Men's riding shirts for Black Friday
The men's riding shirts in this selection dress the rider for competitions and training: Horse Pilot Aerolight, Tommy Hilfiger Equestrian Columbus, QHP Berno, Premier Equine Antonio and Ego 7. All are made from technical, stretchy and breathable fabrics that stay sharp under the competition jacket from the first to the last jump.
The elegance of the rider, at a reduced price.
The competition shirt dress code
In competition, the shirt is part of a strict outfit: rules generally require a white or light-coloured shirt, worn with a tie or a stock under the jacket. The collar must remain closed and neat, and the shirt must be tucked in throughout the course, even after a slightly bumpy jump. Competition shirts like the Premier Equine Antonio or the QHP Berno have a closed collar, often secured with snap buttons, which makes putting on the tie easier and allows for quick removal between events. White remains the safest choice for starting in competition, as it is accepted everywhere.
Other clothing
Men's equestrian wear during the Black Friday also includes:
All men's equestrian wear can be found on the men's page.
Technical fabrics: ventilation and freedom of movement
The competition shirt has moved away from classic cotton to technical fabrics blending polyester and elastane, which are lighter, wick away sweat and dry quickly. The rider works with arms stretched towards the horse's mouth and leans over the neck as they approach the jump: a stretchable fabric follows these movements without pulling at the shoulders or coming out of the trousers. The Horse Pilot Aerolight, as its name suggests, focuses on lightness and ventilation, which are valuable when heat builds up under the jacket in the middle of summer. These materials crease little, an advantage when the outfit sits in the lorry all day.
Horse Pilot, Tommy Hilfiger, QHP, Premier Equine, Ego 7
Horse Pilot, a French brand specialized in technical rider clothing, has built its reputation on lightweight and ventilated pieces, such as the long-sleeved Aerolight. Tommy Hilfiger Equestrian brings the elegance of the American brand to the arena: the Columbus is all about understated style, suitable for both competition and training. The Dutch brand QHP offers the Berno, a simple competition shirt ideal for a first season. The British Premier Equine, with the Antonio, and the Italian Ego 7 complete the choice for riders looking to alternate between several shirts over a weekend of events.
Size, fit and care of a rider's shirt
An equestrian shirt should be fitted: if it’s too loose, it balloons under the jacket and creates unsightly wrinkles; if it’s too tight, it constricts the shoulders during a vigorous trot. Check the neck size, which should allow a finger to fit in when closed, and the back length, which should stay tucked in while riding, even when leaning forward. Care is simple: wash at thirty degrees, without fabric softener, which would clog the breathable fibers, and dry on a hanger, without a tumble dryer. A white shirt should be washed with whites to keep its brightness. The Black Friday is a good time to stock up on shirts before the indoor competitions in winter.
Frequently asked questions
Can you wear a coloured shirt in competition?
Light shirts, such as sky blue or pale pink, are often accepted in amateur show jumping, but white is still required in certain events. Always check the rules of the discipline and level before committing.
Is a tie required with a men's competition shirt?
Yes, generally: the rider wears a tie or a stock with their shirt under the jacket. Competition shirts have a collar designed for this, which remains closed and straight even after several rounds.
Can a competition shirt be used for training?
Yes, its breathable technical fabric works well for sessions in warm weather. However, many riders keep their white shirt for competitions, to maintain its brightness, and use another one for everyday wear.
What is a western riding shirt?
Originating from American riding, the western shirt is recognized by its pointed yoke on the shoulders and snap buttons. It does not follow the codes of the show jumping or dressage competition shirt, which is white, fitted, and has a closed collar.
How to remove stains from a white shirt after a competition?
Treat grass, dirt or grease stains as soon as you get back, with a dry stain remover soap applied directly, then wash at thirty or forty degrees depending on the label. Avoid bleach, which yellows synthetic fibers and damages elastane.
