Horse Racing Clothing & Equipment

Horse racing is among the oldest and most fascinating equestrian sports and is one of the most popular broadcasted competitions worldwide. Being a jockey requires boldness, physical strength, a solid ability to connect with horses and, of course, specialist horse racing wear.

Professional horse racing involves a lot of effort, and anyone lucky enough to have ridden a racing horse, or even just tried a thoroughbred on the gallops, can describe that sensation of speed and adrenaline. The jockey profession has always been a dangerous job and still has its perils, despite the efforts of the different horse racing ruling entities to make the sport safer for horses and riders by changing rules and embracing new safety features, among others.

At Discount Equestrian, we are committed to promoting the well-being of horses and riders, no matter the discipline or sport, and that’s why we have this special product category to satisfy the needs of horse racing enthusiasts.

Horse Racing Clothes for Jockeys

Horse racing clothing and equipment have some unique characteristics compared to other equestrian sports clothing. They must be comfortable for racing but also visible to spectators and follow the ancient tradition of portraying the colours that represent the horse owner or racing syndicate. Horse racing jockey clothing used on turf resembles garments used by knights in jousts and other medieval equestrian competitions. Historians found some colour patterns still used today in old records of Italian medieval races, where communities and cities were represented by racers dressed in colours that identified their team. However, the format of horse races as we know them today, including the use of silks, was born in England between the 18th and 19th centuries. During those times, many racecourses were built in England and other important cities, expanding the sport globally, including the rules and clothes for horse racing.

Spectators identify horses by the colours and patterns jockeys wear on their shirts and helmet covers, which must be easily recognisable. That’s why horse and racing syndicate owners must register their colours with the relevant ruling entity for registration purposes and to ensure the pattern is not already in use. 

Although modern horse racing clothes are made of technical materials, they are still fondly called “silks.” According to the new safety rules, jockeys must wear safety vests layered under the shirts to ensure their safety without blocking vibrant and traditional “silk colours.” This practice perfectly combines safety awareness with the willingness to preserve the sport’s essence and tradition. Horse racing jockey equipment includes breeches, boots, a shirt or silk, a helmet, and goggles. While “silks” commonly apply to the shirt and helmet cover, sometimes jockeys call “silk” to the whole jockey’s attire.

Jockey Vests and Racing Goggles

As mentioned above, jockey vests have become mandatory safety equipment in most countries. They must be lightweight and meet different protection standards depending on the location and the sport’s ruling entity. In the UK, horse riding vests are homologated by the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA). Jockey vests must meet strict safety standards but remain light to meet equally strict weight regulations. Thanks to modern technology and materials, vest manufacturers are constantly developing lighter and more protective products, allowing jockeys to benefit from excellent protection without exceeding maximum weight.

Racing horses can achieve incredibly high speeds, which vary depending on the race distance, strategy, and other factors. For example, during a furlong race, horses can reach speeds above 40mph (64km/h), while in a training short spring, records show that fast horses can exceed 50mph (80km/h). If you add wind, sand, and debris from other horses' steps to the equation, it is easy to understand why jockeys have been using racing goggles for years. Jockey goggles have also evolved thanks to technological evolution, new materials, and research. They are made of shock-resistant materials to protect the eyes during the race, but they also don’t splinter in case of a fall, which could be extremely dangerous. Most modern jockey goggles’ lenses feature anti-fog treatments to prevent fogging caused by perspiration, humidity, and cold. Also, most jockey goggles feature UV protection. As part of the official horse riding equipment, jockey goggles must meet strict regulations to ensure fair play and comply with high safety standards.

At Discount Equestrian, we have a broad collection of horse racing wear and apparel for the professional jockey seeking the best comfort and looks while training and competing from top horse racing clothing brands.

Below, you will find some of our best-selling products in this fascinating category:

Kroops® Racing Goggles – “These jockey goggles feature a crystal clear lens for enhanced visibility and rules compliance. They are available in a range of beautiful colours to match all colours of horse riding clothes for men and women. The lenses are flexible to provide extra safety and prevent chaffing, which may result in eye injuries during a fall. Their ventilated design prevents them from fogging for optimal visibility in all weather conditions.”

RaceSafe® Jockey Vest  – “This horse racing jockey vest offers impressive protection, lightness, and comfort. It’s made of seventy perforated hinged sections to allow freedom of movement and is perfectly ventilated to keep the rider cool during the most demanding racing conditions. This jockey vest is fully adjustable and comes in different back lengths to fit all jockeys, and it’s perfect for layering it underneath horse riding clothes. It complies with the European Standard BS EN13158:2009 and has been rated by the BHA as a level 1 (protection level suitable for licensed jockeys).”

Tuffa® Aintree Leather Race Boots – “These boots feature a soft and light (only 900 grams) yet durable leather upper with a Mahogany top. They provide an extremely sporty but refined look and are comfortable for all kinds of races. To show its appreciation for the sport, for each pair purchased through their website or distributors, like ourselves, Tuffa will donate £5 to their chosen charity, the Injured Jockeys Fund.”

Fleck® Jockey Racebat – “This Fleck Jockey Racebat is ideal for racing and can now also be used by riders who compete in show jumping under the recently updated BSJA whip rules, which came into force in January 2020. It is available in a range of vibrant colours, such as black, black/blue, black/green, and black/red.”

If you have any questions or need assistance finding the perfect horse riding clothes and apparel in our shop, feel free to contact our friendly Discount Equestrian expert team. We are always happy to help!

Also, don’t miss out on other fantastic collections in our store, like our Jockey Skull Caps, Breeches, and Body Protectors.

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