Jodhpurs are known primarily as riding pants, but they began as traditional garb in oriental countries and India. Since their introduction to England in the late l9th century, these pants have been used for riding, as military uniforms, as police uniforms, and as high fashion wear. Hollywood movie directors used to love them, and they are still the most practical wear for child equestrians.
The traditional jodhpur was roomy at the hip and tight-fitting from knee to ankle. It's a good cut for riding, as it provides freedom of movement for hip and thigh but helps to give a good grip for the lower leg. Modern stretch fabrics have changed the need for the flared hip, which has totally gone out of fashion; today the styles are form-fitting.
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 who wear them often add half-chaps or leggings for extra grip and protection when mounted. These zip up or lace to cover the lower leg; they have a strap that goes under the boot for a secure fit. They provide protection against the rub and pinch of the stirrup leathers.
The pants are made with knee patches, both for protection and to help the rider grip the saddle, and with the seams on the outside of the leg to minimize rubbing. More modern styles often have seat patches as well, again for better grip, and may have the whole seat and inner leg lined with non-slip fabric fabric or leather. Seams need to be very strong to withstand the stress of vigorous equestrian exercise.
Jodhpurs in all colors are acceptable for informal occasions, but competition usually requires traditional beige or white. Saddlebred show riders wear a special style with a flared cuff that comes low over the heel, always in dark blue or black.
The traditional jodhpur was roomy at the hip and tight-fitting from knee to ankle. It's a good cut for riding, as it provides freedom of movement for hip and thigh but helps to give a good grip for the lower leg. Modern stretch fabrics have changed the need for the flared hip, which has totally gone out of fashion; today the styles are form-fitting.
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 who wear them often add half-chaps or leggings for extra grip and protection when mounted. These zip up or lace to cover the lower leg; they have a strap that goes under the boot for a secure fit. They provide protection against the rub and pinch of the stirrup leathers.
The pants are made with knee patches, both for protection and to help the rider grip the saddle, and with the seams on the outside of the leg to minimize rubbing. More modern styles often have seat patches as well, again for better grip, and may have the whole seat and inner leg lined with non-slip fabric fabric or leather. Seams need to be very strong to withstand the stress of vigorous equestrian exercise.
Jodhpurs in all colors are acceptable for informal occasions, but competition usually requires traditional beige or white. Saddlebred show riders wear a special style with a flared cuff that comes low over the heel, always in dark blue or black.
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