A Guy's Guide to English Riding Show Gear

As a guy, finding riding gear that fits and is correct for your discipline can be a challenge to say the least. While there are tons of products and styles for women, the selection of attire and boots for men tends to be rather limited. In this post you'll find a basic set of show apparel designed for the English show ring, in both budget friendly styles and the latest, fashionable styles for men.

TuffRider Men's Performance Patrol Breeches

Riding Breeches

In riding breeches, the knee patch breech is the standard breech for most disciplines, including hunter/jumpers, some eventers, and a variety of pleasure riders. Men's breeches typically feature a pleating in the front with false flap back pockets to set them apart from ladies' styles, although the false pockets are also coming into style for women's casual breeches. 
The TuffRider Men's Performance Patrol Riding Breeches offer a variety of sizes and colors, including navy, charcoal and black in addition to the standard show colors of white, beige and light tan in a comfortable cotton/Lycra blend. These breeches are at a great price point for the budget-minded show rider, or as an every day breech for schooling.

Goode Rider Pro Breeches

If you're looking for traditional style with modern comfort and fit, then look no further than The Goode Rider Men's Pro Breeches. Offered in show ready khaki or charcoal for schooling, these breeches feature a nylon/spandex microfiber twill fabric for 4-way stretch and comfortable style. Added details include ultra-suede knee patches, slash front pockets and flap back pockets. These are a great choice for the up and coming show rider,or the rider who won't compromise on style.

Show Shirts & Neck-Wear

While a standard, white or light blue button down dress shirt can certainly work as a show shirt for men, most riding show shirts offer a selection of technical features that make them ideal for riding including extra room in the shoulders, and moisture-wicking material with stretch. 

Romfh Competitor Show Shirt

The Romfh Competitor Show Shirt, is made from a cool touch, light fabric with stretch that features discrete micro-mesh sleeves and back for extra cooling (Don't you wish your dress shirt had that feature for the office in Summer!). This shirt also has a removable tie stay. Available in a variety of sizes in long sleeves and short sleeves.

Of course your riding shirt isn't complete without a tie. In the English show hunter and jumper world a white tie is traditional. You can find a basic satin tie for around $17, or choose a stylish silk tie for around $54.

Ovation Sport Riding Coat

Show Coat

The traditional show coat for the English show hunter ring is very reminiscent of the sports coat that you would wear into the office. However, a riding show coat also features more room in the shoulders, and special back or side vents that allow it to lay nicely over your saddle.

The Ovation Sport Riding Coat is a great option for the show rider on a budget. Featuring a traditional style with updated function with wrinkle resistant fabric that is machine-washable. Available in a traditional navy herringbone. 

RJ Classics Xtreme Soft Shell Show Coat

The RJ Classics Xtreme Soft Shell Show Coat offers all the features that a show rider expects. This premium soft shell fabric is wrinkle and stain resistant and machine washable. Traditional styling with added stretch for comfort means you'll look and feel great in the show ring. Featured in a solid navy.

Riding Boots

Field boots are the traditional tall boot of choice for showing in any of the English jumping disciplines. Field boots feature a laced ankle that allows for greater fit in the ankle and allows for increased flexion that is necessary for riding with a shorter stirrup.

Tredstep Donatello Field Boots

Although relatively new to the American market, Tredstep Ireland is quickly taking the show world by storm, due in part to their introduction of the Donatello Field Boot. Featured in full grain nappa leather, these boots offer a rear stretch panel and top gusset for a custom-like fit. What really sets these boots apart, however, is the innovative flexion design at the ankle. This design allows for full flexion at the ankle from the very first ride (No more painful rides while breaking in your tall boots!). These boots are a little more expensive than the most basic pair you can find, but the features and comfort that they offer make them well worth the price. 

Ariat Men's Monaco Field Boot

Designed for the discerning hunter/jumper rider, the Ariat Monaco Field Boot, is now also available in men's sizes. Featuring a premium French baby calf leather, with oiled inner calf panel and full stretch back panel for a custom fit, these boots offer custom style and comfort. Featuring a true Spanish top with swagger tap and fashionable silver logo, these boots offer everything a rider could want in a competition boot. 

Show Gloves

Show gloves for most English disciplines are a plain black leather glove. Although these may look similar to dress gloves, they do offer a few features that set them apart. All leather riding gloves, and most synthetic gloves will have extra wear patches along the inside of the thumb and fore finger as well as between the ring and pinkie finger for extra strength and protection. Many riding gloves will also feature gathering at the wrist or hook and loop closure to ensure a comfortable and secure grip.

SSG Pro Show Gloves

An economical show glove, The SSG Pro Show Leather Gloves feature a soft kid leather for increased comfort and feel with spandex inserts along the fingers for increased flexibility. Gathered and stitched back for increased fit. Available in a variety of sizes in black and brown.

Tredstep Show Hunter Gloves

For the premier show hunter, the Tredstep Show Hunter Gloves features the perfect combination of technical features and traditional styling. Offered in luxurious lambskin leather on the outside, these gloves feature DigiTak and AirFibre technologies on the palm that increases grip while maintaining the classic look you want in the show ring. The addition of a flexible palm design and anatomic cuff ensures that these gloves will remain your favorite for their features as well as their looks. Available in brown and black.