WHAT ARE JODHPURS?
The original design of Jodhpurs was developed in India for polo players and eventually spread to the western world. They permeated into the everyday fashion world in the early 20th century and now will forever have a place in the equestrian world thanks to those that appreciate a very traditional and simple riding attire.
WHAT ARE BREECHES?
Breeches are considered more formal than jodhpurs, so if you are an adult or long stirrup child, you should be wearing breeches every time in the show ring. Breeches are also more suitable for formal clinics in respect to the clinician with a belt and collared shirt.
WHAT TYPE OF BREECHES SHOULD YOU WEAR?
Well, it depends…
Knee patch style breeches are popular in the hunter, jumper and equitation rings. This is because these three disciplines require the rider to have a light seat on the flat as well as over fences.
Knee patch breeches allow the rider to have moderate grip, but not too much as to allow the rider to leave the confines of a shallow-moderately seat close contact saddle.
The equestrian community is close-knit but also very divided between disciplines. The different disciplines have separate goals and ideals, each requiring specialized equipment, including apparel. The equestrian wardrobe acts as a set of tools, not just for fashion and showing off. These differences go deeper than just English and western. Breeches and Jodhpurs are the most popular riding pants in the English world, followed closely by riding tights.