When you procure a new show jacket, you are laying down a large investment for a top notch item of accoutrement that you expect will serve you faithfully and usefully for a long period of time. If you’re purchasing one for the first time, you can face a large range of likely products and that can leave you in total uncertainty about what exactly is best for you.
Riding jackets of dark colors are suitable for you when you’re a competitor in dressage events. You are allowed to sport a tweed coat if you’re not above the Advanced Medium class (a black or navy blue jacket would be best if your need is for a specific discipline). While details of rules may differ to a tiny extent between various ruling bodies, the essential necessities are pretty much the same. A tail coat is best for Advanced tests, but as this is a somewhat specialised requirement, it may need some consideration before you invest. Obviously, your largest obsession should be with getting a jacket that is of the perfect fit for you, every brand has its own kind of individual fit, and you want something you look good in and feel confident wearing.
The rules are similar for show jumping: the best jacket would be short and dark in color; tweed coats are also accepted. There are some fascinating more recent innovations like riding jackets with zips on the front made of some breathing water-proof fabric. These innovations are satisfactory in some show jumping events only. Though traditionalists consider these new jacket types not nearly as smart or suitable as traditional jackets, they have become highly regarded with professionals because they are eminently suited for high performance. Some places have strict rules about logos and sponsor’s decals on the jackets, but in the main, these rules customarily target semi-professional riders and do not apply to the non-professional rider of leisure. Jacket rules for the dressage and show jump disciplines have their own conditions, for reasons of practicality.
In showing events, jackets can be changed. What you wear will often depend on the class you participate in, the horse type you’ll be showing, and your country of origin. I have noticed that usually, black show jackets aren’t in favour, while navy blue appear to be fine for women on show ponies. So far as the rest are concerned and especially for local types and working hunters, tweed coats are suitable. While tweed coats can be found in a wide variety of colours and designs, you would like something that’s not too loud, so that it becomes versatile and you can use it for more than one discipline. One of the greatest selections would be a subdued tweed jacket with subtle stripes in a colour that matches the color of your tie or the band on your horse’s brow, so that you can achieve a pleasant coordination with your pony.
While this article has debated almost all of the larger disciplines that necessitate your wearing a riding jacket, you may run into other occasions when you are required to wear such a jacket. This is also the case when you are involved with disciplines that aren’t so well recognized. When you are in doubt, take it up with the governing body of the event or take a look at their rulebook. For all-around use and when you’re competing for sheer fun, it could be best for you to choose a straightforward navy or black show jacket. These jackets are flexible and draw no raised eyebrows at the lower tiers of the majority of the disciplines.
And before we wrap up: you fairly obviously must take your own personal tastes and budget into account. This suggests that before you step out on your trip, you make very sure of what you are out to get and how much you are prepared to spend on it. You should never only be exceedingly comfortable in your new jacket, you have to also feel and look confident in it. It is in the nature of equine events that looks must complement functionality.
Horses are Heather Toms passion and she enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge through her 100s of articles with other horse lovers, like all things about cheap horse rugs
Recent Comments