New modern jackets for showjumpers

Show jumping riders will be allowed to wear new lightweight tailored jackets when competing under BSJA rules in future. The new jackets will be launched at the Horse of the Year Show.

The top 250 riders in the BSJA rider rankings will be able to choose their own colours, with the lower ranked riders choosing from six official BSJA colours. The jackets have been designed to allow all riders to have their names emblazed across their backs with room for sponsors’ logos on the jacket sleeves.

The BSJA marketing committee, headed by Tim Stockdale, came up with the concept, which is designed to enable fans to identify their favourite riders more easily. The jackets will also help riders to create their own range of leisure wear, in conjunction with their jackets’ manufacturer, which can be worn by their support team at shows.

Traditional pink, black and navy jackets will continue to be acceptable under BSJA rules when the new jackets are introduced.

A sneak preview of the new jacket can be seen in the BBC series ‘Only Fools on Horses’, which kicks off on Friday when the celebrities will be wearing the jackets in training sessions prior to competition.

Carol Phillips

H&H website editor

Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.