Derriere Equestrian’s Claire Galer takes a tongue in cheek look at horsey fashions – from bling and matchy-matchy, to sparkling white breeches

Derriere Equestrian’s Claire Galer takes a tongue in cheek look at horsey fashions – from bling and matchy-matchy, to sparkling white breeches

As we hurtle into winter 2019 we can look forward to catching up on current fashion trends, and noting what will be The Next Big Thing.

Trends and crazes

Just as high street fashion is ever-changing, the horse-world also seems to go through different trends and crazes each year. Bling has of course been Big the last few years, but now the more traditional look seems to be creeping back into competition, with many more brown or tan boots on the retail shelves in 2019, and plenty of tweed coats being paraded on the eventing field.

Harmonious hues

The ‘Matchy-Matchy’ craze has continued to dominate lately, with some very interesting colour schemes! Apparently, a few of the de rigour colours this season (according to the experts at Pantone) are: pinky coral; dark maroon red; pink-infused lavender; and turmeric orange. Whilst these predictions are for human fashion, they certainly sound as if they’re a good fit for the ‘Matchy-Matchy’ craze of colourful saddle pads, fly veils and bandages, too.

Spotting the disciplines

Fashion and colour trends in equestrianism are usually very indicative of their discipline.

Take your average British Showjumping-run show - if you line the competitors up in their competition attire, there’s a fair chance you can tell who does what. For example, for the pure showjumpers, the give-away is usually a stock shirt (often coloured or sparkly) with no stock, a shorter, form fitting jacket, and plenty of flowing female pony tails or plaits down the rider’s back! Breeches are often sparkling white, and the horses are often the blingiest, often working the latest trends in sparkly browbands.

The eventers meanwhile, who are attending to hone their accuracy over showjumps or bring on their youngsters, are more likely to have long hair tied up in a hair net; their helmet, if you look closely, is less than pristine, and likely to be slightly mud-splattered; and their attire is more traditional; maybe a tweed coat with a stock. Their nod to Matchy-Matchy could be matching the insulation tape on their horses’ boots to their own colours!

Any dressage riders out to inject some variety into their training are likely to be working a pair of spotless white breeches, extremely shiny black boots, their hair tied up neatly, and plenty of subtle bling and sparkle.

Everyone, whatever their discipline, looks longingly at the patent and sparkly riding hats that some contenders are wearing, and wonders if they can rock the look too. The traditional Velvet is hardly anywhere to be seen.

Riding attire and performance

Of course, your attire has to fit in with your discipline rules, but does what you wear actually make any difference to your performance? So long as you're smart, the most important thing is to be comfortable, and choose riding wear that fits. (How can you concentrate on remembering your SJ course or dressage test when your undies are riding up or down, for example?)

A well-fitting jacket can make you feel a million dollars, but if you don't like what you're wearing because of the styling, it probably isn’t for you, as you will actually sit up straighter and hold your head up higher if you feel confident in how you look. Ladies, don’t under-estimate the importance of a good sports bra - the racer-back-style Derriere Sportief Bra will help your posture no end.

Beautiful breeches and performance pants

Your breeches of course must be flattering and comfortable – like a second skin. The aforementioned ‘knicker ride-up’ is a no-no, as is the dreaded VPL. Derriere Equestrian’s white Cannes Competition Breeches go with any outfit – They are designed to promote comfort and performance, working in harmony with the Derriere undergarments, ensuring all fabric surfaces come together to eliminate chaffing, abrasions and discomfort.

They do feature very subtle Diamanté on the corner pockets, and have a designer crystal button fastening, so you can embrace a more flamboyant style, but in a discreet fashion! Team them with the Derriere Equestrian Performance Panty to eradicate seamlines; even if you manage to take an un-scheduled dip into a water jump, there will be no see-through undies shame, with this perfect combination.