Equestrian Riding Apparel Author: Susanne Malloy [1] Have you ever
though about riding your horse barefoot, with the wind whipping
through your hair? It does sound nice, doesn't it? However, you
might want to think twice about this idea and instead consider some
suitable riding apparel. Riding apparel has a very important
purpose - keeping you, the rider, safe as you go galloping around.
Boots are a must, whether you are an adherent of the English or
Western style of riding. Wearing boots is not just for riding, but
for all activities around horses including feeding, grooming,
exercising, etc. After all, those hooves are very heavy and if your
horse accidentally steps on your toes; well, let's just say you'll
wish you'd worn boots. For riding, a boot with a heel is the best
choice as it will prevent your foot from slipping through the
stirrups. However, for working in your stable, you may want to pick
up a pair of paddock boots or work boots. They'll be more sturdy
and durable, and often more comfortable. Not very many people are
excited about wearing a riding helmet. After all, one would hardly
call them stylish. At the same time, a riding helmet can quite
literally be a lifesaver in the event of a fall. Your baseball cap
or cowboy hat will not provide adequate protection. Shop for a
well-rated helmet specifically designed for horseback riding.
Vented models can keep you cooler. Long pants, breeches or jodhpurs
should be worn when riding. They'll protect your legs from the
saddle and horse's sweat and from brush, sticks and the elements.
In competitive riding, you'll have to stow your regular riding wear
and pull out your show clothes - whether riding English or Western.
Each style has clothing requirements, and each season brings new
styles. If you aren't following both the rules and the styles,
you'll find it hard to win ribbons. If the show you're riding in
asks for hunt seat attire, then you'll have to wear a riding shirt
which is either white or pinstriped. You'll also need breeches, a
hunting cap, dress riding boots and a wool riding jacket. Riding
gloves are also customary in these events. Breeches and jacket can
be any dark color, but you may want to find out what colors are
"in" before making an investment in them. Being out of style may
not win you favor with the judges or the audience. You'll need to
dress formal for dressage riding. You'll need a white shirt, a
stock tie (which should be fastened with a horse-themed pin), white
or tan breeches, black jacket and dress boots, as well as a helmet
or hunt cap. If it is a saddle seat competition, then you'll want
dark jodhpurs, jodhpur boots, a riding derby, a dark jacket and
white riding shirt. Western riders wear different clothes depending
on their gender. Men will need Western shirts, ties, belts (leather
with silver buckles), felt cowboy hats, riding boots, jeans and
chaps. Women will be attired in Western shirts, vest or jacket,
riding boots, felt hats and of course, jeans and chaps. In more
intense sports, the ties and silver belt buckles are not required.
Article Source:
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/equestrian-riding-apparel-521423.html
[2] About the Author Susanne Malloy is an avid equestrian and an
editor for www.EnglishSaddleShop.com, your complete resource for
new and used English saddles [3], riding apparel, and tack.
[TEMPLATE]phpzon vintage hats[/TEMPLATE] [1]
http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/susanne-malloy/74905 [2]
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/equestrian-riding-apparel-521423.html
[3] http://www.englishsaddleshop.com
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