The Origins of Horse Riding Jodhpurs

The origins of horse riding jodhpurs are closely linked to the game of polo. The game, which begun over 2500 years ago across Persia and Central Asia, was not recognisable as the game played today, but the players were always mounted on horses. This game worked its way down to India and was changed into a game we would now recognise; involving a polo stick and ball.

The development of jodhpurs is linked to an original ancient style of trouser worn in Northern India, especially in what is now the modern state of Rajasthan; its main city being Jaipur. In the late 19th century Sir Pratap Singh, a son of the Maharaja of Jodhpur, took to wearing legwear specifically designed for the game; an updated version of the original jodhpur trouser which he had perfected for use when in the saddle. Before long all the players were wearing these trousers, and they continue to be an essential for today's rider.

The popularity of polo had spread to England from India at this stage. Sir Pratap Singh and his polo team first introduced jodhpurs to England during Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 1897. The British polo players named them jodhpurs after the city in which they were first created.It was also in England that breeches were designed. Based on the same principle as jodhpurs, breeches were shorter, ending at mid-calf, and designed to be worn with long riding boots.

When they were first designed, jodhpurs featured a loose fitting shape from the knee to the hip to allow for freedom of movement in the saddle, and also to prevent uncomfortable over-heating in a hot climate. They were more snug-fitting below the knee and featured leather patches on the inside of the knee. Many of these features have remained the same, however nowadays the development of stretch fabric has allowed them to become tighter and more aesthetically pleasing whilst still offering the same comfort.

There are also now more types of jodhpurs than ever before. These include the original 'knee patch' jodhpurs - where additional material is added to the knees to improve durability and grip. An improvement on this design has been the development of full seat jodhpurs, where the additional material stretches around the rider's seat. This makes the jodhpurs far more comfortable, as there are no seams between the rider and the saddle, which can cause chafing. This also further extends the life of the jodhpurs and the security of the rider in the saddle.

A wide range of fashionable and comfortable jodhpurs and breeches are available at great prices from Equestrian Clearance