Eventing Competition Outfit Guide

Everything You Need to Know About Eventing Competition Attire

Eventing combines Dressage, Cross Country and Show Jumping, making it one of the most challenging and rewarding equestrian disciplines. As each phase has different dress requirements, this guide explains what to wear so you can compete safely, comfortably and with confidence.

Always check the latest Equestrian Australia Eventing Rules and your event schedule, as requirements may change.

Eventing Competition Clothing Checklist:

Because Eventing consists of three phases, you'll usually need different clothing for each.

Dressage Phase:
✔ Approved riding helmet
✔ Competition shirt
✔ Competition jacket
✔ White, cream or beige breeches
✔ Tall riding boots or approved short boots
✔ Gloves
✔ Hair neatly secured

Cross Country Phase:
✔ Approved helmet
✔ Body protector (compulsory)
✔ Medical armband (where required)
✔ Cross-country colours or lightweight base layer
✔ White or light-coloured breeches
✔ Tall boots or suitable cross-country boots
✔ Gloves

Show Jumping Phase:
✔ Approved riding helmet
✔ Competition jacket (unless waived under a heat policy)
✔ Competition shirt
✔ White or off-white breeches
✔ Tall riding boots
✔ Gloves

What Should You Wear for Eventing?

Unlike other equestrian disciplines, Eventing requires riders to change clothing between phases.
The Dressage phase focuses on elegance and presentation.
The Cross Country phase prioritises safety, comfort and freedom of movement.
The Show Jumping phase combines traditional competition attire with athletic performance.

Choosing lightweight, breathable clothing helps keep you comfortable throughout what is often a long day of competition.

Dressage Phase Clothing

The Dressage phase follows traditional competition attire.

Most riders wear:
• Navy or black competition jacket
• Competition shirt
• White, cream or beige breeches
• Tall riding boots
• Gloves
• Hair neatly secured

A classic navy jacket remains the most versatile investment and can also be worn for Show Jumping and many other equestrian disciplines.

Cross Country Clothing:
Cross Country places safety above everything else.

Riders are generally required to wear:
• Approved riding helmet
• Body protector
• Medical identification (where required)
• Cross-country colours or a technical base layer
• Competition breeches
• Suitable riding boots

Many riders wear lightweight, moisture-wicking base layers that provide excellent freedom of movement while helping regulate body temperature during Australia's warmer months.
Brightly coloured silks, long-sleeve jerseys or personalised cross-country colours are commonly worn over body protectors and help riders stand out on course.

Show Jumping Clothing:
The Show Jumping phase returns to traditional competition attire.

Most riders wear:
• Competition jacket
• Competition shirt
• White or off-white breeches
• Tall riding boots
• Gloves

At some competitions, jackets may be waived during extreme heat, so always check announcements from the organising committee.

Our SOL Show Jackets Jacket has become popular with Eventing riders because its lightweight stretch fabric and breathable perforated back panel provide excellent comfort after completing the physically demanding Cross Country phase.

What Breeches Should You Wear?

Most Eventing riders choose:
• White (most common)
• Off-white
• Cream
Our Rosette Breeches have become a favourite among Eventing riders because the black full seat offers extra confidence, creates a flattering silhouette and helps disguise dirt after a demanding day across all three phases.

Choose breeches that provide:
• Four-way stretch
• Comfortable fit
• Freedom of movement
• Breathable fabric

What Boots Should You Wear?

Dressage and Show Jumping generally require traditional competition boots.
For Cross Country, many riders choose boots designed for additional protection and durability.

Whatever style you choose, your boots should be:
• Well fitted
• Comfortable
• Clean for Dressage and Show Jumping
• Suitable for riding over varied terrain

Gloves and Hair

Gloves are recommended for all three phases, providing grip, comfort and a polished appearance.
Hair should always be neatly secured.

Many riders choose:
• Hair nets
• Decorative scrunchies for Dressage and Show Jumping
• Practical ponytails or buns beneath the helmet for Cross Country

Common Eventing Clothing Mistakes:

• Forgetting to pack clothing for each phase.
• Wearing heavy fabrics in hot weather.
• Choosing a jacket that restricts movement.
• Wearing breeches that don't fit properly.
• Forgetting a body protector for Cross Country.
• Boots that haven't been cleaned before Dressage or Show Jumping.
• Not checking the latest competition rules before the event.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I wear the same clothes for all three phases?
No. Dressage, Cross Country and Show Jumping each have different dress requirements, so most riders change clothing between phases.

Do I have to wear a body protector?

Yes. An approved body protector is compulsory for the Cross Country phase under Equestrian Australia rules.

What colour breeches do Eventing riders wear?
White (most popular), off-white or cream breeches are the most common choices for competition.

Can I wear a show jacket for Eventing?
If you're buying your first competition jacket, navy is always the most versatile choice. It complements almost every horse colour, suits riders of all ages and never goes out of style.
But if you love to be a little bit of a trailblazer, why not choose colour? Show Jumping & Eventing are the perfect place to express your personality, and life is far too short not to stand out in the ring.

What is the best jacket for Eventing?
A lightweight stretch jacket that allows unrestricted movement is ideal. Many riders choose a breathable technical jacket that can comfortably be worn for both Dressage and Show Jumping.

Final Thoughts
Eventing demands presentation, comfort and safety across Dressage, Cross Country and Show Jumping. Invest in versatile, well-fitting competition clothing that performs across all three phases, so you can focus on enjoying the ride.

Hot Tip:

Cross-country is won with rhythm, not speed. This is probably the single best piece of eventing advice you'll ever hear. Riders who chase the clock often make mistakes. Riders who maintain a consistent rhythm arrive at every fence in balance, giving their horse the best chance to jump confidently and finish on time.
Ride the course that's in front of you, not the score that's behind you. One mistake in dressage or a rail in show jumping means nothing if you let it affect the next phase. The best event riders stay present, adapt quickly and focus entirely on the next task.