Most of us know jodhpurs mainly as riding pants and actually may have thought they'd disappeared from the scene. The distinctive flared pants were once familiar sights in the hunt field, at military and police headquarters, and on Hollywood movie sets. Today, however, styles have changed and the long riding pants are now form-fitting.
A jodhpur pant has always been tight-fitting from knee to ankle but flared or loose-fitting above the knee. This gave freedom of movement to the hip and thighs while helping a rider cling tightly with the legs. Modern stretch fabrics have caused the distinctive flare to be abandoned, and today's riding pants conform to the rider's shape from the waist down.
Sir Pratap Singh, a younger son of the Maharaja of Jodhpur, introduced the style to England when his polo team arrived to play for the Queen. Although by definition the trousers extend to the ankle, the English players began wearing breeches that ended at mid-calf. They wore high boots with the shorter pants, while the genuine long pants are made to be worn with low shoes or paddock boots. The distinctive hip flare was retained.
This adaptation spread to the rest of the equestrian community, especially as women began to ride astride. It was almost exclusively used by the upper class and their servants, so it became a symbol of authority. It was adopted by military staff and police officers; it's still the inspiration for the uniform of motorcycle police or mounted officers.
Full-length pants are good for children, because they grow too fast to make buying high boots practical. Instructors also say that this style of riding pant lets them see the position of the leg, thus helping children learn the correct position. The riding world is fairly strict on etiquette, and many horse enthusiasts prefer to see children dressed in jodhpurs even if money is no object.
Adults also often wear them with low boots and half-chaps or leggings, which protect the lower leg from chafing against the stirrup leathers. They make good work clothes around the barn. Riders seldom want to wear their tall, highly-polished boots for stable chores.
Jodphur construction includes knee patches, which offer further chafe protection and improve the rider's grip. Many also have a seat patch of some non-slip material to help the rider stay in the saddle. Modern styles may have the seat and the entire inner leg covered with leather suede or another material. Seams are on the outside of the leg, to minimize rubbing and extend the life of the garment.
The most common colors for jodhpurs include beige, cream, and white, although saddle-seat riders wear flare-cuff styles in dark colors. Today, riding gear for casual wear comes in many colors, but competition generally calls for traditional beige or white. Go online to see styles, colors, and variations that follow the current fashions.
A jodhpur pant has always been tight-fitting from knee to ankle but flared or loose-fitting above the knee. This gave freedom of movement to the hip and thighs while helping a rider cling tightly with the legs. Modern stretch fabrics have caused the distinctive flare to be abandoned, and today's riding pants conform to the rider's shape from the waist down.
Sir Pratap Singh, a younger son of the Maharaja of Jodhpur, introduced the style to England when his polo team arrived to play for the Queen. Although by definition the trousers extend to the ankle, the English players began wearing breeches that ended at mid-calf. They wore high boots with the shorter pants, while the genuine long pants are made to be worn with low shoes or paddock boots. The distinctive hip flare was retained.
This adaptation spread to the rest of the equestrian community, especially as women began to ride astride. It was almost exclusively used by the upper class and their servants, so it became a symbol of authority. It was adopted by military staff and police officers; it's still the inspiration for the uniform of motorcycle police or mounted officers.
Full-length pants are good for children, because they grow too fast to make buying high boots practical. Instructors also say that this style of riding pant lets them see the position of the leg, thus helping children learn the correct position. The riding world is fairly strict on etiquette, and many horse enthusiasts prefer to see children dressed in jodhpurs even if money is no object.
Adults also often wear them with low boots and half-chaps or leggings, which protect the lower leg from chafing against the stirrup leathers. They make good work clothes around the barn. Riders seldom want to wear their tall, highly-polished boots for stable chores.
Jodphur construction includes knee patches, which offer further chafe protection and improve the rider's grip. Many also have a seat patch of some non-slip material to help the rider stay in the saddle. Modern styles may have the seat and the entire inner leg covered with leather suede or another material. Seams are on the outside of the leg, to minimize rubbing and extend the life of the garment.
The most common colors for jodhpurs include beige, cream, and white, although saddle-seat riders wear flare-cuff styles in dark colors. Today, riding gear for casual wear comes in many colors, but competition generally calls for traditional beige or white. Go online to see styles, colors, and variations that follow the current fashions.
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We can help you make the right decision with regards to choosing the best jodhpurs for your needs. To get the full details, see our official site at http://www.countryandstable.co.uk.
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