Eventers on both sides of the Irish Sea will be able to wear dark breeches in all three phases of competition next year.
Eventing Ireland (EI) announced this week that competitors could wear dark breeches at national and training competitions. British Eventing, which has allowed the same for cross-country for some years, confirmed to H&H that this will apply in all phases from next season.
“As part of Eventing Ireland’s commitment to its diversity, inclusion and equality policy, at its recent meeting, the board discussed the subject of whether Eventing Ireland should follow other sporting bodies and clubs, such as British Riding Clubs, British Dressage and multiple national governing bodies in soccer, as well as national clubs, and give our athletes the choice to compete in dark-coloured jodhpurs at national and training competitions,” an EI spokesman said.
EI cited data from the Women’s Sports Federation showing that half girls drop out of sport before the age of 20, and that a main reason is “insecurity and feeling self-conscious about their bodies”. It also referred to a Women in Sport study, in which teenagers said reasons for giving up on their sports included body image, puberty and fear of judgement, and a 2021 Adidas survey that found “one in four girls drop out of sport during adolescence, citing fear of period leakage”.
EI asked members their opinions and “a resounding 78.5%” were in favour of the change.
Chair Niki Potterton told H&H: “Following the results of the survey, it was a unanimous board decision to bring in this rule for 2024. We are all about inclusivity and we need to progress as a sport, and this is the first step. We understand we are the first equestrian body in Ireland to introduce this rule and hope others will follow.”
Any solid colour including white, and white with a dark seat, will be allowed.
A BE spokesman told H&H: “We can confirm that BE will be allowing navy and black breeches in all three sections in all classes. Full details will be announced in the new members’ handbook.”
Looking for dark breeches suitable for eventing? We can help…
Ariat Prelude Breeches | Save 44% at Naylors
Was £110 Now £61
These full-seat breeches have Ariat’s Core Control technology, which smooths the midsection and offers a sleeker, slimmer profile.
Montar Echo Breeches | Save 36% at GS Equestrian
Was £119.95 Now £77.06
These water-repellent breeches have been designed to adapt to your body as move and feature and full silicone-print seat.
LeMieux Freya Breeches | Save 22% at Naylors
Was £89.95 Now £69.97
These breeches have a lightweight feel while the supportive high waist keeps you covered. They also have a full silicone seat.
You might also be interested in:
Governing body allows dark breeches in competition, in ‘important and significant’ change
‘Breaking down barriers’ as dark breeches to be allowed in competition
Anna Ross: ‘It’s time for dressage to ditch the white breeches’
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
