English Riding History

Although mankind has interacted with horses for thousands of years, English riding most likely dates from the 18th and 19th centuries. This was when riders stopped using the wide saddles with high pommels that were preferred by fully armored medieval knights and started using equestrian equipment that was more conducive to trotting, foxhunting, polo, and similar activities. Modern English riding as we know it developed from there, eventually spreading around the world.

English Saddles

To better accommodate this new riding style, different saddles had to be created. English saddles are instantly recognizable because of their minimalist look compared to Western saddles. They are lightweight, have a low cantle and pommel, and feature shorter stirrups to facilitate a forward riding position. There is also a noticeable lack of padding on English saddles, which is why some riders might prefer wearing padded jodhpurs instead of equestrian breeches.

There are many types of English saddles, including dressage, jumping, cross country, and all-purpose, each boasting advantageous properties suited to the intended use.

Other Modern English Equestrian Equipment

In addition to a saddle that matches a particular riding style or event, English riders also need the following equestrian equipment: a saddle pad, halter, lead, bridle, girth, stirrups, irons, and reins. Items such as Crops, whips, bats, martingales, and breastplates are wholly optional for pleasure riding and practice, but may be required for certain show events.

Fitted Shirts, Equestrian Breeches and Other Apparel

English riding habits are often formal and refined, reflecting the overall elegance of the sport. Each piece of apparel should be well fitted, giving the rider an almost tailored look. Riding shirts typically feature sleeves that are a bit longer than everyday shirts, which allows for the freedom of movement required for various jumps and other maneuvers. Equestrian breeches should fit snugly to enable the rider to grip the horse better than loose-fitting attire would, and to enable him or her to give necessary commands with the legs. Tall boots that fit over equestrian breeches and an approved riding helmet are other essential components of the English habit, but rat-catchers, jackets, and gloves are optional outside the show ring.

Now that you’ve learned something about the history of English riding and the purpose of English equestrian equipment, you might come to appreciate the sport a bit more. At the very least, you’ll no longer have to wonder about saddle shapes and riding habits as you prep your animal!

Unfortunately, stables aren’t immune to this trend, either. But the difference in this case is that opting for beach chic and flip-flops over proper equestrian apparel and equestrian boots could lead to serious injuries or other problems. Though we’ll stop short of recommending that the fashion police patrol the paddock from June to September and physically remove any offenders, we would like to offer the following tips about what NOT to wear while riding during this season.

Sports bras or bikini tops
Although you don’t have to be dressed to the nines in your best equestrian apparel and equestrian boots for every riding session, you should at least be … dressed. Sorry, ladies, but sports bras and bikini tops do not qualify as actual clothing at the barn! Riding shirts made of lightweight, breathable fabrics are a more sensible alternative, so please cover up.

Low-rise or saggy jeans
We understand that some people like to wear denim on dusty or muddy days to save their regular equestrian apparel from getting dirty. But if you’re going to ride in jeans, make sure they fit properly. In other words, low-rise jeans that expose your thong and delicate parts of your anatomy are better left at home. And for the men out there, complete strangers should not be able to answer the “boxers or briefs” question simply by looking at you. If you insist on saggy jeans while riding, the least you can do is wear a belt.

Shorts or cutoffs
There are many valid reasons for wearing shorts in the summer. They’re cool, they allow you to get a more even tan, and they let you show off your fabulous new strappy sandals. But shorts don’t look that great with equestrian boots, nor do they provide adequate protection while riding. So unless you don’t mind the chafing and blistering that will surely result from several hours of constant skin-on-saddle contact, then breeches would be your best bet.

Baseball caps or visors
Yes, riding helmets can be hot, and they’re not exactly known for preserving that fresh-from-the-salon hairstyle you spent an hour perfecting. But wearing a baseball cap or visor instead of proper safety equipment is just inviting trouble. There are plenty of lightweight, ventilated helmets designed specifically for summer riding that will both keep you cool and protect your head from impact in the event of a tumble.

While most fashion faux pas in the real world are relatively harmless, things are different as soon as half-ton animals enter the equation. When you fail to wear proper equestrian apparel, including equestrian boots and a certified helmet, you put yourself unnecessarily at risk of everything from blisters and sores to broken bones and concussions. Do yourself and those around you a favor by dressing right before you head out to the barn this summer.

Before getting to that point, however, you have to make sure you have appropriate equestrian riding apparel. Different events have different requirements, with some being more restrictive than others. This is particularly true as you move up the ranks to higher-level shows, so it’s critical to review the rules before loading your trailer and heading to the venue.

Since Western shows typically allow riders far more leeway in terms of equestrian riding apparel, the following checklists will focus on eventing at English horse shows. Remember, these lists are meant to serve as basic guidelines to help you while shopping for breeches, helmets, crops, and other accessories here at TheEquestrianCorner.com; they are not meant to be the final word on what’s required for your particular show.

Dressage
You’ll likely be expected to wear formal equestrian riding apparel for this event. Here are some of the most common requirements:

• Black or navy blue coat
• Light-colored show shirt
• Rat-catcher or stock tie
• ASTM/SEI approved helmet in black or with a black satin or velvet cover
• Light-colored riding breeches, typically in white or tan
• Tall dress boots (never full chaps, half-chaps, or paddock boots)
• Gloves (often optional, but a good idea for protecting your hands and completing the outfit)
• Dressage whip or crop (also optional)

Show Jumping
Although the equestrian riding apparel required for Show Jumping events is still on the conservative side of the scale, it is not quite as formal as Dressage. You will need many of the same items, with the only differences being more flexibility in terms of colors.

• Show coat (usually a dark color)
• Show shirt
• Rat-catcher or stock tie
• ASTM/SEI approved helmet (usually a dark color)
• Riding breeches
• Tall dress boots or field boots
• Gloves (optional)

Cross-country
The equestrian riding apparel required for this event is much less restrictive than either Dressage or Show Jumping. As such, you’ll often see riders in colorful clothing and accessories instead of the black and white ensembles associated with Dressage. Here are the items you’ll need on the day of the show:

• Shirt with sleeves (long or short in any color)
• ASTM/SEI approved helmet (any color)
• Protective vest
• Breeches (any color)
• Tall boots
• Gloves (optional)

We carry all the equestrian riding apparel and accessories listed above, so if you would like to purchase something for your next event, please feel free to browse through our selection. Then once you have your habit picked out, you can focus on having fun at the show!

When you’re out of the saddle but want to maintain the equestrian look, slip a  pair of these gorgeous Goode Rider vintage leather hunt boots over your favorite skinny jeans or breeches. A great addition to your fall wardrobe!

Isn’t it nice to know your favorite equestrian site can also be your favorite shop for off saddle wear – double duty uptown looks www.theequestriancorner.com.

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