Choosing Your Jodhpurs Wisely Will Increase Your Riding Pleasure

By Cornelia White


Correctly fitting riding attire is a critical requisite of proper posture. Accepted guidelines establish basic criteria. But, making the right selection can still be a challenge. Jodhpurs, worn properly, are a key element of comfort.

Special apparel was designed for riders for a reason. In the case of trousers, they are significant points of contact between the rider and the horse. Standard gear induced irritation. Form fitting style inhibits discomfiting, rubbing twisting and other factors inducing soreness.

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.

For competitions, leg positioning is more clearly seen by judges when riders wear jodhpurs. For this reason, trainers also recommend them for their student trainees. Closer observation is possible and students get better training, when they wear the right form of clothing.

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.

Informal observers are usually not aware how confusing a simple choice of materials may become. There is a cost benefit trade off with each option available on the market. As an illustration, for affordability and toughness, polyester may be selected. However, it does not provide a good grip, it is not absorbent and nor does it stretch. A polyester blend provides greater absorbency, but lacks useful flexibility. For a better alternative, a stretch denim blend could be selected. It possesses the beneficial traits of cotton at a more reasonable price. But, it is not acceptable for competitions. For cooler regions, corduroy, so long as it stretches, may 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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