Equestrian apparel requires fashion to agree with function. There are reasons behind the way that most horse riding gear looks, fits and feels the way that they do, and some of these reasons go beyond mere comfort and style.
In competition, for instance, English riders wear tight-fitting breeches with suede patches on areas prone to wear. Gloves are not essential for riding, but a pair of leather gloves in competition will help protect the hands while exuding elegance. Other traditional show clothing includes show shirts, show coats and of course, knee-high riding boots.
Riding boots can change the entire riding experience. The heels of the boots themselves grip comfortably around the stirrups. Much like figure skaters who can’t skate as well in someone else’s skates, show horseback riders will not be as effective without the right fit of riding boots. In fact, attempting a competition level performance in the wrong boots can be a safety hazard.
Of course, tall leather boots stand out as a classic fashion item that few can pull off without an entire outfit of equestrian apparel. Many of these are designed for a custom fit that keeps the rider comfortable for long hours of riding.
For safety purposes, the rider’s helmet replaces the cowboy hats and derby caps of the past. Horse riding helmets must also fit well in order to be effective as protective gear. As crude as it might sound to wear a helmet while riding a horse, riding helmets are the most fashionable of any sport, made to look like a hat and match the wearer’s equestrian apparel .
Resource Box:
The Equestrian Corner is an online resource for all sorts of equestrian apparel and riding gear. They have items for men, women, kids, horses and even some other pets, all at affordable prices. To learn more about equestrian clothing, visit www.theequestriancorner.com or call 1-800-518-0997.