RIDERS HUB

Welcome to the Rider Hub

Real Advice From Someone Who's Been There

After more than 22 years designing riding apparel, spending countless weekends at Pony Club and competitions, and helping thousands of riders, I've been asked just about every equestrian question you can imagine.

I'll be honest, Horse Showing has always been my passion, and my daughter was heavily involved in this discipline too. Over the years, I've also been fortunate to work alongside talented riders from dressage, show jumping and eventing.  Designing for riders across Australia and listening to their experiences has given me a real understanding of what works, what doesn't, and what riders actually need.

Whether you're buying your first pair of riding tights, getting ready for Pony Club or preparing for your next Dressage competition, I hope these guides help take the guesswork out of choosing the right gear so you can focus on enjoying the ride.

Looking for discipline-specific outfit advice? Scroll to the bottom of this page where you'll find our complete What to Wear guides for Pony Club, Horse Showing, Dressage, Show Jumping and Eventing, with everything you need to know before you head to the arena.

Let's start with one of the questions I'm asked almost every day...

Breeches, Jodhpurs or Riding Tights?

They might look similar, but they're designed for different jobs.

Breeches

Breeches are made to be worn with tall riding boots.  They have a thinner, close-fitting lower leg that sits comfortably inside your boots without bunching up. Most have a front zip and button closure.

Jodhpurs

Jodhpurs are designed for short riding boots. The fabric stays the same thickness all the way to the hem and sits neatly over your boots. Many riders use jodhpur clips or elastic boot straps to keep them in place. Like breeches, they usually have a front zip and button.

Riding Tights

If comfort is your priority, riding tights are hard to beat. They pull on like activewear because there's no zip or button, but don't mistake them for leggings. They're made from the same high-quality technical fabrics as breeches and jodhpurs, so they're built for riding.  However,  I've seen some riders wear them to the gym too.

Many styles also feature a lightweight sock-style lower leg, making them incredibly comfortable under tall boots. They're cooler in summer, less bulky and, let's be honest, they look pretty good around the stables too!

My Quick Rule

Tall boots? Choose breeches or riding tights.

Short boots? Choose jodhpurs or riding tights (without the sock style hem)

For everyday riding, it's no surprise that riding tights have become the favourite for so many Australian riders. They're comfortable, easy to wash and easy to live in.

Suede Seat or Gel Seat?

This one really comes down to personal preference.

Suede Seat

A suede seat has that traditional look and a softer, more natural feel in the saddle. It offers gentle grip without feeling restrictive, which many riders love.  These are especially popular in high end show horse competitions.

The downside is that suede gradually wears with use, loses grip over time and can become slippery in wet weather.

Gel Seat

Modern gel seats provide much more grip, helping keep your leg and seat secure without adding bulk. Without the suede they offer much more stretch because suede simply didn’t stretch as much as elastane. They perform well in all weather conditions and maintain their grip ride after ride, making them a popular choice for everything from everyday riding to dressage and jumping.

Some riders do find a full gel seat a little "sticky", so if you prefer more freedom of movement, look for styles with a lighter gel pattern.

My Pick

 I'd choose a modern gel seat every time. The technology has come a long way, they're incredibly durable and they simply perform better over the long term.

A Quick Word About Helmets

Helmet safety standards are changing regularly, especially for FEI competition.

Before buying a new competition helmet, it's always worth checking the latest requirements to make sure you're covered.

You can find the current helmet standards on the Equestrian Australia website.

Update to helmet standards | Equestrian Australia

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