What the Short Stirrup Riders Are Wearing This Year

With show season just around the corner, Saddlers Row thought we’d give you an exclusive peek at what the well-dressed short stirrup riders will be wearing this year:

Exactly the same thing as last year. And the year before that. And the year before that…

It’s not as if riding apparel has changed much in the last several hundred years, but this “classic” designation doesn’t help parents of the under 12-set who must re-outfit their growing equestrians year after year. It leans, at times, towards the expensive.

One of Saddlers Row’s expert outfitters, Megan Allardice, is a professional rider with her own show wardrobe to maintain, but she says there are several respectable ways to cut apparel costs without sacrificing quality, good looks or safety.

First, make a list of what your young rider needs from head to foot:
1. ASTM/SEI approved helmet
2. Hair Net for girls
3. Two show shirts – one white and one colored – with an optional monogrammed collar or a pin (CoolMax makes a nice shirt that’s easy care)
4. Hunt Jacket in a conservative color
5. Gloves (if extra grip on the reins is required or if your trainer advises)
6. Jodhpurs with elastic at the bottom
7. Belt (of the same color as boots)
8. Jod Garters (of the same color as boots)
9. Paddock Boots (zipper or lace)
10. Socks

Megan points out that besides the helmet (which should be properly fitted in the store, of a style appropriate for showing and of the highest quality affordable), every item on the list can be tailored to a child-friendly budget.

“We have synthetic leather paddock boots – Millstone and Exselle for instance -- which look and feel very similar to real leather but which cost much less,” Megan says. “I think it’s a wise choice for a child who participates schooling or introductory level showing and who will outgrow the boots by the end of the season.”

Megan points out that Saddlers Row also carries high quality yet economical jodhpurs, show shirts, and hunt coats, which she recommends and sells on a regular basis, as well as a wide range of gloves and belts.

As for the socks? With properly fitted jodhpurs and garters, no one will see them…

Happy showing! A great fit and a classic look can be achieved at an economical price, so let the experts help send you out in style.

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