What to wear in the Show Jumping Arena!

With the summer in full swing many of our customers are enjoying the summer show jumping season with their horses and ponies. In our latest blog The Saddlery Shop takes a look at what to wear for the jumping area; so you can be sure you 'fit in' on the circuit! 

The Saddlery Shop's Top Gear Guide for Riders

1. Tall boots are a must for show jumping and typically competitors are seen in black but brown is also popular and men may wear black boots with brown tops. Alternatively if your budget doesn't allow for long boots a pair of  short boots and matching leather gaiters, cut in traditional riding boot style would be equally functional!

2.  A Show Jacket is an important purchase as it must look smart, conform with the rule i.e. The jacket should be single coloured or a tweed that does not clash with the national team’s official jacket, but it also must be comfortable to move in whatever the show jumping round brings! A new wave of materials have been being used for show jackets offering more versatile fabrics and flexibility. The Saddlery Shop offer shorter, stretch Show Jackets as well as traditional styles! 

3.) Pair your Show Jacket with light-coloured breeches; in white or beige. Why not click here to see a wide range of jodhpurs and breeches from The Saddlery Shop from brands including Dublin, Shires, Hyperformance to name but a few and we love these stunning Sherwood Forest Amble Full Clarino Seat Breeches! 

4. Shirts worn must be white or pastel coloured with white collars and each shirt has to be accompanied with a tie or hunting stock. For ladies the white collars have to be high and you can wear the shirt without a tie or stock however if you are wearing hacking jackets then coloured ties or stocks can be worn.

5. Gloves are actually optional for Show Jumping but highly recommend in order to keep good grip on the risk. Discreetly coloured gloves are advised with black, cream, brown or navy being popular. 

6. Protective headgear has to be worn at all times and the harness must be fastened securely. The hats for show jumping must meet EN1384, ASTMF 1163, PAS 015 or SNELL E2001 with kitemark or SEI. If you are going to wear colours then they must be peaked, plain dark coloured, registered colours or colours which coordinate with the show jumping jacket. Why not click here to the see the huge selection of riding helmets from The Saddlery Shop including ventilated options?  

Happy Show Jumping everyone!