Women's Equestrian at Black Friday
The selection of women's equestrian gear for the Black Friday brings together equipment for the female rider, from the stable to the competition ground: tall boots and leather ankle boots, fitted show jackets, grip pants, riding jeans, back protectors and puffer jackets. Well-known equestrian brands like Ariat, Horze, Harry's Horse and Cavallo offer cuts designed for the female body shape and the riding position.
Boots, jackets and trousers designed for the female rider.
High boots or ankle boots and mini-chaps
High boots made of leather provide the most continuous contact with the horse's flank. They are chosen based on the calf size and leg height as well as shoe size since the leather compresses by a few centimetres with use: when new, they should touch the hollow of the knee. The Ariat Palisade, a field-style boot laced over the instep, makes it easier to put on and adapts to the flex of the ankle. Jodhpur boots, like the Harry's Horse Selina or the Sergio Grasso Dynamik, are easier to walk in at the stables; when paired with matching mini-chaps, they give the appearance of a boot while riding. Horze, established in 1988 in Lahti, Finland, completes the selection with the Verona.
By product type
The women's selection is organised by type:
The Black Friday riding event is also available for men, horse accessories, on the riding page.
Women's competition jacket: fit and fabric
The competition jacket for women stands out for its fitted and short cut, which frees the hips while riding, and for a stretchy, breathable technical fabric that moves with the arms when approaching an obstacle or during a routine. The Harry's Horse Sparkle and Pirouette, from the Dutch brand, add shiny details; the QHP Juliet and Imperial Riding Basic are more understated. Under the jacket, a white or light competition polo is worn, like the Harry's Horse Brighton or the Blackpool. The rules for each discipline specify the allowed colours and accessories, to be checked before a first competition.
Full grip, knee grip or riding jeans
The riding trousers are first chosen based on their grip, which are silicone inserts placed inside the legs. The full grip, like on the ELT Fun Sport, covers the inside of the leg from thigh to calf and stabilises the position, a common choice in dressage; knee grip allows more movement of the leg, appreciated in jumping. For winter, the B Vertigo Dana, thermal, keeps the legs warm during morning sessions, and the Cavallo Charlet is a reliable choice from the German brand. The riding jeans Ariat R.E.A.L., made from stretchy denim with shifted inner seams, can be worn on horseback as well as on a ride.
The protectors for the rider's back
The back protector is worn under the jacket or coat, like a lightweight vest, and protects the spine in case of a fall. Due to the absence of a specific European standard for equestrian use, these back protectors are generally certified to the EN 1621-2 standard, derived from motorsports, where the impact levels are comparable. It does not replace the body protector required in cross-country during eventing. The Harry's Horse model, tailored for the female form, is chosen based on the length of the back, without protruding on the saddle, and is forgotten during the training of young horses.
Frequently asked questions
Is riding a mixed sport in competition?
Yes, it is one of the few Olympic sports where women and men compete together, in the same events and the same rankings. Technique, finesse, and harmony with the horse matter far more than strength.
Why does riding attract so many women?
In France, women represent the vast majority of licence holders in the French equestrian federation. The contact with the animal, daily care, and practice starting in clubs from childhood partly explain this enthusiasm.
How do you maintain leather riding boots?
Remove mud after each session with a damp sponge, let them dry in the air away from the radiator, and then nourish the leather with an appropriate balm. Boot trees keep the shaft straight and prevent creases at the ankle.
How to stay warm at the stables in winter?
Opt for lined boots, like the thermal Horka or QHP models, thermal trousers, and a short down jacket that doesn't hinder movement in the saddle. Thin gloves with reinforced fingers help preserve sensitivity in the reins.
What size competition jacket should I choose?
The competition jacket should fit closely to the body: choose it based on your chest measurement, ensuring that the shoulders fall just right and the arms remain free once in the saddle, hands forward. Stretchy fabrics allow for a slight variation.
