Equestrian fashions ride toward comfort, safety

By Marty Metzger
North Forty News

A stylin' cowgirl garbed for the show ring flaunts pink or turquoise polyester jacket, vest and matching pants. She'll set off the ensemble with a ruffle-necked shirt, which also is available in purple, pumpkin, red or emerald green. Coveted summer-weight choices include plaid or striped stovepipe or bell-bottom pants.

Western gents select checkered pants and plaid coats in gold, green, brown and tan tones. Handmade, brass-nailed, leather cowboy boots complete the outfit and can be had in sea turtle, calfskin or water buffalo for $31.25 to $75.

English riders will be smartly attired in exciting new corduroy stretch breeches and checkered hunt coats.

Picture perfect, these equestrians – in 1970. Their flamboyant patterns reflected those turbulent times.

Step back further still, to 1957. Mom, dad and the kids presented a Clever-esque family portrait in matching gingham western shirts that Ward, June, Wally and the Beav would have appreciated. In 1959, high-colored sheen gabardine trousers were available in black, purple, burnt orange or red. Bolo ties were all the rage.

Times have changed. A myriad of 2010 fabrics, styles and safety gear would astonish yester-year riders, and may bewilder today's, too.

Fabrics, one key to comfort, range from soft fleece/micro fleece, wind- and water-resistant synthetics, and wool/wool blends for cold weather to breathable, water-wicking, air-circulating machine washables for summer. Cotton, polyester, Lycra, Cool Max, Spandex and a plethora of blends present a perfect choice for every rider's needs.

Happy Horse Tack and Saddle Shop in Fort Collins carries several types of stretch riding jeans and breeches, worn mostly for schooling. These offer comfort, practicality and style – a far cry from stiff blues of the past. Some new denims have no inside leg seams, which seems a comfortable option. Happy Horse also carries very popular half-chaps. These are much cooler to wear and start at $40. "We sell tons," said Jen Wright, co-owner of the shop. "They're much more practical for trail riding than full chaps."

Color comforts only the eye, or wildly excites it. Today's preferences in breeches are beige, grey or khaki. Coat favorites are dark grey or navy pin stripe. Shirts should be any color that matches the coat.

While English garb remains essentially conservative and formal, Western classes are all a-glitter with exuberant color. Shirt choices abound: shiny red with ample silver threaded designs, showy purple paisley to match purple chaps, black and white designs reminiscent of zebras or Dalmatians, loud turquoise with black splashes, jungle cat prints. Multi-color vests sport spirals or lightning bolts. Dressing flashy enough could give that judge double-take whiplash or might be the tie-breaker between first and second place. No color or pattern seems taboo.

A modern buzzword is closure. Everyone seems to need it. In equestrian apparel, it's a zipper. Pants zip in front or on the side. And lose grandma's boot hooks. Leather boots now zip: hunt ones in back, dressage generally hidden on the sides.

Fashion is, of course, all things top to bottom. A competitor's hat is her crown. Western head toppers are felt or straw. A top quality felt retains shape, repels moisture and dirt, and is crafted with a high percentage of animal fur.

Straw hats (straw or paper fiber) are obviously cooler in summer. As with felts, they come in a nearly limitless variety of colors, trims and shapes.

Once simply known as hunt caps, today's English helmets run the gamut of styles, colors and materials. A proper one should be ASTM/SEI certified. Upper level eventing and Grand Prix dressage riders are re-thinking fashion vs. function following several recent severe head injuries in the sport. Top hats still reign, but ASTM/SEI certified helmets top more and more top riders.

A new helmet accessory looks like a high-tech sunbonnet while providing UV protection via a film applied to the transparent brim. Complete sun protection is afforded while allowing full peripheral vision.

English boots now come in narrow to extra wide calf widths and short, medium or tall heights. Toe reinforcement can be had to withstand the mightiest hoof stomp. Many companies offer boots with wickable linings or fully waterproof foot gear. Custom boots are available through top makers, such as a fits-like-a-glove Italian import by Milo Felline.

Western boots, said Wright, are most popular with a conservative toe color, but shafts come in sassy colors and fun patterns that surprise when their wearer chooses to show them off. For under $10, equally sassy socks by Sox Trot for under boots are available at Happy Horse. English and Western riders like their thin and slippery fabric for easy fit and nonchafing properties.

Yes, styles change, but a safe, honest, quality ride will always present the prettiest show ring picture.