By: M. Sterling
If you are involved in any type of horseback riding, you'll eventually decide to purchase riding clothes. Even if you merely engage in riding for pleasure, you'll realize the need of utilizing the correct horseback riding apparel. Early horse riding apparel was designed to protect you from a plethora of horse riding situations. Just like any other sport, Horseback riding apparel is designed specifically for being on a horse - as with other hobbies and occupations, comfort and protection come in several styles and designs.
Western vs English style riding will cause your wardrobe to look slightly different, although both styles solve similar problems.
Riding Pants - Breeches, Jods and Jeans:
English Riding requires a kind of riding pants known as Jodhpurs. The legs on these pants extend all the way to the ankles. At the end of the pants there is a loop of material called a “cuff”. This cuff slips over the top of a low riding boot. But, modern breeches – also used in English Riding - are skin-tight, having either zippers or sometimes Velcro fasteners where they end at the calves.
Riding Boots:
Riding boots are an integral part of horseback riding apparel, and there are basically 2 types of boot. English riding boots typically are long to help prevent the saddle leathers (the part that attaches to the stirrups) from chaffing your legs from the constant rubbing motion that is a natural result of horse back riding. The heel of the boot is of sufficient length to deter the rider's foot from sliding out of the stirrup. The toe should be strong enough to sufficiently protect the rider's foot when on the ground. The bottoms of the boot should be smooth enough so that in the event of a fall, the rider's foot will not become hung up on the stirrup.
Western horseback riding apparel includes the second type of footwear, generally referred to as “cowboy boots”. The heel of the boot differs from boot to boot depending on the style. One popular style is the "roper" heel that is very similar to that of English riding boots.Riding Shirt:
Riding Shirts can come from a variety of sources, including your existing wardrobe. Of course, if you are riding in competitions you should sport a more formal type of show shirt.
Helmet/Hat
A riding helmet is an essential part of English riding. It is specifically designed to protect your head in the event of a fall. The cowboy hat is the typical Horseback Riding apparel for western style riding being traditionally chosen to protect from sun and wind. However, don't expect much protection from a blow or strike to the head.
Riding Chaps:
Chaps generally come in 2 basic types - full or half length. You will find that some parts of the western states where drovers (Cowboys that drive cattle) are still employed Full length Chaps are used to protect the complete leg. They also help to keep the legs warm and dry. Half chaps are worn with Jods (Jodhpur boots). Jods are short boots and the chap covers the leg from the ankle, overlapping the boot somewhat, up to the knee. Half chaps provide protection to the leg from chaffing and help the jodhpurs stay in place while riding.
This brings us to the question of fashion. Checking out what is in fashion and what is not can make the whole experience more enjoyable. However, it is considered poor form to cause the focus to be placed on you in a show ring instead of on the horse. In any event, whatever your riding style your ride will be far more comfortable in the correct horseback riding apparel.
