Posted: 6th March 2018 | Back to news feed
Competition Clothing You WANT To Wear
With the fashion of competition jackets regularly changing it is important to keep up to date with the latest rules and regulations regarding competition wear.
British Eventing rule changes for 2018 state that for the dressage and showjumping phases at Intermediate level and below, jackets may be in any single conservative colour in muted tone. Subtle pinstripes are permitted, as are coloured collars and contrast piping to collar, lapels, pockets and vents. The red collar and pockets with white piping on a navy jacket may be used only by the British Team. Tweed jackets must not be brightly coloured or have loud patterns.
In British Showjumping, traditional style tailored jackets and hacking jackets are allowed, with the exception of British team colours. Members of the armed forces or police force may wear their uniforms.
In British Dressage, at Introductory level to Advanced Medium level, military uniform, a short jacket or tweed coat is allowed. For Advanced tests and upwards, riders may wear a tailcoat. Embellishments and additions are permitted as are coloured collars, lapels, pockets and vents. Tweed jackets are allowed as long as they aren’t brightly coloured or have loud patterns.
With the relaxing of the rules, it allows riders to portray their own individuality through competition wear, and ultimately feel comfortable and confident in what they are wearing when competing.
From a distance, competitors do not look dissimilar to those of 50 years ago, there is still high demand for wool and tweed jackets, and black and navy still featuring strongly in the colour swatch. However, upon a closer look there are design and style updates that have crept in.
Over time the style of competition jackets has changed dramatically, the huge difference now is the change in fabrics. People want washable jackets, because they simply do not want to keep having their jackets dry-cleaned. The change in fabric means the jackets are not as heavy compared to the traditional tweed and wool jackets, which was the case especially when wet, causing the inconvenience of taking a very long time to dry and the cost of having them dry cleaned.
Today’s competition jackets are lightweight and comfortable to wear with the feature of having stretch to them which allows the freedom of movement adding further to the comfort.
The days of riders accepting to wear bulky, heavy and uncomfortable jackets that have no shape or fit are over. Riders are demanding comfort, movement and style. Riders are wanting a technical jacket with a tailored and flattering fit.
When considering the fit of your jacket always remember that the jacket needs to be comfortable and have free movement for when you stretch over your horse’s neck when show jumping, etc.
There are so many different body shapes and combinations of height and shapes it is important that you try on your jacket to see which shape and style suits you best. Once you understand your own measurements and shape, choosing the correct style clothes can give extremely effective and flattering results.
A tip to take note of when considering your body shape and jacket is what gives you length on a horse is the amount of thigh you show in the white breech, which can be obstructed by the length and shape of the jacket.
Equithèmes Top Picks
1, Equithème Soft Classic Competition Jacket – A breathable, windproof, fitted softshell jacket with water-beading properties and polar-fleece brushed inner, ideal for the cooler season. Designed with a close-fitting anatomic style fit the jacket is perfect for those who like a fitted look. Available in Black/Grey piping and Navy/White piping for children (sizes 8-years to 16-years, RRP: £49.90) and ladies (sizes 34 to 44, RRP: £62.90). Men’s only available in the Black/Grey piping (sizes 44 to 56, RRP: £65.90)
2, Equithème Soft Light Competition Jacket – This ultra-light mono-layer softshell jacket is great in the warmer season as it is extremely breathable and light. Styled with White piping around the collar this adds a stylish look and is machine washable at 30?C for easy care. Ladies sizes 34 to 44 in Black/White contrasts and 36 to 42 in Navy/White contrasts, RRP: £109.90.
3, For a more glittery look, the Equithème Soft Cristal Competition Jacket features crown embroidery on the right arm as well decorative beading around the collar and on the buttons. Made in dual layer softshell it has 9% elastane allowing the jacket to be comfortable and stretchy. Children’s available in Black with Silvery colour contrasts in sizes 12-years to 14-years, RRP: £119.90. Ladies available in Dark Grey or Black with Silvery contrasts or in Chocolate or Navy in Golden contrasts in sizes 34 to 42, RRP: £139.90.
For further information visit www.equitheme.co.uk
The Equestrian Index newsfeed is compiled from articles submitted by advertising members and expresses the opinions of those members. Watsons Directories Ltd shall not be held liable for any inaccuracies or mis-statements therein.