Unlike many athletes, competing in a specific sport, us equestrians come in all shapes and sizes and from all walks of life. To the un-trained eye it may not be easy to spot an equestrian. However, if like me you've been riding for more years than you care to remember, then they are not hard to spot. There are several things most will share in both their style and demeanour:
Muddy Boots
They will have muddy boots. Clean boots just don't last. No matter how much care they take you'll almost always find a committed equestrian in a pair of muddy leather boots (probably Ariat or something similar).
Dishevelled Appearance
It’s impossible to stay clean as a horse owner and quite often they may look as though they have been pulled through a hedge backwards (probably have been!). You’ll spot straw in their hair, hay sticking to their clothes, and you may even catch a whiff of an earthy, ‘horsey’, odour as they traverse.
Messy Car
Their car will look like an extension of their tack room. Bits, bridles, you name it, they've got it in there! Mud will be splattered up the side of the car for good measure.
Wearing Breeches
They are guaranteed to be in jodhpurs, breeches or similar tight trousers. These are likely to be teamed up with deck shoes, odd socks and a Musto type jacket.
Minimal Jewellery
You'll notice that Jewellery is kept to a minimum - a ring, some small studded earrings, but that's about it. Any seasoned rider knows wearing jewellery is a big no-no.
Rough Hands
Rough hands, chipped painted nails all come with the territory!
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