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RIDING CLOTHING
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JACKET SELECTION I AM READY TO START SHOWING MY HORSE IN THE HUNTER RING AND WILL BE LOOKING FOR A SHOW JACKET. WHAT IS IMPORTANT IN CHOOSING A JACKET AND HOW SHOULD IT FIT? The hunter and equitation rings are pretty conservative places, so aside from selecting a colour which complements your horse and getting as close to a perfect fit as your budget allows, you don't have too many decisions to make. Jackets in dark blues, greens, browns and greys are currently popular. Lighter shades are being seen in the hunter ring, but for equitation your safest bet is navy.
Most riding jackets are available in Regular or Tall sizes. Better quality jackets may also come in a Short model. This refers to the length from the collar to the waist - not the overall length. It is critical that the waist of the jacket is in line with the waist of the rider, and it is a mistake to assume a tall rider requires a 'tall' coat. The bottom of the skirt should come to about an inch above the bottom of the rider's 'cheeks'; the sleeves should finish at the rider's wrist bone. Hunter riders normally wear a long-sleeved shirt with about an inch of the cuffs showing. While you should not be restricted in the shoulders when you move your arms forward to jump, it is natural that the jacket will be tighter. It is important that the back of the jacket stays smooth across the back of the rider. Some jackets can be ordered with some customization, such as longer sleeves, etc., and remember that even an inexpensive jacket can be made to look quite presentable with a minor alteration or two. MEASURING FOR RIDING BOOTS I LIVE FAR AWAY FROM THE NEAREST TACK SHOP, BUT WOULD LIKE TO ORDER CUSTOM-MADE RIDING BOOTS. CAN YOU GIVE ME ANY TIPS ON TAKING THE MEASUREMENTS I NEED TO ORDER THEM? Measuring for custom boots can be tricky, even for someone who does it all the time, but it can be done if you follow instructions carefully. For example, you normally measure over riding breeches and the socks you usually wear - but if the manufacturer wants them over a bare leg, you will not get the right fit. Some companies, like Konig, want the foot measurements with weight on the foot, others without. It is generally safest to measure in centimeters to the nearest 1/2 centimeter (always rounding up) - so these are the kind of details you need to pay attention to. The tape should be flat against the largest part of the leg or foot part, but not tight - you should be able to rotate it smoothly and slide it gently up and down the leg. Keep in mind that if the boots are too large or too tall, they can be altered; but if they are too tight or too short there is not a lot that can be done.
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