How to Choose, and Properly Fit, an Equestrian Coat

Picking out an equestrian coat is a difficult and expensive decision. Whether you will be competing with your horse in a local schooling show or an A level championship class, the right one has to be both elegant and functional. You need to be able to ride properly as you would in schooling clothes but simultaneously look stylish and put together. This makes finding the perfect equestrian coat, especially on a budget, seem like an impossible task. It is the last thing someone wants to deal with during the stress leading up to a horse show. This guide, however, should make the decision a little more manageable.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• reputable tack store or catalog with a wide range of equestrian coats to try on
• tailor
• patience

1. Start by finding a reputable tack shop that has knowledgeable sales people that can help in your search for an equestrian coat. Try to find a tack store that arranges for tailoring as many equestrian coats need altering for correct fit. If you are shopping online or from a catalog, you should begin several weeks in advance as you will probably need to try and return several possibilities. It is essential to bring your breeches and show shirt to the store or change into a some that are for sale. It is important to wear these when trying on equestrian coats.

2. Once you are in the store, start by determining the number size that you need. Children's equestrian clothes will run according to children's (girls) sizes up to 16, 18 or 20. Equestrian coats for kids tend to be much more boxy than adult coats. So an equestrian coat that is meant for a large kid won't work for a small adult and vise verse. Adult sizes run from 0 upward in increments of 2. So, if you wear a 6 in pants, you will probably start by trying a size 6 hunt coat or dressage coat.

3. Equestrian coats come in short, long, and regular variations of each size. Regular sizes are symbolized by a "R" on the tag. Try one on in the regular length of your size. If you are a size 6, try a 6R first. There should be no bunches or wrinkles, the fabric should snug, but flat, across your back and butt. If it is too tight, you will have to go up a size, if it is too baggy, down one. Check to see if the shoulders are too wide or narrow and if there is any unsightly bagginess. Lean over in jumping position and bend your elbows almost 90 degrees as if you are riding to make sure the coat isn't to restrictive.

4. In the meantime, you need to also assess length. To figure this out, start by looking at the back of the show jacket. It should come down just to the bottom of your butt cheeks. Then, let your arms hang down at your sides. The sleeves should end at the bottom knuckle of your thumbs. The sleeves need to be this long so that when your elbows are bent riding, they won't look short and silly. If the equestrian coat is too short, you will need a long in the proper size (6L), and if it is too long, you will need a short (6S). Keep in mind that the body fit is more important than the sleeve fit as sleeves are easily tailored.

5. Have the sales person fill you in on brand information. Different brands of equestrian coats vary greatly in the way they fit. Figure out which size and length you take in each brand. For instance, in one brand, you might be a 6S and in another a 4R.

6. If you have found a range of choices, narrow them down based on color. If you are riding hunters, try to pick an equestrian coat in a conservative color. If you plan to use a hunt coat for lower level or schooling dressage shows, stick to dark navy or black. Coordinate your equestrian coat color with your show shirt color.

7. Have the sales person schedule any alterations that need to be done. Often the sleeves need to be adjusted.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you look at women's equestrian coats if you are a girl and men's if you are a man. They differ according to the side on which the buttons are sewn.

Resources

• How to Choose and Properly Fit Tall English Riding Boots
• How to Buy Stirrup Leathers
• How to Wear Boots for Riding

[Gardengates]

on 3/17/2009 I always wondered how those coats were fitted to horses. Thanks for the helpful article!