There is a certain dress code required for show jumping that is important to get to grips with before you plan to compete. The type of equestrian clothing required will vary depending on the level at which you are competing. Amateur, unaffiliated horse jumping contests are usually quite relaxed but professional contests require specific attire. Keep reading to find out more about everything you need to think of before testing yourself competitively.
- A riding hat that meets safety requirements
- Optional gloves and body protectors
Correct Equestrian Wear
It must be said that the dress code for show jumping is a lot more relaxed than other equestrian disciplines such as dressage, but it’s still important that you wear the correct equestrian clothing. The British Show Jumping Association (BSJA) has a set of specific rules regarding equestrian wear.
Horse jumping breeches should be light a colour such as white, beige, yellow or fawn. Chaps or half chaps are not allowed to be worn when show jumping. You are strongly advised to use long or short (preferably black) riding boots, but black leather gaiters are also permitted.
Riding jackets
This is an essential item of show jumping. These should be fitted or tailored and although they can be any colour, black is the best choice. You can search for horse riding jackets for sale on Equine Superstore. The BSJA also make items of equestrian clothing that are obviously a great option as they’re designed to meet competition criteria. If you were on a Grand Prix show jumping tour, you’d be expected to wear a red riding jacket.
The show jumping jacket is probably the most important thing to get right. There are quite a few rules you have to follow which apply for this, these are explained in short below:
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You can choose between traditional or new-style jackets
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Riders may register their own colours and sponsors, for this you’re allowed to choose two base colours with different coloured piping
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When you register new colours you’ll find that no rider can compete in colours already registered and you can only register one set of colours per person
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You can have up to 3 sponsor logos on the right sleeve and one on the breast pocket
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The BSJA mark will have to appear on all left-hand jacket sleeves
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If you are choosing a new style show jumping jacket and are a rider ranked 251 and below on the BSJA Rankings you will have a choice of six colours, black, navy, grey, brown, dark green and burgundy
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These jackets should be in one colour or one colour with a panel
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The piping can be in white or a complimentary colour
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If the weather is really hot then riders are allowed to compete without their jackets. You will need to wear a white sleeved shirt and ties must be firmly secured
Riding Hats
Riding hats are another essential item of equestrian clothing, regardless of which type of show jumping event you’re taking part in. A riding hat will need to conform to the safety standards of your particular horse jumping competition.
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.
Riding shirts
Some show jumping competitions insist on the wearing of a shirt and a tie underneath the riding jacket. All these pieces of equestrian wear should be white or pastel. You can search for a wide range of equestrian clothing for sale on Equine Superstore.
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Every shirt has to be white or pastel coloured with white collars
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Each shirt has to be accompanied with a tie or hunting stock
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For ladies, the white collars have to be high, but you can wear the shirt without a tie or stock
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If you’re wearing hacking jackets then coloured ties or stocks can be worn
Other Equestrian Wear
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Jodhpurs – You can wear white, pale yellow or fawn coloured jodhpurs
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Horse Riding Boots – Traditional style riding or jodhpur boots should be worn. Plain black or brown leather gaiters cut in the traditional riding boot style can also be worn
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Gloves and Body Protectors – Gloves and body protectors are both optional
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Show Jumping Hats – Protective headgear has to be worn at all times and the harness must be fastened securely
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Equestrian Wear Not Permitted – Polo necks, chaps, half chaps, multi coloured or patterned hats
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If you have long hair, it needs to be tied back neatly in order to compete in show jumping competitions
So there’s plenty to think about when it comes to getting your show jumping attire right. Failure to comply with these rules can result in disqualification even in low-key events, so it’s vital that you understand the regulations. All riding clothing is available for purchase at Equine Superstore. To find out more about the formation of show jumping, check out our advice and guides section
