Eventing Competition Outfit Guide

Everything You Need to Know Before Tacking Up

New to Eventing?

Think of Eventing as three competitions rolled into one.

  • Dressage – tests harmony, balance and accuracy.

  • Show Jumping – tests precision after your horse has already worked hard.

  • Cross Country – is all about courage, fitness and partnership, and is usually the final phase of the competition.

Each phase has slightly different clothing requirements, so it's always worth checking the latest EA rules and your event schedule before you compete.

Dressage & Show Jumping

For both of these phases you'll wear traditional competition attire.

A navy jacket is still the most versatile choice because it works beautifully across Dressage, Show Jumping and plenty of other disciplines too.

Our Ava Navy Jacket, (ladies), Cleo Black Jacket and SOL Youth Show Jackets have all been popular with Event riders because they're lightweight, stretchy and comfortable enough to wear all day. After Cross Country, the last thing you want is a stiff jacket that feels restrictive!

But Eventing is also one of the disciplines where riders love showing a little personality. If colour is your thing, our youth SOL Show Jackets in Dusty Rose Pink or Sky Blue are a fun way to stand out while still looking polished.

Cross Country

Cross Country is where safety comes first.

An approved body protector is compulsory, and your clothing needs to let you move freely without overheating.

Most riders wear:

  • Cross-country colours or a lightweight technical base layer

  • Body protector

  • Approved helmet check out the latest regulations here

  • White, cream, beige or black breeches, tights or jodhpurs (where permitted under current EA rules)

  • Riding boots

  • Gloves

Australia can throw some pretty warm competition days at you, so breathable technical fabrics are well worth it.

Boots, Gloves & Hair

The little details still matter.

  • Tall boots are generally worn for Dressage and Show Jumping.

  • Wear riding boots that comply with current EA Eventing rules for Cross Country.

  • Gloves improve your grip and are recommended for all three phases.

  • Hair should always be neatly secured, whether that's a bun, hair net or practical ponytail under your helmet.

Mistakes I See All the Time

The biggest one?

Forgetting that Eventing is usually a multi-day competition.

Many events are run over two or three days, so it's important to pack everything you'll need before leaving home.

Other common mistakes include:

  • Forgetting your body protector

  • Wearing heavy fabrics on hot days

  • Choosing a jacket that restricts movement

  • Dirty boots for Dressage or Show Jumping

  • Not checking the latest EA rules

A little preparation goes a long way.

Questions I'm Asked All the Time

Do I wear the same clothes for every phase?

Usually not. Most riders wear the same competition outfit for Dressage and Show Jumping, then change into their Cross Country gear, which includes a body protector and any other compulsory safety equipment required by the event.

These changes keep the guide accurate for Australian Eventing while reflecting what riders typically wear at competitions.

My Hot Tips:

⭐ Cross Country is won with rhythm, not speed. Riders who chase the clock usually make mistakes. Riders who keep a consistent rhythm arrive at every fence balanced and give their horse the best chance of jumping confidently.

⭐ Ride the phase you're in—not the one you've already finished. One mistake in Dressage or one rail in Show Jumping doesn't define your day. The best Event riders reset, move on and focus completely on what's in front of them.

Final Thoughts

Eventing asks a lot of both horse and rider, so your competition clothing needs to work just as hard.

Choose versatile pieces that are comfortable, breathable and designed to move with you through all three phases. When you're not worrying about what you're wearing, you can put all your energy into enjoying the ride, and that's what Eventing is all about.