What to Wear in the Show Ring
For show jumping, dressage, cross country, and more – discover what to wear in the show ring for maximum performance, with Ariat.
Guide to Equestrian Events
So, different equestrian events have slightly different dress codes, but what are the key differences between the events themselves? Whether you’re new to competing or a seasoned professional, it is important to know your dressage from your cross country.
- Dressage: One of the three Olympic equestrian sports, dressage is the art and sport of showcasing a set of equestrian movements in front of a panel. It is often compared to dancing, with the rider and horse moving in harmony.
- Show Jumping: Another Olympic sport, in show jumping riders take their horses over a series of jumps, in a prescribed order. When jumps are not completed effectively, there are penalties. It is awarded based on score and time.
- Cross Country: The third phase of eventing, coupled with dressage and show jumping, cross country riding is where competitors ride their horses through a route with obstacles within a fixed time.
These three major equestrian events have different athletic requirements which demand different equipment and clothing to perform your best. Whether you’re competing in dressage, show jumping, or cross country events, discover what to wear in the show ring with Ariat.
What to Wear for Dressage
When competing in dressage, competitors are expected to dress formally and have a traditional, smart appearance. Dressage jackets are one of the most important garments in your Show outfit, as they are especially visible when competing. In recent years, dressage jackets and coats have been showcased in a wider variety of colours, offering a more expressive look for riders, but traditionally were worn in more muted shades. Traditional dressage jackets tend to be in brown, navy, grey, and black, though nowadays most competitions and shows will allow for different colours. If you are unsure, it is always worth checking the dress codes of particular shows.
Our dressage shirts feature the traditional white collars and cuffs, as well as unique technical features to ensure your comfort. For example, the Ariat Showstopper 3.0 Show Shirt combines a smart and sophisticated appearance with ClimateTEK temperature regulation and Sun Protection Fabric for performance in all weather.
Though white breeches are the traditional option for dressage, most competitions will also allow tan or light grey breeches. This means that you can match your breeches to your preferred jacket colour, and your Show wardrobe can express a little more variety.
For dressage, tall riding boots are often most popular. These tend to be in dark colours like navy, brown, and black, such as the Ariat Ravello Dress Tall Riding Boot. Crafted with Italian leather and designed to keep you supported as you perform, they combine both a smart appearance and premium comfort.
What to Wear Show Jumping
Show jumping dress codes can change depending on whether you are riding in an affiliated or unaffiliated showjumping event. For more advice on wardrobe guidance, check out our guide to what to wear for show jumping
As well as paying close attention to the colour of your jacket and breeches, you should also remember to have the correct safety equipment, including helmets and body protectors if preferred.
What to Wear for Cross Country Riding
For Cross Country riding, it is, again, very important to ensure that you have the correct safety equipment. As well as a helmet, as is standard for equestrian sports, you must wear a body protector.
With more relaxed rules surrounding appearance, cross country riders may prioritise technical features in their show wardrobe in order to boost their performance and ensure ultimate comfort. Lightweight shirts like the Sunstopper 3.0 1/4 Zip Baselayer are great for enabling riders to perform at their best - in a wide range of colour options, riders’ won’t need to compromise on style. Many Ariat shirts feature AriatTEK, for all-weather comfort, ClimateTEK, for dynamic temperature regulation, and Moisture Movement Technology, to keep you dry as you ride. These technical features are designed to ensure your comfort and flexibility, so you can keep your mind on the competition.
Similarly, technical breeches are a great option for cross country riding. We recommend the Tri Factor Grip Full Seat Breech, also available in a wide range of colours. With a full seat silicone grip for exceptional staying power in the saddle, as well as technical features to keep you cool, flexible, and dry, these breeches are reliably comfortable, and look smart and sophisticated too.
Whichever discipline you are competing in, make sure to check out the Ariat Show Collection to discover our luxury, high-level show range, featuring breeches, show jackets, boots, and more.
Show jumping is renowned for its elegance and style, and so dressing to fit the part is key. There is a stricter dress code for affiliated competitions versus unaffiliated, in most events including show jumping, however, unlike other events, show jumping rules are similar regardless of which class you enter. That is why our guide on what to wear outlines everything you need to know.
What to Wear to an Affiliated Show Jumping Event
When you enter the arena of any affiliated showjumping event, you must be dressed correctly. The British Showjumping rule book will guide you on detailed directives, but the following must be adhered to:
- Jackets: should be traditional style tailored jackets (including hacking jackets, or new style jackets). These must not be in the British Team colours.
- Shirts: may have long or short sleeves with white cuffs and a white collar and must be done up properly at all times.
- Breeches: or jodhpurs should be worn in light colours including white, pale yellow, beige, grey, or fawn, but should not be black or navy.
- Boots: traditional style riding boots must be worn, and although there are some variations, we recommend sticking with classic black tall boots, or black paddock boots paired with black leather ‘gaiters’
- Gloves: are not compulsory but can add an elegant finish to your show jumping outfit.
- Body protectors: are not compulsory but can be worn if preferred.
- Helmet: must be worn at all times, properly fastened and, in the UK, must adhere to PAS 015 (2011), VGI (provided they are BSI kitemarked).
There are some things that are strictly not permitted including:
- Polo neck sweaters
- Chaps
- Half Chaps (unless you are a junior rider)
What to Wear to an Unaffiliated Show Jumping Event
We recommend sticking to the rulebook laid out by the British Showjumping association, however in most cases you’ll find that the dress code is a little more lenient.
What is required is a protective helmet that adheres to the regulations we’ve noted above, but otherwise, you’ll want to dress smartly with a darker jacket and light breeches, a white collared shirt. hair tied back neatly, and wearing traditional footwear.
We’ve styled a sophisticated show jumping outfit for inspiration.
Show Jumping Outfit Guide
Lightly Coloured Breeches
Firstly, we recommend starting your show jumping outfit with a clean and sophisticated base with some lightly coloured breeches. Our favourites right now include the Tri Factor Grace Knee Patch Breech in white. The clever technology paired with the elegant look of these breeches make them perfect for any show event. Riding breeches are unique to every individual though, so take a look at our guide to the best breeches to make sure you’re getting the right fit for you.
White Collared Shirt
Pair those lightly coloured breeches with a sleek white collared and cuffed shirt. The Sunstopper 3.0 Pro Show Shirt is perfect here, but if you’re after an all-white option for the summer months then we recommend the Bellatrix Show Shirt, a sleek addition to your Show wardrobe.
Smart Show Jacket
The jacket is often the star of the show when it comes to show jumping outfits, so it needs to be both stylish and comfortable. This Meridian Show Jacket is one of our favourites and is perfect; it’s sleek finish, elegant notches at the sleeves and hem, and tailored cut will get you looking competition ready, whilst additional features like 360-degree breathability and dynamic body temperature regulation will allow you to ride in comfort.
Traditional Riding Boots
To finish off your look, we recommend a chic pair of tall riding boots. The Palisade Show Tall Riding Boots and the Ravello Tall Riding Boots, crafted in Italy, are our top choices, pairing simple but elegant style with comfort, support, and stability. If you’re still not sure what works best for you, read our guide to the best riding boots.
We know that each discipline can have varying outfit elements, so take a look at our full guide to horse riding competition clothing for more information on riding outfits.
