Are you not sure what you need for a day of cross country with your horse? One of our in-house equestrian experts tell us about her daughter’s most recent cross country event as well as all of the kit required for both horse and rider.
Dawning a sunny, calm morning with the threat of rain thankfully over by first thing, Dotty and her excited yet nervous junior rider made their way to the beautiful surroundings of Duns Castle in the Scottish Borders to compete in the Cross Country event on Sunday 12th March.
Sounds, sights and smells of horse, hoof oil, cooking bacon and coffee, sunshine and a packed field of horse boxes and trailers greeted us on arrival. Once over the journey, Dotty was quickly tacked up and warming up with the other competitors prior to tackling a fairly demanding course of 16 fences ranging from 2’ – 2’8.
Cross country colours lit up the field from green to yellows, silver to royal blue with smartly turned out riders and ponies, booted and ready to run. Dotty and daughter made it round safely with only one refusal at the water jump thanks to a tricky bank to negotiate into the burn but both finished strongly with a smile on their faces. With many friends also competing, this was the perfect start to her first cross country event.
What to wear to an XC event?
We’ve listed our top picks which are geared towards the young rider, however our full equestrian collection can be found on our website.
For your Pony or Horse
Travelling to the show
Masta Showmasta Rug
High quality fleece rug
Keep your horse clean and warm
Breathable for travelling and post-exercise
£74.95 (RRP £80.00)
Masta Avante Travel Boots
Keep legs protected while travelling
Made with robust and durable 1200 Polyester Denier
Soft fleece lining for comfort
£54.95 (RRP £55.00)
For during the competition
Caldene Knee & Brushing Boot
Extremely lightweight
Thick & breathable neoprene
Secure hook-and-look fit
£17.99 (RRP £19.00)
Masta Waffle Weave Rug
Ideal secondary rug
Effective in wicking moisture
Ideal for post-competition
£34.95 (RRP £36.00)
For the Young Rider
Harry Hall Hat Silks
Wide range of striking and stand out colours
Can be matched to your XC colours
Will fit the majority of standard skull caps
£11.99 (RRP £12.50)
Caldene Hartpury High Waist Suede Knee Breeches
Excellent grip at the knee for security
Extremely comfortable
Neutral colours ideal for the show ring
£79.955 (RRP £90.00)
Harry Hall Draycott Overtrousers
Keep your jods/breeches clean
Ideal for warming up/around the show ground in poor weather
Machine washable
£54.95 (RRP £58.49)
Mountain Horse Opus High Rider Boot
Tall unisex boot available in a wide range of sizes
Integrated steel shank for security and comfort
Beautiful, soft leather
£299.00
Caldene Cross Country Riding Gloves
Excellent grip even when wet
Ideal for riding outdoors in any weather conditions
Sturdy rubber hook and loop design
£18.99 (RRP £22.00)
Harry Hall Junior Zeus Body Protector
Essential for XC
Safe, comfortable and bulk-free
Approved to EH13158 2009 BETA standards
£74.95 (RRP £79.00)
If you need any help choosing equestrian kit – whether for use at competitions or general schooling at home – please get in touch with a member of our team for expert advice.