Impress

with a slot at one end - with a stock shirt boasting a top button, to which the stock tie attaches. It is typically fastened with a discreet stock pin. You Tube has many videos explaining the tying process. Alternatively you can choose a show shirt with an integrated collar, or use a removeable, pre-tied stock. Men wear a simple white shirt and white tie for dressage, which women can also do, as an alternative to a stock and show shirt. (If you do choose a coloured hacking jacket, you can wear a contrasting tie.)

EVENTING DRESSAGE - BOOTS

Your boots will be long and plain, and black-coloured only, from advanced level onwards. They will be made from either smooth leather, or faux-leather. But you can wear short boots with smart, matching gaiters (like half-chaps) if preferred. This can be a useful option if you are doing lots of walking, as some smart long boots can be stiffer at the ankles. Below intermediate level, you have the option of browncoloured boots or gaiters, as well as black.

EVENTING DRESSAGE - BREECHES

From advanced level onwards, your breeches will be white. Below intermediate, your breeches can be white, fawn or buff, but still discreet. Just bear in mind that white breeches would typically only be paired with black boots or gaiters, and beige, buff or fawn breeches can also be worn with brown boots or gaiters.

EVENTING DRESSAGE - JACKET

Your show jacket is really the piece of attire that ties the whole outfit together – the finishing touch. For eventing dressage, it can be any single, conservative colour in a muted tone; typically this is plain black or blue, or conservatively patterned, like a hacking jacket in discreet tweed. From advanced level onwards, a black or dark blue tailcoat is worn instead of a short jacket.

EVENTING DRESSAGE - GLOVES

Your gloves can be any plain colour; whilst white, beige or cream gloves are generally preferred by organisers, remember that white gloves will show off your hands more, which you may not want!

EVENTING CROSS-COUNTRYHELMET

Any up-to-standard jockey skull helmet will be suitable for XC, providing it does not have a fixed peak. Do remember the ‘always wear a hat when mounted’ rulethis includes anyone warming up around the facility, and family members casually riding, for example warming your horse down after a test or round. For XC you will wear a removable hat cover with a flexible peak over a skull cap helmet, and the hat cover can be in your chosen cross country colours if you would like, as opposed to keeping the same velvet hat cover you used for the dressage test.

EVENTING CROSS-COUNTRYOTHER XC ATTIRE

Much of the outfit already described will see you through to the XC stage, although it is recommended to wear a long-sleeved shirt or sweater, to protect your arms – many people wear an XC shirt in their preferred colours or patterns. Your breeches and boots will remain the same. Body protectors are mandatory, and must be British Equestrian Trade

Air jackets are optional, but must be worn over a permitted body protector for the XC phase. However, they can be worn for showjumping and dressage phases without a body protector.

EVENTING SHOWJUMPING –ALL ATTIRE

You can wear the same outfit as you did for your dressage contest for the jumping phase, although from advanced level, you could wear a conservatively-coloured burgundy jacket, if preferred. You can wear the same helmet you used for either dressage or XC, as fixed peak helmets may be worn. Hat covers should be dark blue, black or brown for the jumping phase.

Showjumping

The rules for purely showjumping competitions, as opposed to the jumping phases of an eventing contest, are broadly the same; however the ‘look’ is generally slightly sportier, and more fashion-focused. Bear in mind however that if you’re opting for anything bold, bright and eye catching, all eyes will be on you! Light pastel-coloured shirts can be worn in pure showjumping, and white breeches tend to be most popular legwear.

Jackets of any traditional, dark colour can be worn, providing they are not in the British Team colours (dark blue with red collar and white piping), and are typically shorter and in a stretchy, sportier fabric than seen in dressage circles, or even the jumping phase of eventing. You can even get zip-up jackets that have buttons on the front, for an outwardly-traditional look! Breeches for showjumping are also lightcoloured, although pale-yellow and grey are also permitted, alongside the usual whites, beiges and fawn colours.

Your show shirt will be similar to that already described, with a white collar, although in hot weather when jackets may not be worn (at the organisers’ discretion), it is more commonplace to see discreetlycoloured shirts flying around the ring, providing the collar and cuffs (if longsleeved) are white. In showjumping, show shirts may be worn with a stock or tie that matches the jacket, as described above, however a show shirt with a high white collar can be worn without a stock or tie.

Again, you will need either dark-coloured (in this case, black, brown or navy) long boots. It is less common to see the

‘short boots and gaiters’ styling in the showjumping ring, but if you’re unsure, contact the show organiser, to clarify. The styling of long showjumping boots tends to be more sporty and casual, so it is common for example to see mahogany or patent tops. Gloves, air jackets and body protectors are optional within showjumping contests. Protective headgear must be worn at all times when riding, with the harness securely fastened, and the helmet must meet current safety standards. Fixed peak helmets may be worn.

Dressage

The dress code for pure dressage is broadly the same as already described here, although at advanced tests and upwards, riders have the option of a blue or black tailcoat. Bright colours or bold patterns are not permitted on a dressage show jacket, however subtle pinstripe, coloured collars and contrast piping are permitted, as is discreet tweed. Competitors may ride without jackets in a fitted waistcoat in muted tones, in warmer weather. As mentioned, there are some lovely helmets available designed especially for dressage, with fancy trimmings designed to catch overhead lights during indoor events. Gloves are compulsory, and light-colours are preferred.

Members of the Armed Forces or Police Force may wear their uniforms at all competitions if preferred, with suitable protective headwear.

Quite possibly, the comfiest riding tights I have ever worn in my life!

The fit, fabric, colour and design are faultless. Hack & Hound really have thought of everything to ensure these not only offer comfort but are also practical. The large waistband creates comfort, whilst the honeycomb silicone seat ensures you feel safe in the saddle. When your horse is as ‘flighty’ as mine, this function is a must! The side pocket means I can pop my phone in and forget that it’s there, great for riding and walking. On that, whilst walking my dog in my Hack & Hound riding tights I unfortunately got caught in a rather large down pour, to say I was drenched is an understatement, however the fast-drying fabric used ensured I stayed comfortable, and then dried very quickly, another brilliant function. Then there is the stunning design, the attention to detail is second to none, from the vibrant colour, subtle stitched branding to the floral ankles, these really are a must have!