Official description

This Pikeur long-sleeved competition shirt really is something different, and is ideal for someone who likes to add a little extra touch of glamour to their competition wear. Made from a stretchy, warm and very comfortable technical material, this long sleeved shirt also has small Pikeur wording on the chest and beautiful crystal buttons.

First impressions

A very neat and tidy, smart, stylish shirt with all the quality you would expect from Pikeur.

Overview of performance

This shirt is really stretchy and comfortable and it worked really well under a competition jacket. It kept me warm, but was also breathable. It was stylish and gave a very nice appearance.

Likes and dislikes

I liked how stylish, yet practical it is. I also really liked the long sleeves and how the cuffs stayed in position, rather than working up your arms. Some of the other shirts were slightly warmer, but I never felt cold wearing this shirt. The fit was really good for riders of any shape.

Verdict

*BEST IN TEST* I would definitely recommend this winter show shirt for riders of all body shapes.

Official description

The My LeMieux base layer is a truly classic base layer for active riders that is designed to keep you warm and comfortable with sweat-wicking thermal fabric — whatever the season. The silky smooth anti-microbial material offers a stylish tailored fit and the ultra-soft seams with flat-lock stitching reduce chafing and unwanted pressure point. The 360° stretch fabrication allows greater mobility in any direction making the perfect clothing for riding and competing. The unique moisture-movement system of these garments actively takes sweat away from the skin and is designed to regulate body temperature and ensure optimum comfort. Ideal as a base layer or stand alone sports garment.

First impressions

It looked really smart and I loved the colour. It also felt of good quality.

Overview of performance

The base layer was warm and really comfortable. It fitted really well and each time I washed it it came out like new.

Lisa’s likes and dislikes

I love the design and the colour, and the quality was really great.

Verdict

*BEST VALUE* I would recommend this as it’s a really good quality product.

Official description

The Equetech Thermal Cosy ladies’ stock shirt is a traditional styled shirt, made from technical stretch thermal fabric, with a brushed lining. It’s ideal for winter hunting and competitions. The shirt features a front concealed placket, longer back hem, traditional button down cuffs and stock (ratcatcher) collar with loop to back to secure stock. It’s machine washable — knitted 95% polyester and 5% Lycra.

First impressions

The shirt felt really lovely — soft and like it would be really warm. I also really liked the style — it looked great.

Overview of performance

It kept me really warm without being bulky, and it was really comfortable, too. The stock sat really nicely and in general it fitted well, although the cuffs were too tight. It washed really well and stayed really white, which was a bonus.

Lisa’s likes and dislikes

I really liked how the shirt wasn’t bulky, but it still kept me really warm — it was so comfortable. The only downside was the tightness of the cuffs.

Verdict

I would definitely recommend this shirt to a friend if the cuffs fitted them comfortably.

Official description

Designed with style and practicality in mind, the Aztec Diamond technical stretch base layer has been crafted from supreme lightweight, four way stretch breathable fabric giving the wearer the most comfort and flexibility possible. Perfect for keeping cool during the summer months or using as an under layer during the winter. Air vents and mesh panels have been added under the arms and sides to regulate the temperature of the rider as much as possible during sport. Made with a high flexible collar, easy zip opening and flattering shaped side panels to ensure the perfect most flattering fit. Not just for riding, this top is also perfect for the gym!

First impressions

The shirt looked smart and felt well-made.

Overview of performance

The shirt fitted perfectly, was really easy to move in and kept me warm. It washed well, but the logo on the back did crack over time with washing.

Lisa’s likes and dislikes

It was so comfortable and fitted really well. It was quite hard to see the logo on the arm, but that is personal preference and depends what colour base layer you have.

Verdict

I would recommend this as it’s so comfortable and allows great freedom of movement.

Official description

Embellished diamanté details set the tone of the Premier Equine Maria diamanté show shirt that has been crafted from our high quality jersey for a style that truly performs. The main body is constructed using a Hydropore, four-way stretch fabric with excellent moisture wicking properties. This technical fabric will help keep you cool while looking effortlessly stylish in the ring. The collar is delicately decorated with sparkling crystals and is set on a pristine, high quality cotton poplin, and the invisible front zip entry is finished with contrast piping that accentuates your profile. Ideal for riders who want to make a lasting impression.

First impressions

It looked really stylish and felt of good quality.

Overview of performance

This shirt has short sleeves, which meant it wasn’t really warm enough for the winter. Despite being quite tight around the neck, it was comfortable and the fit was OK. It washed well and stayed looking smart.

Lisa’s likes and dislikes

I really liked the diamanté collar, but it did make it more difficult to get a stock on. The colour was also really smart, but it doesn’t go with a tweed jacket.

Verdict

I would recommend this for summer use for someone who doesn’t wear tweed.

Official description

The Horseware Sara competition shirt is made of a wicking nylon/spandex, with a lace back detail. It has Coolmax technology, as well as anti-bacterial properties, and is machine washable. It is available in a choice of long or short sleeves.

First impressions

It looked smart, comfortable, breathable and of good quality.

Overview of performance

It was warm, but the long-sleeved version would be better for winter. My stock sat really nicely on it, plus it fitted well and was really comfortable. It stayed looked white and new throughout the test.

Lisa’s likes and dislikes

There was nothing I disliked about it — the lace detail was nice if you like that style. I would have preferred to test the long sleeved version for winter use.

Verdict

Really comfortable and a great fit.

Welcome to our group test of lightweight summer competition shirts. All of the show shirts in this group test have been put through their paces by event rider and BHSII Lisa Spence. Find out what she thought below.

Stierna’s official description:

The Stierna Halo Top SS is a functional first base layer with high moisture transportation. The fabric contains bamboo charcoal, which has a natural anti-odour effect, and it also offers UV-protection and UPF+30. It is fitted with ergonomically cut lines and chafe-free seams.

Lisa’s first impressions:

This looked like a smart, practical shirt, but it was quite plain in design compared to the others on test.

Overview of performance:

This shirt proved lightweight, comfortable to wear and it kept me cool in hot weather. I liked that it had capped sleeves so can be worn without a jacket.

Lisa’s likes/dislikes:

I like that this shirt is smart enough to wear at shows, while keeping me really cool.

Verdict

I'd recommend it to those looking for a shirt that is technical, but plain in design.

Welcome to our group test of lightweight summer competition shirts. All of the show shirts in this group test have been put through their paces by event rider and BHSII Lisa Spence. Find out what she thought below.

Hy’s official description:

The HyFASHION Katherine sleeveless show shirt features stunning cut out lace detail on the back; a feature that can be easily concealed when wearing a jacket. It is made from a technical fabric which is comfortable, breathable and incorporates bi-stretch for added freedom, and designed with pretty ruffle detailing and five crystal buttons down the front placket. A must-have for the dressage enthusiast!

View at viovet.co.uk

Lisa’s first impressions?

I liked the lace on the back of the shirt as it added the style and looked as though it would keep me cool.

Overview of performance?

It has worn well, and kept me cool in the areas that sweat the most. I liked the ruffle around the chest as it meant it looked great without a stock. The shirt washed really well and looked as good as new after multiple washes.

Lisa’s likes/dislikes:

I really like the fit and how comfortable it was in the saddle, but unfortunately being sleeveless it can’t be worn without a jacket in competition due to the rules requiring sleeves.

Verdict

A good shirt that fitted well.

Welcome to our group test of lightweight summer competition shirts. All of the show shirts in this group test have been put through their paces by event rider and BHSII Lisa Spence. Find out what she thought below.

Toggi’s official description:

The Toggi Agatha Ladies Sleeveless Stock shirt is our stunning new stock shirt, which is made from a beautiful lightweight, breathable fabric. Additional mesh panelling adds a sporty note and an elegantly pleated bib front and high gloss trims complete the sophisticated look.

Lisa’s first impressions:

I thought this shirt looked really good and had nice, unusual detailing.

Overview of performance?

The shirt fitted really well and I felt very stylish wearing it. It worked well with a stock, but also looked really great without one. But it doesn’t cover the shoulders and therefore can’t be worn without a jacket at competitions.

Lisa’s likes/dislikes:

I like how stylish this shirt is and how good it looks without a stock. I just would have liked capped sleeves too.

Verdict

A practical yet stylish top

Welcome to our group test of lightweight summer competition shirts. All of the show shirts in this group test have been put through their paces by event rider and BHSII Lisa Spence. Find out what she thought below.

Ariat’s official description:

The Aptos Vent Sleeveless Show Shirt is made from a lightweight poly and spandex blend pique and features a stock tie loop, show collar and placket with snap closures. Ariat’s moisture movement technology pulls moisture to the outside of the garment so it evaporates quickly and a special back vent design enables air flow to regulate the body temperature.

View at ariat.com

Lisa’s first impressions:

I liked the colour of the shirt: the grey was nice and light, and made a change from white. I also liked the design with the air vents at the back.

Overview of performance?

The shirt was lightweight and kept me cool when it was really hot. I liked how it was not too overly designed, but definitely still stylish. Unfortunately, it hasn’t got the sleeves required to wear without a jacket in competition, but it did perform well when worn under a jacket.

Lisa’s likes/dislikes about it?

I liked the colour, the overall style of the shirt, how cool it kept me and the fit. I would have liked it to have shoulder sleeves though, as during the hot months most venues let you ride without jackets if your shoulders are covered.

Verdict

I would recommend this shirt to a friend as overall it is very good.

Welcome to our group test of lightweight summer competition shirts. All of the show shirts in this group test have been put through their paces by event rider and BHSII Lisa Spence. Find out what she thought below.

Pikeur’s official description:

With pretty lace inset and concealed button band, the Malea Lace-front Competition Shirt has a subtle frill on the stand-up collar and has 24% elastane for superb comfort and fit.

Lisa’s first impressions?

This shirt looked nice to ride in. In navy, it was very much the darkest in colour of all the shirts I tried.

Overview of performance?

I found this shirt really comfortable and very cool in hot weather. I was however disappointed that the colour ran into the white collar on its first wash at 30 degrees. Plus the collar puckered up after washing — a real shame as otherwise this shirt performed really well.

Lisa’s likes/dislikes:

I liked how nice and comfortable this shirt was to wear, but found it a shame that the collar was affected after a wash.

Verdict

Slightly too pretty for myself as an event rider, but would suit a stylish dressage diva that doesn’t mind hand washing!

The best lightweight summer stock shirts for horse riders need to combine style with performance. They should be breathable and allow the rider full movement in the saddle, while also looking stylish on their own and combined with the competition jacket. The stand-up collar that denotes a stock shirt should work equally well both with and without a stock over the top. These features will allow the shirt to be used in multiple disciplines, making it a very versatile garment for any rider’s wardrobe. In our group test we have both sleeveless and short sleeved shirts. The bonus with a short sleeved shirt is that it is more likely to be allowed when the temperatures rise high enough for jackets to be removed in competition. It is very unusual for riders to be allowed to compete wearing a sleeveless shirt without a jacket.

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Horse & Hound has been working with a number of professional riders, trainers and yards to put a range of products to the test in a busy yard environment. And here are the results…

Meet the product tester

The lightweight summer stock shirts in this group test were trialled by event rider and BHSII Lisa Spence. A regular on the eventing circuit, Lisa has been working in the equine industry for more than 25 years. A BHSII and former pony club examiner, she has spend many years backing, competing and working with all types of horses from fun ponies to top level competition horses.

Horse & Hound’s pick of the best lightweight summer stock shirts

* BEST IN TEST & BEST VALUE*

Dublin Cortez CDT Short Sleeve Competition Top

RRP: £32.99

“This shirt was brilliant, absolutely brilliant. I really could not fault it, as it was lightweight, breathable and comfortable. I also appreciated the short sleeves as it meant that I could wear it without a jacket in competition. When I did wear it without jacket I felt very stylish. I really like how cool it is to wear and that I didn’t get sweaty even on the very hot summer days. I am also a huge fan of its design and love how well it washes. I’d recommend this shirt for any discipline. It’s equally suitable to wear under a jacket or on its own.”

Score: 10/10

Read the full review >>

Stierna Halo Top SS

RRP: £49

“This shirt proved lightweight, comfortable to wear and it kept me cool in hot weather. I liked that it had capped sleeves so can be worn without a jacket. It is smart enough to wear at shows, while keeping me really cool. I’d recommend it to those looking for a shirt that performs well, but has a simple design.”

Score: 9/10

Read the full review >>

HyFASHION Katherine sleeveless show shirt

RRP: £32.99

“I liked the lace on the back of the shirt as it added to the style and looked like it would help keep me cool. It has worn well, and kept me cool in the areas that sweat the most. I liked the ruffle around the chest as it meant it looked great without a stock. The shirt washed really well and looked as good as new after multiple washes. I really like the fit and how comfortable it was to wear, but because it was sleeveless it couldn’t be worn without a jacket in competition.”

Score: 9/10

Read the full review >>

Toggi Agatha Ladies’ Sleeveless Stock shirt

RRP: £35

“This shirt looked really good and had nice, unusual detailing. The shirt fitted really well and I felt very stylish wearing it. It worked well with a stock, but also looked really great without one. But it doesn’t cover the shoulders and therefore can’t be worn without a jacket at competitions. If it had capped sleeves I would have liked it even more.”

Score: 9/10

Read the full review >>

Cavallo Katara Slim shirt

RRP: £65

“I thought this shirt looked really smart and stylish. It has a very feminine fit with the ruffles around the chest, which I thought was really flattering. This shirt fitted well as I felt very comfortable, without being restricted, and it really flattered my shape. The bottoms of the sleeves were quite tight though, and did ride up a bit. The shirt worked really well without a jacket, and also works best without a stock. I really loved the added sparkle to the buttons and collar.”

Score: 8/10

Read the full review >>

Ariat Aptos Vent Sleeveless Show Shirt

RRP: £44.99

“I liked the colour of the shirt: the grey was nice and light, and made a change from white. I also liked the design with the air vents at the back. The shirt was lightweight and kept me cool when it was really hot. I liked how it was not too overly designed, but definitely still stylish. Unfortunately, it hasn’t got the sleeves required to wear without a jacket in competition, but it did perform well when worn under a jacket. I liked the colour, the overall style of the shirt, how cool it kept me and the fit.”

Score: 8/10

Read the full review >>

Pikeur Malea Lace-front Competition Shirt

RRP: £69.95

“I found this shirt really comfortable and very cool in hot weather. I was however disappointed that the colour ran into the white collar on its first wash at 30 degrees. Plus the collar puckered up after washing — a real shame as otherwise this shirt performed really well. Overall I thought it was slightly too pretty for myself as an event rider, but would suit a stylish dressage diva that doesn’t mind hand washing!”

Score: 7/10

Read the full review >>

Horse & Hound is in the process of testing a wide range of equestrian kit, clothing and equipment, the results of which will be published on HorseandHound.co.uk

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday