Rider

Rider equipment: where to start

The riding hat comes before everything else. It must match your head circumference and carry the CE marking; a well-fitted hat is better than a more expensive model that wobbles. Next comes footwear. A pair of jodhpur boots with a defined heel stops the foot slipping through the stirrup, and half chaps protect the calf from being pinched by the stirrup leather.

Riding breeches come third. Jeans or tracksuit bottoms will do for a few sessions, but their inside seams end up marking your knees. Finally, gloves prevent blisters as soon as the reins tighten.

You are starting to compete

You then need the regulation outfit: jacket, white show shirt or shirt, light-coloured breeches, riding boots or jodhpur boots with matching half chaps. For cross-country, a body protector becomes compulsory, and an air vest is often worn over it. If you are moving up to tall leather boots, buy them a few weeks before your first competition: they need several sessions to mould to your leg. Have a bag ready to pack everything the night before: you forget fewer things when every item has its place.

You ride outdoors all year round

In the Manche, rain is part of the programme. A waterproof jacket long enough to cover the tops of the thighs, merino socks and fleece gloves make winter sessions more bearable. For grooming and bedding down, waterproof yard boots keep your feet dry.

Finding the right section

Breeches, polo shirts, parkas and competition jackets are in the riding clothing, sorted by who they are for: women, men, children. The section riding hats, boots and protection brings together everything that protects and shoes the rider, socks included. Spurs, whips, belts, air vest cartridges and plaiting thread are in the rider accessories.