Jodphurs - Recognisable Equestrian Clothing You Should Consider

For the casual observer, some of the most recognisable items of clothing to be seen at equestrian events these days are jodphurs. These are very distinctive garments and have been specifically designed for horse riding. We can trace their origin back to the turn of the 19th century when they were used for the purpose of playing polo in Jodhpur, India. At that time, this fashion was only found in that region of the world and did not find its way into Western society until much later in the century.

Today, riding jodhpurs are an essential part of a horse rider's wardrobe. They make for a much more comfortable riding experience, as well as a safer ride and have been specifically designed for the purpose.

Breeches are very similar to jodhpurs in many cases. However, you should wear breeches with taller boots, while you often find jodhpurs in the more formal events or occasions. Back in the day, jodhpurs were used by the British military in many situations and you can still see them in use by security organisations today. Motorcycle officers of the law, for example, sometimes wear these garments on duty. When riding, they fit the wearer snugly and extend from the waist through to the ankle.

Jodhpurs can be made from different materials, but are typically elasticised and designed to be close and comfortable. Your skin can breathe freely, which is important during some of those vigorous equestrian exercises. Riding jodhpurs have reinforced seats and knees, as the patch is intended to recognise that you are likely to move around a lot during this activity.

Jodhpur trousers are made for children as well as adults, with a variety of different colours available. They are normally combined with ankle length boots, which are often more comfortable than the tall boots seen in more formal events.

It's important to make sure that the correct measurements are given whenever jodhpurs are required, as the comfort of the rider is at stake if the finished product is ill fitting. Ladies jodhpurs may be specifically tailored for comfort and today's products represent the height of elegance and are a statement of fashion within the equestrian society as well. Make note that dress code and decor are still adhered to in equestrian events and this can often dictate the colour or style of the riding trousers. Traditionally, conservative is best, especially if unsure and white or off-cream is normally selected.

Many enthusiasts will choose to wear breeches in place of jodhpurs for day-to-day activities, but as they often extend only half way down the leg beneath the knee, they must be worn with long riding boots, as opposed to the jodhpurs themselves. In competitions, judges often determine how an individual is performing according to the positioning of the leg and jodhpurs help to pronounce this positioning and aid in the judge's observations.