Show Jackets for All Occasions

Buying a show jacket is a long term investment and you can expect quality and functionality throughout its life. However, if you are new to your chosen discipline, buying your first show jacket, or simply spoilt for choice, it can be difficult to decide on what you really want.

For competing in British dressage events, it is correct to wear a dark coloured riding jacket. A tweed coat is permitted up to Advanced Medium level (but a black or navy one would be better if you are buying specific to this discipline). Rules may vary slightly between governing bodies, but requirements are very similar. In Advanced tests, a tail coat is correct, but this is a rather more specialist requirement which may be a more considered investment. Points to think about when purchasing include the fit of the jacket - each brand can have quite a signature fit, and you need to choose one that you look and feel confident in.

For Showjumping, there are similar guidelines; a short, dark coloured show jacket is ideally required, with a tweed coat being an acceptable alternative. Interestingly, there are some new-style zip front riding jackets in a waterproof, breathable fabric, which are also approved in some Showjumping rulebooks. Whilst some people perceive them not to be as smart as a traditional riding jacket, they certainly are high performance, and are proving very popular amongst professionals. There are also certain rules about logos and sponsorship present on the show jackets, but this is often directed at the semi-professional riders, as opposed to the leisurely amateur rider. Eventing rules for the dressage and show jump phases on riding jackets follow almost identically to these disciplines, for practical reasons.

Show jackets for showing can be variable. Your choice will often depend on the class you are entering, the type of horse you are showing, and the country you are from. It may be a bit of a generalisation, but black show jackets tend to be frowned on, whereas navy seems to be acceptable for women on show pony types. For the majority, and for native types and working hunter classes, a tweed coat might be more appropriate. Tweed coats come in a variety of colours, but something not too loud would mean you could make it multifunctional, for several disciplines. However, you may want to choose a simple tweed coat with subtle coloured stripes running through it, perhaps in the colour of your tie, or horse's brow band, in order to pull your look together, and be in co-ordination with your horse.

The main disciplines for which you need a riding jacket have been detailed, but there may be other occasions on which you require one, such as assessments, or for less well known disciplines. If in doubt as to what to look for, contact your sport's governing body, or consult their rulebook, and you will be able to identify the exact rules and regulations regarding riding jackets. For general wear, and competing for fun, you might be best to choose a simple, plain black or navy show jacket, as these can be quite flexible and are generally accepted at the lower levels of most disciplines.

Finally, remember that whatever you choose needs to meet your own personal requirements, and be within your budget, so make sure you are fully aware of what you want before you go shopping. Ensure you are confident and comfortable in your new riding jacket; looks must go hand in hand with functionality, such is the nature of our sport!

The equine store stocks a huge range of equestrian equipment and clothing for horse and rider, including a large variety of horse riding and showing jackets for men and women. Please visit the store at www.equine-store.com