If you’ve ever ridden in clothing not designed for equestrian use, you know what a difference the right clothing can make. Riding shirts are made to move with you, wick away moisture, and keep you comfortable. There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to horse riding shirts for English riders. In this article, we’ll review the various options available, what to look for in a shirt, and some top options to consider when purchasing your riding shirts.
Types of English Riding Shirts
Equestrian shirts come in a range of designs and with a variety of features, so you have options to match your preferences. The length of the sleeve can be long, short, or sleeveless. You can choose from white, a spectrum of colors, and different patterns. Equestrian shirts also come in different styles, like a formal stock tie, a zip-up, or a button-up. You’ll also find different fabrics, including technology fabrics that are moisture-wicking, breathable, cooling, and protect from the sun.
When you’re riding casually or practicing for a competition, you can wear whatever you want. However, when you’re competing, it’s important to wear the proper attire for your discipline:
- Dressage requires formal attire, and competitors typically wear a white stock tie.
- Cross country riders wear a polo shirt or a long-sleeved shirt.
- Hunters usually follow dressage conventions with a formal white shirt.
- Jumpers typically go for riding shirts with a little bling on them.
For hunters, there is some flexibility with color. They may be able to wear a colored stock tie with a tweed coat, depending on the competition. And, in some events, they may forgo the tailored riding jacket in hot weather.
What To Look for in a Riding Shirt
Selecting a riding shirt is an important choice, as you want to be comfortable. Make sure it fits you well — not too big, and not so small that it restricts movement. You don’t want to be thinking about your shirt while you’re riding your horse! Consider the weather when you’ll be riding to determine how long of a sleeve you want and the material for your shirt. For example, if it’s going to be hot, it’s a good idea to get a shirt with Icefil fabric, which is designed to wick away sweat and cool your body temperature by up to 5 degrees. Also consider where you’re riding. If you’re training, you could wear a shirt with a fun pattern on it, but when you’re competing, you generally need a more formal white shirt, or possibly a plain colored one, depending on your English riding discipline.
13 Best Horse Riding Shirts
You’ll find a lot of options for horse riding shirts at the Farm House. Here are some fan favorites, including casual riding shirts and show shirts for all the equestrians in your family.
1. Ariat Laguna V Neck Short Sleeve Shirt ($39.95)
This short-sleeve show shirt is a winner! The soft fabric is so comfortable and allows great freedom of movement, and the mesh upper area is great for hot days. The striking colors and feminine V neck make this a top pick for riding and beyond in the summertime!
2. R.J. Classics Maddie Long Sleeve Show Shirt ($99)
Leave it to R.J. Classics to find a great way to make a simple shirt stylish! We love the adorable contrast detailing along the inside of the collar & cuffs of this shirt. It’s made of high-performance materials that will wick away moisture to keep you cool and offers a phenomenal range of movement.
3. Kerrits Women’s Triple Chill Sun Shirt ($99)
This lightweight shirt delivers a cooling trifecta in a fun summer plaid: wicking, drying, and reducing skin temps with cooling minerals. Convert from a long to a short sleeve with a simple snap, wear the collar up or down, enjoy it open or closed. With a hint of stretch, this versatile shirt frees riders to discover new trails or set jumps without restriction, staying comfy and cool as air flows through the mesh back panel.
4. Ariat Women’s Motif Short Sleeve Polo Shirt ($69.95)
Are you looking for a fun, casual shirt for your schooling days? Then, check out this classic polo top in playful prints by Ariat. Let your personality shine through, along with your love of horses, with these fun prints. The performance material will keep you comfortable in any weather, as it’s wicking, odor-resistant, and will protect you from the sun during those long summer days.
5. Tailored Sportsman Long Sleeve IceFil Sun Shirts ($69)
For the ultimate in casual summer wear, we know you’ll love this Tailored Sportsman Icefil shirt. It’s not only comfortable and stylish, but the Icefil fabric technology will cool you down by wicking moisture away and turning it into a refrigerant to keep you cool. You’ll enjoy the fun colors while looking your best for schooling in this great top.
6. Ariat Men’s VentTEK Classic Short Sleeve Shirt ($65.95)
Men will love this Ariat shirt packed full of all of the greatest technology to make your ride comfortable. Its moisture-wicking fabric is designed to maximize airflow to keep you cool, even on the hottest days. And you get sun protection with solid colors and some fun prints.
7. EGO7 Men’s M-Shirt Short Sleeve Show Shirt ($178)
This stylish show shirt will up your performance. Made in Italy of premium fabric, this shirt is comfortable, breathable, and allows for maximum freedom of movement. It’s a modern cut and perfect for those summer competitions.
8. Equiline Men’s David Long Sleeve Show Shirt ($225)
This traditionally-styled long-sleeve show shirt will help you perform your best in the ring. It has a button-down collar and an applicable tie pin, and it’s made of premium fabric that’s breathable and allows freedom of movement.
9. Kerrits Kids’ Always Cool Ice Fil Short Sleeve Shirt ($49)
Kids will love this comfortable and casual shirt with its fun prints. The Icefil fabric will keep them cool, even on the hottest days. The high collar and sun protection provide maximum sunburn prevention.
10. Kerrits Kids’ Always Cool Ice Fil Long Sleeve Shirt Print ($59)
The Kids’ Aire Ice Fil also comes in a long-sleeve version that’s popular for protecting the entire arm from the sun.
11. Ariat Girl’s Aptos Show Shirt ($44.95)
This short-sleeve show shirt will help girls perform their very best in the show ring. The fabric is comfortable, moisture-wicking, breathable, and protects from the sun as well. There’s a lot of powerful technology packed into this classic look shirt.
12. Ariat Girls’ Sunstopper 2.0 Show Shirt ($49.95)
If you’re looking for a girls’ long sleeve show shirt, the Ariat Girl’s Sunstopper 2.0 Show Shirt is a great option. We love this show shirt because of the moisture movement technology coupled with sun protective fabric and breathable mesh paneling.
13. Samshield Women’s Camille Show Shirt ($251)
The Samshield Camille long sleeve show shirt features gorgeous lace detailing along the collar and cuffs. Elegance meets performance with a soft high stretch fabric which ensures high breathability and comfort. The tailored fit provides an excellent positioning when active for an optimal comfort.
Look Your Best and Stay Comfortable in a Quality Horse Riding Shirt
Whether you’re riding for fun or competition, look and feel your best whenever you’re on your horse in one of these great shirts. There are lots of different options to choose from for your entire family.
Explore our entire selection of show shirts, and if you have questions, give us a call at 864-457-3557. The Farm House team is made up of experienced English riders who have a thorough understanding of the products we carry.
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