It was during the late Victorian era that show jumping, originally called ‘horse leaping’ became popular. Popular to a select niche of individuals, equestrian jumps are usually seen on television. Due to its old-world appeal and old-fashioned sentiment, equestrian jumps have long been considered a high class sport, even prior to its rise to popularity. During earlier times, horses were largely used by the nobility, especially during hunts which was a famous pastime and, centuries later, the association between horses and the elite still remain.

These days however, horses are no longer used during hunts but are rather used for equestrian jumps – competitive events involving obstacles on a scenic field. Wholly different from hunter class equestrian sport, equestrian jumps involve driving a horse around an obstacle course, with the intention of successfully traversing the whole course with little to no mishaps. It is a feat for both horse and rider, a way to showcase the innate grace of the animal and the skill of its rider.

Jumping class horses are judged for their skill-set, speed, and showmanship recorded during a set time period which the horse and rider must race against, much like how ballet dancers are judged; unlike hunter class horses which are judged by temperament, manner, and bearing. Due to such rigorous terms, equestrian jumps are a sport requiring great skills and willpower.

Obstacles are often arranged in creative and difficult ways, involving fences, spreads, and sudden turns which all test both horse and rider. In the event of a failed course or disobedience, ‘faults’ or penalties are given which reduces the overall score standing of a horse. Because horses can sometimes be unpredictable, equestrian jumping can at times be dangerous, needing constant awareness and a clear mind during every ride.

Due to the sheer variety of the sport, it is less formal that dressage or hunter class niches, which are more restrained. These competitions are often more lively that other equestrian sports, with the riders often wearing nearly casual attire. Formalities are still maintained, in a more subdued form at best, usually with adherence to sober hues of fabric for clothing, the plaiting of the horse’s mane or tail, and the wearing of gloves.

Any healthy, well-mannered, and obedient horse can be trained for equestrian jumps. Ponies are also viable for show jumping, albeit restricted to the younger groups. Requiring great skill, calm, and dexterity, equestrian jumping is an extremely challenging and engaging sport. So why not try it?

Equestrians value formality above all things. Equestrianism is quite different from conventional sports which place safety above style, as equestrians observe both strictly as is clearly shown with the mode of dress which has been the trademark of the sport. Equestrianism and its penchant for formality is often associated with upper-class society and the elite, often as a sport for royalty. The equestrian jacket is perhaps the most distinct mark of these elitist apparel commonly seen sported by riders, which, through the years, has become more cemented into the sport itself.

The equestrian jacket is patterned after the common Victorian frock coat, the common attire of males during the 1800s. Aside from the frock coat, equestrian jackets also have other variants such as tailcoats, sports coats, hunter coats, and the shadbelly – a hunting coat variant used as an equestrian jacket and during foxhunts. The formal nature of the sport requires that equestrian jackets be made from mute or sober-hued materials such as tweed and wool, although the occasional leather or velvet may be sported. Female equestrians are never seen wearing skirts or similar ‘feminine’ clothing as the equestrian garb was originally exclusively masculine; thus they make do with specially cut and fitted feminine versions. Equestrians jackets are almost always soberly colored, with blacks and grays being the most predominant though variants like burgundy, olive, and other colors do exist. There a distinct rules of etiquette with regards to the color of equestrian jackets in that they should compliment both the horse and the rider, should not be glaring, and should be fitted properly. Formality is the rule of the game for the British culture, and this bodes the same for equestrianism. While certain slight changes are allowable, anything which is overly excessive or glaring is not allowed.

Wholly different from English riding is Western-style cowbody riding which revel in the gaudiness of their attire. Due to the growing popularity of equestrianism, several specialty stores now cater to the tailoring and fitting of equestrian jackets which are worn best if custom fitted to the wearer’s specifications. Although they are on the pricier end of the list, customized equestrian jackets are nevertheless the hallmark of quality and class which is embodied in the sport of equestrianism, to which no store-bought item comes close.

Although it is a difficult and pricey undertaking, a number of people are now taking interest in equestrian facility design as a response to the growing interest in equestrian sports and its profitable nature. Like all industrial ventures, equestrian facility design requires a large amount of money, skilled workmen, and extensive facilitating and planning to ensure a profitable outcome.

An equestrian facility is simply a well designed venue for horseback riders. A typical area is usually out in the open, but closed-in courts with roofs also exist. Newbies may assume that an equestrian field is simply that – a stretch of grassland, but on the contrary, it is more than just that. It is a balance of ruggedness, aesthetics, architecture, and landscaping. This balance is what equestrian facility design specializes in.

Complications that arise during construction and issues which will affect the over-all function of the area are all addressed with the guidance of good equestrian facility design. The outcome of an area is only limited to factors such as budget, workforce, skills, and the imagination. Those who wish to build an area must first decide upon a site, and there are factors which will determine the length of time and amount of labor required to make a certain field or area viable. Though it is quite difficult to find these days, an ideal site is one with only limited obstructions which would then slow down development and designing.

Everything which is required to make a good equestrian area is encompassed by equestrian facility design. Clearing off any debris or vegetation which might slow down construction should be done prior to any further activity. Secondly, excavations are in order so as to enable the ground to be prepped. Prepping the ground is essential to a good field, as it is composed of layers of gravel, sand, lime, and crusher earth – making the solid base of a field. As the top area or groundwork is the most fundamental aspect of a field, expert opinion is needed during its inception.

Another issue which is dealt with by expert equestrian facility design is that of drainage. This is very important when making an area, as you don’t want it to become a sodden ditch during the rainy seasons. Though constructors have a ready knowledge on how to create drainages, collaborating with equestrian facility design experts provide better solutions.

All aesthetic additions such as fences, ditches, rocks, obstacles, and foliage all depend on the desired effect. Landscape artists with an expertise in equestrian facility design can make things go easier while designing. Regardless of the overall result of your field, choosing the right employees, and giving enough time, effort, attention, and dedication are all keys a successful equestrian arena.

Usually associated with the old world, horseback riding isn’t everybody’s fare. Due to the ever-growing tide of modernism, the importance of learning to ride a horse seems needless. While the average Joe would rather stick to his gas guzzler, in his close-mindedness, he is also missing out on a very pleasurable and rewarding experience. While horseback riding doesn’t count as an extreme or overly taxing sport, it does have benefits such as its ability to alleviate depression, promote relaxation, encourage self-esteem, and foster caring. With those wonderful benefits, one wonders why people don’t come in hordes to try the sport. Thankfully, there are equestrian camps which are available all year long. It is in an equestrian camp that lessons for horseback riding are taught, and the love, passion, and awareness of the deeper aspects of this hobby and sport are nurtured.

Equestrian camps are thought of as expensive ventures, but it cannot be over-emphasized that the lessons learn in one stay will remain for a lifetime. Just like any summercamp, equestrian camps are a good place to meet new friends and to socialize with a variety of people. A good equestrian camp caters to people of all ages, genders and nationalities. It offers a time to unwind from the daily grind as one grows and improves physically and emotionally all at the same time.

Bonding is encouraged in these camps, not just with your campmates but with the very horses that you will befriend during your stay. The core values which make up the strength and virtues of one’s character are all taught in equestrian camps, alongside practical lessons which will prove valuable later in life. Lifelong friendships and lessons are learned from simple experiences gleaned during these excursions.

While some equestrian camps are seasonal, the majority of camps today are open for the whole year, with the influx of people increasing during the holidays. Equestrian camps are a tad expensive only because the basic necessities of all their campers are provided for during their stay. Although quite a bit expensive at first glance, it makes for a perfect holiday excursion, not only as an escape from the mundane hubbub of modern life, but also as means to refresh oneself and learn about life’s simple but deeper lessons.

Equestrianism is a sport which believes in the balance between style and comfort as part of the sport and not just a feature of it. With safety being at the forefront of every sport, one should be dressed not only to keep safe from harm, but to impress one’s audience as well. The need for a stylish yet safe mode of dress for horseback riders has spawned a whole line of distinctive apparel, one of the most distinctive being the equestrian riding boots. A historical type of footwear once known simply as riding boots, it has many variants, all of which have been adapted for modern use. One of the most distinctive features of equestrian riding boots is the length of the boot itself, often reaching to the wearer’s ankles; in effect providing ample protection from the rider’s calves. Riding boots used to be associated with elitist military factions, the aristocracy and the gentry, as well as English culture in general.

More commonly associated with the cavalry, equestrian riding boots that are calf to ankle length generally come in highly polished or lightly textured finishes. High-quality equestrian riding boots are made from patent leather while more affordable ones are made from leatherette or some other synthetic material. The boots’ smooth appearance is more than just for show. It has a functional purpose in that it helps prevent the shoe from being caught in the stirrups in the event of a fall.

Though often similar in appearance and make, many variants of equestrian riding boots aren’t even exclusively for riders. Due to horseback riding’s association with hunting, equestrian riding boots custom-made for hunters were created, but is now rarely seen. Referred to as top boots, they were so called due to the distinctive ‘cuff’ on the upper part of the boot. The more common riding boots found today is field boots, generally seen on motorcyclist police patrols and mounted patrols. Usually seen on military personnel but worn by equestrians as well, field boots are brown or black in color.

The most common varieties of riding boots worn by professional dressage competitors and other riders are the patent leather types known for their smart appearance. These are commonly worn over breeches, and reach to the knee. These are mostly zipped closed instead of laced on for easier use. Some dress boots have belts or closurs at the cuff which can either be practical or simply aesthetic. The stereotypical equestrian riding boots are usually very shiny black ones. While expensive and often custom-fitted boots are made from high-quality single-grain leather, more affordable ones are made from synthetics.

A less well know variant of equestrian riding boots are known as Jodhpur or Paddock boots, which were worn with Jodhpur breeches, a type of lower garment originally from India. Usually shorter than the average riding boot, these are worn with chaps due to the absence of a leg covering. Originally a military boot, versions of the Jodhpur boots are still widely available to this day. Chelsea boots are a variant of Jodhpurs which make use of elastics to keep in place instead of zippers or laces.

A very image of class, power, and a blend of cultivation and ruggedness, equestrian riding boots are shoes that are to-die-for.

Aside from their coats, the most obvious mark of an equestrian is their tight-fitting pants. Breeches, as equestrian pants are formally known, is the primary garb of every equestrian since the conception of the sport.

Prior to the widespread use of pants, breeches were worn by men as their defector lower-wear during the 16th to 17th centuries. Until the early budding of Queen Victoria’s reign, breeches were still used by footmen and servants of the upper-class, although the public had long since discontinued its use. A pair of equestrian pants is really nothing but tight fitting pants which fall short of the full length. Usually just below the knee or at times even below the ankles, it was worn with stockings and gaiters, and was fastened with buttons or a drawstring.

Leather, silk, wool, leather, and a myriad of other materials were all used to make equestrian pants. By the time of the French Revolution, breeches came to symbolize the tyranny and excess displayed by the nobility. Breeches came into general disuse by the 18th century, when pantaloons replaced it as the primary mode of dress for men alongside the frock coat and waistcoat.

The use of breeches as equestrian pants however did not wane. Despite the growing rise of pants, breeches nevertheless remained in the favor of equestrians the world over. While the design itself has changed very little over the centuries, the materials used for equestrian pants have greatly evolved. There are different kinds of equestrian pants, all with different designed and made from a myriad of materials.

The more common knee-length and ankle length breeches worn today are made of synthetic material or leather which allows a firm ‘grip’ on the horse. Just like the cavalrymen who sport it, high dress boots are also worn by equestrians to protect their calves from chafing. Jockey breeches are also worn by equestrians at times. These are made with synthetic materials like nylon, and are worn during horse races. The last variant, the Jodhpur breeches, is perhaps one of the most popular equestrian pants today. It was designed and popularized by Sir Pratap Singh during the middle of the 1800s and was based from the Indian trouser known as a Churidar. Variants worn over a Jodhpur boot, usually called Kentucky Jodhpurs, also exist. It gives the illusion of the rider’s having longer legs. All of these equestrians pants come in stark while, off-while, or cream colored variants.

Though other colors are available, Jodhpurs are usually white. Color is an important factor in equestrianism, with traditional colors being at the forefront and less traditional ones reserved for more informal competitions. Despite the antiquated appearance of equestrian pants, it nevertheless has a grip on our imaginations and ever-fluctuating tastes.

Horsemanship which is performed on a competitive level is usually referred to as equestrianism. Equestrianism has different categories, and with its very sophisticated nature, it is both an art and a sport. English riding, with its closely considered association with the British aristocracy, is the most common variant of equestrianism. While it is considered ‘British’, it is performed and practiced all over the world.

Due to its English influence, the more formal dressage competitions always sport traditional or old-fashioned English clothing which smacks of formality. While English formal dress has arguably been designed with the idea of horseback riding in mind, as evidenced by many period records, there are certain essentials which make for the basic, if not stereotypical equestrian riding attire.

Consisting of boots, dress shirts, cravats, frocks, tailcoats, and breeches it was originally centered at a masculine audience. Modernizations has allowed the clothing to adopt feminine styles and cuts as well. Combining riding safety and aesthetics, equestrian riding attire is made for comfort and functionality, allowing for ease in movement while mounted;hence, giving an overall appearance of class and sophistication.

At its most basic, both male and female equestrians wear generally the same thing. The staple garment of every rider is generally a dress-shirt and waistcoat. Ties or other ornaments like a cravat are worn on the collar of the shirt. Over it all, the rider wears a coat, usually a tailcoat or a frock coat, and at times even a shadbelly. The lower attire includes breeches or a variant of tight fitting pants know as Jodhpurs, and dress shoes which reach up to the ankle. When wearing Jodhpur boots, chaps are worn in lieu of riding boots. It is due to this garb that equestrianism has long been associated with the elite. To complete the look of formality, gloves, either black or white, may be worn along with a riding hat or equestrian helmet, although the latter can often be seen only on beginners.

English equestrian riding attire is the epitome of British formality, often only available in dark solid colors. Western equestrian riding attire on the other hand is often showy and highly ornamented. Cravat pins or stock pins as they are also called are also sported. At times spurs and riding crops are also worn, albeit as an accessory. Females with long hair generally wear it in a neat bun.

A lot of store now offer equestrian riding items in their stocks. Tack shops, which are specialty stores that cater to equestrians, are also good places to find clothes. For fine quality equestrian riding attire, you best choice would be to visit tack shops, as they offer customized fitting and sewing.