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  • 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.

    Regular attire causes discomfort, so specially designed clothing was made suitable for riders for this purpose. How pants are structured matters as they cove a preeminent region where the horse and its rider physically connect. During activities, regular wear caused painful chafing. So more close fitting fashion was developed to discourage discomfort caused by typical trousers.

    Riders wear these specially designed trousers for cross country training, show jumping, dressage and every day activities alike. Whatever the activity, this attire has a design which favors the well being and protection of riders. The seat layout is intended for a surer grip of the saddle. Knee padding guards the knees and seams are positioned so that rubbing is inhibited during the activity.

    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 favor jodhpur use for showing as this length illustrates leg positioning better. This is why student riders are advised to use them for this purpose. Riding instructors find them useful in observing how learners position their legs.

    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 comfort and suitability is offered by Cotton lycra cloth. This fabric is flexible, tough and absorbent. After selecting the cloth type, there are knee patch and underpass differences to be mulled over. For closer grips, both suede and ultra suede patches are acceptable. The man made material is easier to handle and is more inexpensive. The underpass strap ties the pants down and fits them more tightly to boots. When they are inadequate, they do not support the pants properly. Picking out the right jodhpurs requires thoughtful consideration.




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