It may look like a sporting get-up that’s all about uniformity and, well, stuffiness. Though there is a certain amount of decorum attached to English riding, the outfits are all about functionality – there is not one single unnecessary item, from boots to breeches and whip to cap. No excess fashionista luggage on board this ride.
There is a deep divide between the fashions of the more conservative English riding and its looser transatlantic version with roots in American and Mexican ranching. Think English Squire versus The Marlboro Man and you get the picture. So how can you look like a professional rider and still have a sense of style?
Entrenched in old practices of the sport, fashion trends for English riding has taken more took more time to evolve. Moreover, the right outfit is dependent on the guidelines of each competition; a missing item could get you disqualified. So choose carefully.
One thing to note is that you have to keep to the general staples: the traditional blazer, the knee-high low-heeled boots and derby hats or caps. You may want to add a dash of colour to the shirts though, but nothing too flashy like red or orange. Stick to blue or grey. You can also show some flair with the gloves. Though black leather is ideal, you could also go for a pair with a more synthetic quality to it. Speaking of which, you also have the luxury of wearing caps designed to maximise ventilation as long as it is, of course, the right oval shape. Don’t settle for just any brand either. A true rider is distinctive for the quality of the gear he or she sports. The ones to look out for are Georg Shumacher, Sergio Grasso, Fleck and Equitheme.
Contact
La Sellerie du Liban
Zouk Mosbeh, Lebanon
Tel +961 9
