clothing for men??????

[happyhorse]

hi,

i have been riding for many years and am still surprised by the fact there aren't many men riding!! anyway the problem we have is my boyfriend ( yes i am a lucky one who has a boyf that shares my passion for horses)wants to learn to ride but is horrified at the prospect of wearing jodphurs, just wondering what the alternatives are and if any of u men out there r reading this what u wear???

:confused:

[MadWoman]

My husband was similarly horrified at the thought of jodhpurs, so he wears normal light cotton drawstring trousers with jodhpur boots and half chaps, which he finds very comfortable.

[Hayleyb277]

Shame about the aversion to jodhs, I think men in jodhs are so sexy, unless it's my hubby of course - they don't suit him at all, he wore jeans when he used to ride before Bo died.

[happyhorse]

We did think of jeans but they tend to chap and rub.... or so i have heard.

[Tammy]

Get Wrangler jeans (they are made for cowboys) and full chaps always look great!

[alleycat]

I don't know if this prospect might be even more apalling than the thought of jodhpurs, but I can honestly say that wearing a pair of pantyhose under your jeans will protect from chafing. They work just fine, and if it's a bit chilly out, keep you warmer as well! ;)

[happyhorse]

not sure how he would react to that one , but nobody need know what he has on underneath his trousers i geuss, i can imagine his response though ! lol ! some very good ideas though ...:)

[Yann]

I had an initial aversion to jods and have been riding in (fairly tight) jogging bottoms and knee length boots for a bit, and have been pretty comfortable as the boots keep the trouser from wrinkling too much.
However I am being sent some jods as a semi tongue in cheek birthday present and since they are NOT beige (they are blue) I will be quite happy to wear them. I am sure the padding in the right places will make everything that bit more comfy.

As an aside I would definitely recommend a chap wearing tight underpants rather than soggy ones as sitting trot can make one's eyes water:D One definitely needs to be 'tucked up'

The lack of blokes involved with riding struck me too when I started up again, men are very much in the minority, and I am not aware of any little boys learning where I go. I suppose it's a cultural thing, horses are about love and caring (or should be)when it boils down to it, which are not considered masculine virtues in our society unfortunately.


Yann

[happyhorse]

yeah it is wierd about the amount of men riding, it seems though as you get higher and start talking about competitions some of our best riders are men!!!!

[Stewart]

Hmmmm know what you mean about looking stupid in jods.

However, the other options really aren't as comfortable to ride in. I ride in jodhpurs with chaps, and some Mountain Horse boots. I can't remember the name of the jodhpurs, but they are Harry Hall ones and are baggy, so do not look too bad (hopefully!).

To avoid the embarassment of being seen in public, I would suggest keeping the chaps on while walking around the supermarket, at least that way people will know why you are wearing jodhpurs rather than thinking you are just a bit strange.

If wearing leather riding boots too, I wouldn't suggest keeping them on around the supermarket while carrying a crop, people might think you are an extra from a World War II film (or worse!).

Parking close to your front door so the neighbours have less chance of seeing you is also worthwhile. You can even talk loudly about going horse riding in case any curtains are twitching.

Alternatively, you can always pull on a pair of jogging bottoms over the top.

Similar to the comment about ahem, undergarments, be careful of the saddle you choose - think about your husband/boyfriend as well as your horse when choosing one. I still have nightmares about the hack on Dartmoor.

Stewart

PS - Not a chance of getting me into pantyhose for any reason whatsoever.

[happyhorse]

at least with the panty hoes though nobody would know they where there!!! i spoke to my boyf about ** suggestions alst nitght and when i suggest them he just stared at me as if i ahd gone mad!! i am sure we will find something for him!! he really is keen to learn so i am sure we will get him into something"!!:rolleyes:

[Katie_85]

Have him ride in regular jeans just once and I have a feeling the pride will go out the window!:p :)

[floppy]

in one of the horse catalogues, i thik its derby house they have a pair of training pants that you can either wear over your jodhpurs to keep them clean or you can wear them alone because they are initially designed for riding. they have stirrups to go under your foot so basically your boyf. will look like he's wearing an average everyday pair of track bottoms and then he can decide whether or not he wants half chaps to go over them...if he is learning enlish i wouldnt really recommend long chaps because they can rub your lower legs from the stirrup leathers. :)

[Peace]

I've always ridden in plain old Levi's jeans and never had a problem - I just wear either a size bigger than normal or the "relaxed fit" kind so I can lift my leg high enough to catch the stirrup without cutting into my thigh. Sweats are good for bareback, but I find 'em kinda slippery on a saddle.

I may have the answer to why fewer men than women ride nowadays. I mentioned this fact to a friend the other night at dinner, and he raised his eyebrows and said, "Horses? Can't go as fast as a car, they're not air-conditioned, and they don't come with CD players!"

[Yann]

The new jodhs arrived on the doormat today, so naturally I tried them on straight away - dunno what the fuss was about, I think they look fine if a tiny bit loose round the middle. Can't wait to use then 'in anger' next week, I'm sure I'll be much more comfortable in them. I suppose if it's the right gear you stop worrying what it looks like:)
Took my daughter to pony club this week, there were about 12 girls there and surprisingly one boy. Definitely not many boys getting involved these days unfortunatley. Riding certainly seems to b seen as 'for girls' in this country.


Yann

[floppy]

i got my new pair of jods yesterday too..i love them..hehe..
i shouldnt worry though about them being a bit loose round the middle, you may appreciate this should you develope a beer belly or something
;)

[Yann]

God forbid that should happen, I'm too thin to carry one off succesfully:D

Yann

[floppy]

hehe it shouldnt worry it may only hit you later on in life when your around 60, it happened to my dad..:D

spekaing of boys there is one litle boy that rides around the corner at the icelandic stud farm and i think he is 7/8yrs old and his mum has just bought him a really super cute icelandic horse that is brown and white and he runs around everywhere with this horse (when im not riding it :p)
its his indian horse...bless him

[Mark]

I just bought some cheap ones off the internet because I was too self conscious to go into a tack shop and ask - don't have anyone to hold my hand - pathetic I know! I was fortunate though because they're not skin tight at all, quite generously cut in fact but they don't look baggy either and they seem to do the job OK. Might even get some more. They're black and speckled with grey hairs off my favourite riding school horse! Can send you the details of you want.

Mark

[FRED]

I vowed to never, ever ever,ever,wear them, but I did in the end.
Its all my trainers fault!!! and now I don't care about silly comments,my jods are comfortable and don't rub, I'm sure we all have had horrible experiences through poor clothing.
Anyway,my jods are black with good padding on the inside leg and the most usless size pocket for heaven knows what,they are a very good fit.I don't wear chaps,and prefer short jodie boots.Don't have a problem with stirrup leathers pinching.
I used to wear strong cotton trousers, but they ended up knee level when trotting, like Yann I suspect,I soon discovered for goodness sake wear some good support,you know what I mean.
Erm,floppy,beer bellys ocur at 60, you have made a lot of English men happy:)

[Katie_85]

I've seen them occur much sooner on this side of the pond. Hmmm.;) :)

[Yann]

Anti jodhpur prejudice seems to be widespread amongst male novice riders - but it doesn't seem to last very long does it!:D
Having said that I bet not many of us wear beige ones - they seem to be the preserve of little girls (my daughter has some).
Comfort and common sense win out in the end!

Mark, I know what you mean about tack shops, I have the perfect alibi though so it's easier for me! By all means send me the details of where you got yours from.

As for beer bellies surely plenty of riding will keep that at bay for a few more years, plus the fact I prefer wine :)

Yann

BTW Floppy I've been meaning to ask...you always write hrose instead of horse...is that a german breed?;)

[floppy]

well no fred, not nescessarily, my dads has only become real noticeable now and he is 60 (he is tall and skinny)
hehe iknow i always spell horse hrose....its a spelling mistake i make all too often in german in the dialect where im from they call them ros ..i just get all too muddled up when i type...
i tried out my new jods today and they are super comfy i usually wear breeches so thought i would go for a change of scene with some joddies with a full leather seat they are brown with a black leather seat and ehm are disgustingly dirty already only after an hour!:D

[Conrad]

My girlfriend bought me a pair of breeches and was most upset when I didn't wear them in the end I did so to please her and now I wonder what all the fuss was about. They are a lot more comfortable than jeans to ride in and no-one can see 'anything' because I wear sweat top that covers any unsightly bulges when I am dismounted! I do get the odd slap on the bum from some of the girls but hey I can give as good as I get.

[Joshua]

I ride for the horses never mind the Jod's. Anyway I look very fetching in a pair of breeches. If you ride for more than an hour or so there just so much more comfortable.:cool: It does seem to keep the girls amused. One of them slapped my bum with her crop the other week so I know what you mean.:D

[larri]

All this talk of bottom slapping and breeches, what is a girl to do??????
:D

Giggle!

Larri

[Conrad]

You've got a point...It's so immature...BUT I LOVE IT! :D

[Katie_85]

What's a girl to do??? Enjoy the view!!!!!:D

[Hayleyb277]

And I second that Katie :D :D :D :D

[Hargate119]

Personally I always wear heavyweight black Gorringe Jodphurs. They cost a ruddy fortune, but when I was choosing them in the shop, they were the only jods that didn't make you feel like you were trying on a pair of tights!! (Errh - not that I've ever tried wearing a pair of tights, I hasten to add!!)

I always wear them with a t-shirt/sweatshirt and a pair of half chaps, I don't feel particuarly silly or self conscious. I would recommend your boyfriend tries them. Failing that he will just have to ride at night, or put a bag on his head!

Good point Yann and Fred about the supportive underwear. I learned that lesson the eye watering way ...and who the hell thought it was a good idea to put a sticking up bump on the front of a saddle? And you NEVER get any sympathy when you catch yourself on the saddle from women riding instructors do you!! Last time I landed badly from a jump and nearly ruined my prospects I didn't get a jot of sympathy from my instructor! Next time she gets smacked in the boobs by a low passing branch she better not expect any sympathy from me!

Mike
(In support of the repressed riding minority!)

[SweetHillsGurly]

i would wear comfortable pants w/chaps. well, i wouldn't know, but the boys at teh barn i ride at wear jeans w/chaps(they all have a pair of jodhpurs for show, but never wear them around the barn) once in a while jodhpurs just for laughs, and my friend from school who rides at another barn wears chaps/jeans or jodphurs occasionally. however, the instructor i ride with(there are many at our riding stable) does not accept chaps, no matter you're gender. if you're in her lesson, she won't let you wear chaps. lucky you, you get to wear chaps.... sigh

[SweetHillsGurly]

little dominatrix there, aren't we mike? uh oh tmi again....
between this thread and the one by rick, well,.....


TOO MANY PICTURES, TOO MANY PICTURES!

[MattJo]

I don't think it's a matter if we like them or not, what do you girls think of us men in long boots and jodphurs? I find them alot more comfortable than jeans. I personally think they look ok, so you get the odd smack and a few strange looks walking through town centres, you get used to it. Only my views on the subject come on girls what do you really think! To wear or not to wear.

Matt:D

[HunterGirl]

This is just too funny:D
There was a boy at my barn he would wear jeans and full chaps.
I personally live in my paddock boots and half chaps, I love full chaps but I find it hard schooling in them and then wearing feild boots and breeches at a show.
I go between jeans and breeches, prefer breeches but if the jeans are tight they dont chaf or rub.
I go around in my breeks all the time, gas station grocery store whatever, I love to watch peoples reactions:eek: its great.

[MattJo]

Hi Hunter,
I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels quite comfortable wearing jods/breeches, glad to hear somebody else is happy to wear them all day, I love the things, so you get a few funny looks, then again don't the non riding public always give us funny looks anyway. I say long live Jodphurs.

Matt

[lamprellsarah]

my boyfriend refused to wear jodpours, i think men look good in them!!!!! well some men lol!!!! :D :p after a lot of you will,,!! no i won't,,,!!! we compormised huhh!!!!!! :rolleyes: he gets a few weird looks but then so do i, they are jean like and not too hugging in the public area!!! :eek:
but i am buying him another pair for his birthday and these will be more jodpour like so he can wear long boots!!!!

glad to hear some men sticking up for the hugging bottoms (jodpours) :D :)

[MattJo]

Way to go Sarah,

nothing wrong with hugging bottoms, I'm sure the girls love 'em.
Buy him the jods and then he can wear the long boots.

Matt

[Moonlightrider]

I love guys in jods! Sadly, I'm either good friends with them or they refuse - completely - to wear them. However, I've found a way to... um... how shall we say this... go to h/j shows or something like that where they have to wear them.

I know quite a few boys/men that ride. However, they all seem perfectly comfortable in jeans. :(

[MattJo]

Hi Moonlightrider,
wish I lived in the states, its either that or you'll have to come to UK

Matt

[bizzylizzy]

Guys in jods are rare here to but probably not as rare as the USA. I scanned a piccy from one of my books...He's no Tom Cruise but I hope he keeps you going until your next show!

[Joshua]

I've never heard such a fuss about what effectively is a pair of trousers. I mean a man might look quite fetching in a pair of breeches and long boots. :D Its never worried me if they are figure hugging round the bottom.:rolleyes:

My horse treats me the same whatever I'm wearing. Anyway all I say is poor horse he doesn't get a choice or maybe does he ??? Rambo rug... or whatabout a nice stubben bridle, but does he care ?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.:eek:

Riding is dangerous at both ends and uncomfortable in the middle.:p

[SweetHillsGurly]

fighting the battle of the *ahem*"bulge"?
and where's he sticking his hand anyway?

lol at the hunter/jumper, dressage, and eventing shows i go to i have quite a good time.
i do like guys in jods-i mean, i'm kind of indifferent to it, i think it's riding clothes, big deal- but only to an extent. they can't look like ballet pants. that's just gross lol.
anyway, my instructor doesn't let us ride in chaps, so her male students just have to get over it.
my friends who are male riders occasionally wear jods, and receive looks from my other female friends. yes, i am very disappointed in them.

i love to wear my jods/breeches and paddock boots around! i'm proud to be a rider! i even wear my chaps into the grocery store(my chaps for western). i've had strangers walk up to me, ask me if i ride, and then get into deep conversations with them about riding. i've referred people to sweet hills(the barn i ride at) because they want to start lessons and ask me where i ride.
i think it's great.
but that's just my weird self.

[bizzylizzy]

Sweethills Gurly - I agree. We all get looks if wearing our riding kit in a non-equestrian environment. I guess guys get looked at even more, especially in the land of the cowboy! Incidentally do your friends look at boys in breeches with admiration or horror? I for one think that it's rather romantic to see a good horseman in riding clothes....oops, oh dear now I'm in trouble!;)


Joshua, you're right they are just trousers and we are making a bit of a fuss but it's a good way to let off steam after the seriousness of the day. It's just a bit of fun! :p

[MattJo]

Hi BizzyLizzy and Sweethillsgurly,
you've restored my faith in wearing riding gear outside of a riding environment. Love the comments, might just encourage me to go out and buy a new pair of jodphurs, just got to decide on the colour as apparently men shouldn't wear beige, don't know why. Women don't get the strange looks wearing riding gear just appreciative looks us men have to put up with the strange looks, maybe if more men rode and wore the gear there wouldn't be a problem. Ah well that's the non riding peeps problem not mine I shall continue to wear my boots and jodphurs, even if they are beige, and not worry about the looks.

Matt

[SweetHillsGurly]

right on! power to you! psychadelic! sorry watching wayne's world...

bizzy lizzy, my non horsey friends go either way. some of the more um.... how should i put this.... boy crazy.... like it.... others don't. as for my horsey friends, they don't really care either way.

[floppy]

hmm i never heard that men shouldnt wear beige...
I personally think its a very impractical colour, along with white, because after 1 second of stepping on horsey ground you get dirty :D
why dont you be adventurous with the next pair, i got 2 nices pair, one is a funny greeny brown colour and the other is brown with a black full seat.
no really, there IS NOTHING wrong with men in breeches or jodphurs or long boots etc.in fact the only men i know that wear jeans and long chaps are the cowboys here ..everyone else wears their nice thigh hugging breeches/jodhs...
its a shame they are all married :(

[SweetHillsGurly]

i'm going horse-guy shopping. wanna come?

[matt56]

So girls men look OK in Jods eh!
I've tried to buy some but there's not much choice, mainly ladies sizes only, and in biege, where can I buy jods in black or navy in the UK? Any good internet shops?

Are men in Jods huntable??

Matt

[SweetHillsGurly]

horse guys are huntable in anything, right gals? lol

[Paul C]

Matt,

Funny enough I bought a pair of navy jodhs today (oops yesterday now :)), from a tiny place in Farnham, Surrey - Equinity. I was only after boots initially, but asked about jodhs when I phoned and when I arrived tried a few pairs to make sure they were 'decent' :o & found some I liked.

I've seen a few places on the net as well, but prefer to try b4 I buy! Like you I found places with loads of women's stuff, but not much for blokes.

Your best bet (assuming you're UK based) is to search on www.yell.co.uk for 'riding kit' and see what turns up for your area.

Paul