The Long History Of Jodhpurs
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.
What became known as the jodhpur pant was loose at the hip and thigh, tight below the knee, and extended to the ankle. This style was traditional male garb in the orient and well-suited to riding, with freedom of movement for hip and thigh and a snug fit at the legs to give a good grip and minimize chafing. Modern stretch pants can give freedom of movement without the flare, which is why that distinctive look has disappeared.
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.
True jodhpurs, with a long, tight leg and cuffed ankle, became wear for children and for more informal occasions. Instructors like the fact that leg position can't be hidden when paddock boots are worn instead of taller ones, and many strict people think no child should wear black boots and breeches. The longer pants are better for working around the barn, too.
The long pants can be used with half-chaps or leggings, which cover the lower keg and strap under the paddock boot. This helps prevent rubbing against the stirrup leathers and give a neat look to a rider when mounted. The practice of wearing informal clothes for training and exercising saves expensive, highly-polished tall boots from excessive wear.
Jodphur construction includes knee patches, which offer further chafe protection and improve the rider's grip. Many also have a seat patch of some non-slip material to help the rider stay in the saddle. Modern styles may have the seat and the entire inner leg covered with leather suede or another material. Seams are on the outside of the leg, to minimize rubbing and extend the life of the garment.
Beige and white are the traditional colors, but colored and patterned jodhpurs are available for for fun and informal occasions. Saddleseat competition calls for dark-colored jods with flared cuffs that cover the heel of the rider's boots. Go online for all the new styles and features of this century-old style.
What became known as the jodhpur pant was loose at the hip and thigh, tight below the knee, and extended to the ankle. This style was traditional male garb in the orient and well-suited to riding, with freedom of movement for hip and thigh and a snug fit at the legs to give a good grip and minimize chafing. Modern stretch pants can give freedom of movement without the flare, which is why that distinctive look has disappeared.
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.
True jodhpurs, with a long, tight leg and cuffed ankle, became wear for children and for more informal occasions. Instructors like the fact that leg position can't be hidden when paddock boots are worn instead of taller ones, and many strict people think no child should wear black boots and breeches. The longer pants are better for working around the barn, too.
The long pants can be used with half-chaps or leggings, which cover the lower keg and strap under the paddock boot. This helps prevent rubbing against the stirrup leathers and give a neat look to a rider when mounted. The practice of wearing informal clothes for training and exercising saves expensive, highly-polished tall boots from excessive wear.
Jodphur construction includes knee patches, which offer further chafe protection and improve the rider's grip. Many also have a seat patch of some non-slip material to help the rider stay in the saddle. Modern styles may have the seat and the entire inner leg covered with leather suede or another material. Seams are on the outside of the leg, to minimize rubbing and extend the life of the garment.
Beige and white are the traditional colors, but colored and patterned jodhpurs are available for for fun and informal occasions. Saddleseat competition calls for dark-colored jods with flared cuffs that cover the heel of the rider's boots. Go online for all the new styles and features of this century-old style.
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