Best turned out

Competition clothing has to follow specific rules to meet the high standards expected of dressage. Yet there is some room for freedom of expression, while modern fabrics and design are befitting of a 21st century sport, reports Jane

Carley

Jackets make a competition outfit and can flatter and enhance a rider’s physique while highlighting their position in the saddle.

Colours are required to be ‘muted’ but this is open to some interpretation.

“Beautiful and varied colour options for competition jackets have been introduced to the market lately,” comments Claire Hubbard of specialist supplier The Centre Line. “Riders have been making style statements with contrast piping and collars, unique linings, and beautiful buttons with Swarovski crystals. Carl Hester has recently opted for a striking blue Lotus Romeo tailcoat with elegant grey and silver piping, which really set the standard for the season.”

Fabrics are also a feature to look out for, she adds:

“Until recently competition jackets have mostly been crafted from heavy, stiff woollen fabrics. But with the advances in technical sports fabrics, there are options that are lightweight and breathable with ingenious stretch properties.

“Lotus Romeo is a European brand that has offered dynamic design with cutting edge fabrics for nearly a decade. Last year the company developed a ground- breaking mesh fabric which was fashioned into both a short jacket and a tailcoat. It’s a single layer of fine stretch mesh, with no lining, that when worn is almost imperceptible from a traditional competition jacket or tailcoat. The featherlight material keeps the rider cool in the saddle even in the hottest climates, ideal with eyes fixed on Paris 2024. The fit offers maximum flexibility, allowing riders to compete in comfort with a full range of movement.

“These new fabrics can be popped in the washing machine and line dried within an hour, which also saves on the drycleaning bills!”

LeMieux Dynamique show jacket has been designed with competition performance in mind, with vented side panels and sports mesh lining to the front for breathability, combined >

PICTURED

Above: It’s possible to add a bit of individuality to your competition look while retaining dressage’s traditional ethos –tailcoats from Lotus Romeo are available in colours such as the stunning blue worn by Carl Hester or with contrast piping and collars.

Right: A tailored waistcoat such as this one from Lotus Romeo is a smart option for hot weather.

Above: LeMieux’s Dynamique jacket uses the latest performance fabrics and adds clever details such as a front zip and custom LeMieux press stud.

Inset: LeMieux’s Amara II breeches feature a completely seamless inside leg to reduce bulk and improve fit.

Below: Traditional Torino breeches with advanced, water-repellent fabric are part of the Premier Equine Range.

Opposite: It’s all about the detail with these shirts – delicate lace on the Equetech Mia (left) and a high tech laser cut on the LeMieux Olivia, which looks attractive but also allows air flow.

with soft, lightweight fabric offering superior stretch and recovery so that the rider is unrestricted and free to move.

The flattering tailored fit is complemented by subtle crystal trims on the pocket edges and back belt panel to add a touch of luxury sparkle and create a stylish appearance.

Fastened with a front zip for security and custom LeMieux press stud for practicality, as well as a traditional navy and black this show jacket is available in Graphite for something a little

Short tailcoats are another enduring trend. The Ganim Pro from Cavallo offers a little personality including gold piping to accompany matching large statement buttons. Available in black, navy and grey, it is slim fitting, lightweight and made from elasticated material. The tailcoat tips are removable and can be replaced.

Equetech has also focused on fabrics with the Premiere competition jacket, styled in a durable knitted Ponte fabric with 6% Lycra for stretch and shape retention. Other features include a double-vented back, hidden front zip fastening with Equetech engraved button fastening and contrast zip pockets. It’s machine washable for easy care and comes in navy.

While ‘breggings’ and riding tights have been positively life-changing for casual riding, the support and more flattering fit offered by conventional breeches means that they are hard to overlook for competition.

LeMieux has introduced its new Amara II breeches, designed to take you from training every day – with a navy option as well as beige and white – to the competition arena. With the choice of discreet full seat and knee grip silicone to suit individual preferences, the new design has come about by popular demand having evolved from the original Amara breeches worn by Charlotte Fry at the Tokyo Olympics. The material has superior four-way stretch and improved recovery, meaning it keeps its shape, springs back quickly and holds you in all the right places.

New features include a flattering shaped leg seam, more subtle silicone pattern, discreet branding and plaited pocket details. A new design of leg sleeve has super soft stretch on the outside and completely seamless inside leg to remove bulk, maintain a super close fit and avoid any rub points on the inside ankle. In addition, the White Amara II Breeches have no front pockets for a completely unified appearance with no interruption on the thigh, allowing even greater movement and performance. The material is four-way stretch and has double belt loops for the perfect fit in the saddle.

Brands like Cavaleros are leading the way in competition wear with their Salina X-Support Leggings which look and sit like a pair of traditional breeches, but ride and feel like a pair of riding leggings, suggests Claire Hubbard. “They have full grip silicone ensuring a fantastic hold in the saddle and are easy to care for. These leggings feel like a second skin and have been crafted with as few seams as possible, with none at all at the front and back of the knee.”

Fabrics have also been finely tuned over the years. Cavaleros favours a high-quality compression fabric which will help the rider battle muscle soreness and aid in recovery.

Premier Equine also offers a traditional style – the Torino breech, crafted from an advanced fabric with water repellent properties and four-way stretch.

The elegantly shaped high waistband provides support to the rider’s core and creates a flattering silhouette. Combining this with a full gel seat creates a practical, competition breech. Suede detailing has been incorporated along the pockets and belt loops to deliver a subtle sophisticated look.

American full grip breeches from Cavalleria Toscana are designed to combine elegance and performance thanks to the classic pique structure with technical fibres, offering maximum breathability and high comfort when riding, comments Harriet Foster- concealed with a stock. Made from technical stretch fabric the shirt features a stock collar with zip for ease of use and sweetheart cut to bust, loop to back of neck and scooped back hem.

Covalliero offers a budget range for the competition scene without compromising on quality or style. The competition shirt, available in muted classic colours, provides a smart stand up collar with hidden zip fastener at the back made for optimum comfort whilst looking the part.

Thornton from importer Zebra Products.

“The waistband on these riding breeches comes with an added grip inside and wide belt loops on the outside. With the renowned Cavalleria Toscana grip to the inside of the knee, these breeches include bi-stretch material for extra comfort and movement. They are fast drying, anti-bacterial, anti-UV and breathable.”

Stiff, uncomfortable shirts that quickly become sweaty are a thing of the past with new technical fabrics, and with this garment, there’s plenty of performance shirt offer so much more than a cotton shirt in terms of movement, breathability and style, explains the Centre Line’s Claire Hubbard. “The clever wicking fabric keeps the rider cool and dry. It also offers protection against damaging UV rays and reduces heat absorption. Simply pair this with a stock and pin for a finished, elegant look.

Olivia Show Shirts from LeMieux come in navy and white, in both long sleeve and short sleeve options, and incorporate clever features for comfort and style. An invisible front zip closure keeps the shirt sleek, the intricate diamante detailing adds just the right amount of sparkle and a white show collar is finished with a LeMieux stud detail. Delicate, laser-cut lace sleeve and back detail provides subtle beauty while also allowing air flow through the shirt to regulate heat and

Another way to add a bit of glamour comes courtesy of Equetech’s Mia lace competition shirt, which has a lace panel that can be

The right boots offer more than just style –they can help maintain a good position in the saddle and support the foot, ankle and leg.

The Königs Palermo bespoke boots are high on many a rider’s wish list.

“We have definitely seen a rise in the trend of riders wanting customised boots, not just for the personalised fitting service but also for the aesthetic uniqueness of the boots to each rider,” says Harriet Foster-Thornton.

“Riders are choosing to have their initials embroidered on the cuffs of their boots or in rhinestones. Glitter and sparkles are always high on the agenda when it comes to dressage boots, from a subtle slash of sparkle to a 10cm wide cuff of glitter.

Patent piping and details against brushed leather offers a classic look with a little twist.

Cavallo offers dressage boot options for a range of budgets. The high-end Primus Lux features decorative laces and no zipper. Available in five leather colours from classic black to oxblood, hazel and grey these boots can be customised to the purchaser’s taste.

For a tighter budget, the Cavallo Linus Dressage boots are available in navy or grey nappa leather and feature a ribbed sole with Vibram heel for the ultimate shock absorption.

Maurizia laced tall riding boots from Premier Equine allow for bespoke fitting adjustments, while a stacked heel gives the boots a bespoke look and an anatomically designed dual density foam cushioning system reduces strain on the foot from the impact of walking. Support targeted in the heel, bridge and ball of the foot absorbs shock and provides lasting comfort.