How to Choose, and Properly Fit, an Equestrian Coat

Picking out an equestrian coat is a lot more complicated than you might think. For one thing, your riding jacket will fit differently than anything you wear that's not for riding. Whether you will be competing with your horse in a local schooling show or in an A-level championship class, you'll want your equestrian coat to be both elegant and functional. You need to be able to ride properly as you would in functional equestrian schooling clothes, but in a show you want to also look stylish and put-together.

Things You'll Need

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

    • 1

      Find a reputable tack shop, one that has knowledgeable salespeople who can help in your search for an equestrian coat. Try to find a tack store that arranges for tailoring, as most equestrian coats need altering for correct fit. When shopping at a store, bring your breeches and show shirt to the store or change into a some that are for sale. It is important to wear them when trying on equestrian coats. If you are shopping online or from a catalog, you should begin several weeks in advance as you will probably need to try on and return several sizes.

    • 2

      Determine the size of riding jacket you need. Children's equestrian clothes will run according to children's sizes up to 16, and sometimes size 18 or 20. Equestrian coats for kids tend to be much more boxy than adult coats, so an equestrian coat meant for a large kid won't work for a small adult and vice versa. Adult sizes run from 0 upward, in increments of 2. So if you wear a 6 in pants, start by trying a size 6 hunt coat or dressage coat.

    • 3

      Try on a coat in "regular" length first. 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 first. (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 is not restrictive.

    • 4

      Assess the length. Start by looking at the back of the show jacket. It should come down just to the bottom of your butt. Let your arms hang down at your sides. The sleeves should end at the bottom knuckle of your thumbs or further, such as to the end of your middle finger. The sleeves need to be this long so that when your elbows are bent riding, they won't look short and silly. If you determine the equestrian coat in "R" length is too short, try a long in the "L" size; if the "R" is too short, try one in a short or "S" cut. Keep in mind that the body fit is more important than the sleeve fit, as sleeves are easily tailored.

    • 5

      Rely on a salesperson to help you with fit from one brand to another, once you've determined a size you think fits. Different brands of equestrian coats vary greatly in the way they fit. For instance, in one brand, you might be a 6S and in another a 4R.

    • 6

      Narrow your choices down based on color. If you are a riding hunter, try to pick an equestrian coat in a conservative color that blends well in the wilderness. 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 alterations done as necessary. Often an equestrian coat's sleeves need to be adjusted. Ask your salesperson for help with arranging alterations.