permitted at lower levels.
Should you stand in front of a horse? ›
As the handler you must control your horse's movement and create a safe environment for you, the horse, and people nearby. Never stand directly in front of your horse when leading or backing. Horses cannot see directly in front of them or behind them.
What is the most comfortable riding position? ›
Standard Riding Posture
Sit upright and lean forward slightly by 5 degrees. Keep your hands lower than your elbows and bend your knees at around 100 degrees. Keeping this posture places minimum strain on the joints and circulates blood in a better way.
What size is a 34 show jacket? ›
Adult Jacket Sizes (inches)
Don't fold your down jacket. Don't fold your jacket when you keep it in your wardrobe. Use a good quality hanger with smooth edges. And hang it in the corner where no sharp zippers from other clothes can damage it.
How much shirt should show under jacket? ›
The Proper Cloth rule of thumb holds that a jacket sleeve should expose 0.25”- 0.50” of your dress shirt cuff for a stylish, universally appropriate look.
What is the difference between horse riding and equestrian? ›
An equestrian is an expert horseback rider. If you only go riding for an hour while on vacation you aren't an equestrian, but the person leading the group and riding the flashy horse probably is. When you know that equus is the Latin word for "horse," the meaning of equestrian becomes clear.
What's the difference between Western and equestrian? ›
The disciplines are different. English consists of jumping, dressage, equitation, and hunter, while western can include barrel racing, pole bending, roping, trail riding, and reining. Both can be ridden on a competitive level with trophies, ribbons, and prize money.
Is equestrian the same as horseback riding? ›
Equestrian is a citation to horseback riding. It is derived from Latin words equester and equus which means horse. This sport is played as solo and also in teams. It is a combination of three different events namely Endurance, Jumping, and Dressage.
Why do they call it equestrian? ›
Equestrian comes from equus, Latin for "horse". Old statues of military heroes, like the famous one of General Sherman on New York's Fifth Avenue, are frequently equestrian.
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