“In many ways the world of the horse constitutes the epitome of social decorum, not only in the age of chivalry…but in our own time as well, when forms of dress traditionally associated with equestrian activity…are considered appropriately stylish for those who have never sat upon a horse.” ~ Man and the Horse: An Illustrated History of Equestrian Apparel, Mackay-Smith, Druesdow and Ryder (1984)

Nothing about horse sport is quick or easy. Any equestrian can attest to the hours behind every second of competition, and choosing your #rootd is really no different. There’s something magical in finding that perfect combination of boots, breeches, shirt and jacket, the ideal mix that is both comfortable and presentable, allowing for a myriad array of activities (Mucking stalls! Cleaning tack! Chasing your dog out of ring two!) while still looking traditional.

There it is, that word we equestrians all know so well: traditional. Whether you’re riding or watching it, what you wear for this stuff really matters, doesn’t it? Not only are there soft social rules (“I don’t care what the judge said – you will NOT remove your jacket,” said every trainer ever), but there’s often even a hard dress code. You can’t rock up to Ascot with a bare head, and attempting to show a hunter while wearing a bright jacket would probably give someone an actual, lethal heart attack.

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