• Ladies Ribb full seat. This particular style from TuffRider has a full UltraGrip imitation leather seat that allows you to sit more securely in the saddle. The breathable polyester/spandex material wicks away moisture to keep you dry while also providing a stretchable fit for comfort.
• Tailored Sportsman Trophy Hunter Low Rise. The Tailored Sportsman is known for producing some of the finest equestrian apparel on the market. This offering features distinctive European styling, particularly in the leg seams and seat detail. The Clarino knee patches let you get the best grip possible on your horse, and the four-way stretch construction ensures easy mobility. Front pockets, a front zip, belt loops, and Velcro leg closures round out the great look.
• Kerrits Flowrise Performance Tight. For those practice sessions where more casual equestrian apparel is allowed, we recommend trying the Flowrise Performance Tight from Kerrits. It is the lightest tight on the market and enables you to experience virtually unrestricted maneuverability while riding. We’re sure you’ll just love the anatomically correct Flowrise waistband that sits a bit lower in front and higher in back for the perfect combination of comfort and coverage.
• Tailored Sportsman Trophy Hunter Side Zip Mid Rise. If you like the look of the low rise version, but want equestrian breeches that sit higher on your waist and zip at the side rather than the front, then this is the pair for you. In addition to the comfortable fit, the Trophy Hunter Side Zip Mid Rise has the same exciting features as its low rise counterpart, and is available in six different colors to suit your tastes.

Wearing the right equestrian apparel when you ride can improve stability in the saddle, increase your range of motion, and offer extra protection against minor injuries, so don’t compromise performance by purchasing inferior or ill-fitting products. We carry numerous styles and brands of equestrian breeches—as well as shirts, jackets, helmets, boots, and gloves—so feel free to browse our website at www.theequestriancorner.com to see what catches your eye.

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!