English Riding Clothes: Complete Guide to the Classic Equestrian Look (+ Style Tips)

Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or a fashion lover of the quintessentially English equestrian look, English riding clothes offer a blend of effortlessly stylish, functional, and traditional. In this expert guide, Liz Hayman, the designer behind our award-winning performance riding apparel, explains what makes a great English riding outfit and how to wear it with confidence, both in and out of the saddle.

What Are English Riding Clothes?

English riding clothes are the traditional garments worn in disciplines like dressage, show jumping, eventing here in the UK and in the USA, in hunt seat. 

These horseback riding outfits combine style, performance and safety with a polished appearance. There are lots of variations to riding competition clothing and everyday riding wear, but as a general guide, these are the items most likely to be included;

· Riding breeches or riding tights

· Riding boots (tall boots or paddock boots)

· Riding jackets (show coats or hacking jackets)

· Equestrian shirts (ratcatchers, show shirts)

· Helmets or hunt caps

· Riding gloves and accessories

Every item serves a purpose, whether it provides safety, performance,/or comfort in the saddle. These equestrian sports essentials create a neat silhouette for competitions or casual rides.

Essential English Riding Clothes and How to Wear Them

1. Riding Helmet or Hunt Cap

A well-fitted helmet is crucial for your safety and performance. Always choose an English riding helmet which has good ventilation and it has the relevant helmet certification for your safety, peace of mind and comfort. In the UK, we have stringent rules surrounding helmet certification, so ensure your riding helmet meets the standards and rules of the association under which you wish to compete. For fox hunting or more traditional disciplines, a velvet hunt cap completes the look.

Style tip: Match your helmet to your show jacket for a cohesive appearance. If you are wearing a coloured tweed jacket, pick out any navy velvet highlights on your show collar or pocket trim and match to your helmet colour.

2. Riding Shirts and Jackets

Choose competition show shirts which are breathable and machine washable. Depending on your chosen discipline, there will be different dress codes to consider. For example, for dressage and show jumping, choose show shirts with stock collars, or for showing, choose traditional shirt collars for a polished look. Select moisture-wicking fabrics and opt for machine-washable care labels. 

Your show jackets also come in various styles. The best riding jackets include:

· Show coats in black and navy are relevant for show jumping and dressage competitions. Over the years, affiliated bodies have allowed other colours to be worn in competition; however, always check the latest rule book before purchasing your show coat.

· Hacking jackets are traditionally aligned with British country rides or schooling, but these days, hacking jackets are primarily found in the show ring and offered in a variety of tweed show jackets to suit you and your horse.

· Style tip: Tailored jackets in tweed and navy offer a flattering and traditional appearance for horse shows, but can also be worn casually with a crisp white shirt, an equestrian silk scarf, jeans, and country field boots. If you plan to wear your show jacket in the summer months, opt for one with a lining featuring mesh ventilation for a ventilated design that you'll appreciate at those hot summer competitions.

3. Riding Breeches or Jodhpurs

Women's breeches are close-fitting riding pants made from stretch fabric for comfort and mobility. You can purchase these with silicone grips on the seat or silicone knee patches, or without any grip, depending on your preference for horse riding pants.

Style tip: It's easy to get carried away with the vast choice of riding pants on the market, but for everyday riding, opt for practical colours to achieve a classic British look. The classic English attire would typically feature colours such as white, beige, or cream, but these are not practical for everyday riding. Full-seat breeches with a silicon seat provide extra grip and are regularly used in equestrian sports such as showing or dressage, while knee-patch breeches offer flexibility for jumping.

4. Gloves, Equestrian Belts & Accessories

Equestrian accessories aren't just exclusive to the show ring or horse show; don't forget the finishing touches for your everyday riding. Leather gloves are suitable for equestrian shows and also practical for equestrian events and training, as they provide both grip and durability. A stylish riding belt is your ultimate horse show fashion accessory, and it also serves as a fashionable finishing touch to your everyday riding breeches and riding tights. Our stirrup leather belts feature stylish stirrup belt buckles and are available in a variety of colours and leather finishes.

Style tip: Keep your accessories relevant and stylish. Understated elegance is key in English riding fashion. For example, your stock tie can be finished with an elegant stockpin. 

5. Tall Boots or Paddock Boots

For horse shows and formal riding, English riding boots come in a variety of styles; however, tall black leather boots are generally a staple of the dress code for most British riders. For training or casual riding, paddock boots or field boots (designed for riding) paired with half chaps are equally effective. Half chaps are often the choice for junior riders who enjoy show jumping and busy adult riders due to their durable design. 

If you are riding in English tack, avoid cowboy boots as English stirrups are not designed to accommodate this style of footwear.

Style tip: When purchasing off-the-peg leather riding boots, ensure they fit snugly yet comfortably, as leather naturally stretches and softens with use. This causes the boot to drop a little, so take this into account when shopping for new boots. It is also traditional for show riders to have garter straps on the top of their boots.

How to Get the Equestrian Look (Even Off the Horse)

English riding fashion isn't just for the barn; equestrian style has long influenced fashion designers and magazine fashion editors. You can get the look without ever stepping into stirrups:

· Team a pair of tall leather boots with skinny jeans and a crisp button-down shirt

· Layer a structured blazer over a riding-style shirt with a stock collar.

· Add leather gloves or an equestrian belt for detail.

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Style tip: Stick to earthy tones, quality fabrics, and minimal embellishments to stay authentic and on trend!

Quick Tips for Buying English Riding Clothes

Here are Liz Hayman's top tips to remember when buying equestrian riding wear;

· Fit is everything – Riding clothes should not restrict movement and should feel comfortable.

· Invest in quality – Durable fabrics, innovative design, and quality leather pay off in longevity.

· Shop smart – Look for trusted equestrian brands like Equetech

· Don't skip safety – Helmets and boots should meet current safety standards.

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Where to Buy English Riding Clothes

Equetech is one of the best equestrian clothing brands in the UK, so if you're looking for the best English riding outfits online, you've come to the right place. With express shipping options, you can purchase your English riding clothes with ease! Alternatively, you can search for your nearest Equetech stockists via our stockist list.

FAQ: English Riding Clothes

Q: What should I wear for my first English riding lesson?

A: For your first lesson, wear riding tights or breeches, a fitted shirt, paddock boots or riding boots, and a certified riding helmet (many stables provide one). Avoid loose or rustling clothing and jewelry.

Q: What's the difference between breeches and jodhpurs?

A: Breeches end just above the ankle and are typically worn with tall boots or half-chaps. Jodhpurs are longer and extend to the ankle, often featuring an elastic strap under the foot, and are commonly used by children or in more traditional settings. Riding tights are a modern-day version of jodhpurs, more akin to gym leggings but designed for horseback riding.

Q: Are jeans OK for English horseback riding?

A: While jeans are durable, they can be very uncomfortable for English riding due to their bulky seams and lack of stretch, as well as the design of the English saddle. Breeches with four-way stretch or riding tights are far better choices for mobility and saddle comfort.

Q: Can I wear English riding clothes casually?

A: Yes! English riding fashion blends effortlessly into casual wardrobes. Style your riding breeches like leggings, and pair them with a tweed riding jacket and tall leather boots for a desirable equestrian chic look.

Q: Do I need tall boots for English riding?

A: Tall boots are standard show attire, but for beginners or schooling, paddock boots with half chaps work just as well. Both options protect your legs and help maintain grip and a correct leg position in the saddle.

What brands are best for English riding clothes?

A: Equetech, of course! With a diverse range of sizes and styles, we cater to every body. 

Q: Are English riding clothes different from Western riding gear?

A: Yes. English riding attire is more tailored and formal, featuring breeches, tall boots, and helmets. Western wear includes denim jeans, cowboy boots, Western shirts, and often a cowboy hat. These disciplines, riding attire, and traditions differ.

Q: How should English riding clothes fit?

A: Comfortably! Your riding clothes should be snug but not tight, allowing full movement without excess fabric. Breeches should stretch and retain their shape without sagging. Jackets should be tailored, and boots should fit slim to the leg without pinching.

 
Read Our Blog: BUYER'S GUIDE TO COMPETITION RIDING JACKETS: HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST STYLE FOR YOUR DISCIPLINE