Women's Competition Clothing

What are the regulations regarding competition dress when riding?

One of the requirements for participating in a competition is an elegant show outfit. Those who do not adhere to the organiser's guidelines in the area of clothing can be disqualified even before the start of the competition. Many organisers prescribe the following competition clothing for riders:

• Light-coloured, stain-free competition breeches
• Dark long riding boots or jodhpur boots with half chaps/gaiters of the same colour
• Dark competition jacket
• Competition shirt with white stand-up collar

What clothes do you wear at a dressage competition?

The strictest regulations in the area of clothing apply to dressage. It is true that competition participants today have more freedom in choosing the appropriate competition outfit than in the past. However, the classic colours (black and white) are preferred to gaudy shades. The appropriate outfit for a dressage competition consists of a competition jacket or, from advanced level, a tailcoat, a Competition shirt with stock tie if necessary, light-coloured competition breeches and dark long leather riding boots. A riding hat, a top hat or a bowler hat is worn as headgear, which can vary with the respective categories. However, safety is becoming more of a focus for the professionals in the higher classes, so that a riding hat is also worn then.
In order to distinguish oneself visually from the other competition participants, the outfit can be enhanced by fine competition accessories, such as a hair tie with pearls or hair nets.

What clothes do you wear at a show jumping competition?

In show jumping, competition clothing often deviates from the strict guidelines. Bright colours such as red or royal blue are worn here. Unlike in dressage, the rider moves a lot in the saddle. When he leans forward with the horse over the jump, he must not be restricted by a jacket that is too inflexible. This can significantly hinder the horse. For maximum freedom of movement, a high-quality stretch material is an advantage when buying a competition jacket, just as it is with the competition shirts, so that the outfit really does follow every movement in the saddle without any problems. That is why all Felix Bühler competition jackets are extremely flexible and at the same time have a tailored cut.
The outfit of a show jumper is completed by light-coloured competiton breeches and soft long leather riding boots, which are usually cut shorter than dressage riding boots to ensure optimal flexibility.

What accessories are allowed at a riding competition?

The regulations for competition clothing are limited to the equipment, such as breeches, long riding boots, competition jacket, competition shirts and riding hat. However, this does not apply to the competition accessories with which you can visually distinguish yourself from the competitors. These are freely selectable. You can enhance your competition outfit with hair accessories such as a hairnet or hair ribbons, belts or riding gloves. You can also make a difference with embellishments such as glitter. However, you should not overdo it, as the focus is on performance and not just on looks.

Which top can be worn at a riding competition?

In addition to light-coloured, stain-free competition breeches, a competition blouse or shirt is essential for a harmonious overall appearance at a riding competition. This does not necessarily have to be white. Fresh colours are now also on trend for tops at riding competitions. It is especially pleasing to the eye if the shirt is coordinated with the horse's outfit. The only requirement for a competition shirt is a white stand-up collar.
To enhance the outfit, it is advisable for ladies to wear a stock tie over the shirt and under the competition jacket. This is especially helpful for those who are competing in a show jumping and dressage competition on the same day: If you want to wear a more colourful shirt in the show jumping competition, you can cover it up in the dressage competition with the help of the stock tie. You can find one in our online shop in the competition accessories for riders.

What clothes do you wear at an Icelandic horse show?

At an Icelandic riding competition there are also regulations regarding clothing. Mandatory are:

• A competition jacket, a plain coloured sports jumper or a riding gilet
• Breeches with long riding boots
• Or jodhpurs with jodhpur boots
• A riding hat is compulsory