Choosing Your Jodhpurs Wisely Will Increase Your Riding Pleasure

By Cornelia White


Wearing proper fitting clothes for riding is a key requisite of good deportment. Approved riding association rules set guidelines. But, mistakes can still be made in purchasing appropriate attire. Choosing your jodhpurs wisely will increase your riding pleasure.

There is a reason why special attire was designed for riding. As critical points of contact between the horse and its rider are made with riding pants, properly clothing makes a significant impact. Ordinary trousers caused discomfort. The form fitting design prevents twisting, chafing, and other problems causing discomfort.

Whether or not the action is every day activity, cross country, dressage and show jumping these specifically created pants improve the form. They are specifically designed for the protection and wellbeing of the rider. The seat design is intended for sure grip of the saddle. Knee padding protects the knees, while rubbing is inhibited by positioning of the seams.

Novices are usually confused by difference between breeches and jodhpurs. The latter are full length tight fitting trousers made from breathable and flexible material to inhibit overheating during the exercise. Typically fabricated of elasticized materials, they are made to fit tightly as well as comfortably. Different types of fabric can be used in their construction. They are designed to be worn with either chaps or jodhpur boots or with long riding boots.

Judges prefer jodhpur use as they clearly demonstrate leg positioning during competition. Teachers also favor them for the same reason. This is why instructors advise their pupils to wear them during training and observation. Equestrian trainers are better able to observe the leg posture of their students when they wear this attire.

Breeches are generally worn with knee size boots. These are shorter pants that end at mid calf length. There is more control at the ankle with this length. Seat patches give greater control to dressage riders and support their safety. Breeches with grips at the knees and padding are favored for show jumping.

Casual observers may not realize how confusing fabric choices can be. There is a trade off, depending on what is selected. For instance, for reasonable pricing and durability, polyester has an advantage. But it can be slippery, does not stretch or is absorbent. A polyester blend may cost more, but it improves absorbency. But, a blend will still not improve the ability to be flexible. Denim which is stretch blend is a cheap alternative that possesses the beneficial features of cotton. But it can only be used for informal riding. It is unacceptable for competitions. For cool areas, flexible corduroy can also be worn for casual activities.

Optimal wear is provided by Cotton lycra. It is durable, absorbs and has a flexible stretch component. After deciding on the material, knee patch and underpass options need to be considered. For tighter grips, suede or ultra suede patches are suitable. Ultra suede is easier to manage and is cheaper than the real alternative. The underpass is a strap that ties down pants to fit them more closely with boots. Inadequate underpasses makes riders appear to be wearing short pants. Whether those with buttonholes are more suitable is up to individual wearers to determine. As this brief discussion reveals, choosing jodhpurs wisely is more complicated than it seems.




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