What Do the Colors on Horseback Riding Jackets Mean?

Horseback riding jacket colors can vary greatly depending on the style of riding. The color of riding jackets is significant in thoroughbred horse racing, foxhunting, showing and dressage events. Each of these events require a special style of riding jacket with a particular color scheme. Jackets are not normally worn in western style horse riding events.

  1. Thoroughbred Racing Jacket Colors

    • Thoroughbred racing jockeys wear jackets called jockey silks or racing colors. Each racehorse owner has a unique design that includes bright colors and patterns to represent her horse farm. Thoroughbred owners are required to register their stable name and jockey silks with The Jockey Club in New York State prior to racing.

      The brightly colored silks worn by the jockeys make it easier for the spectators to recognize the horses and keep track of their positions during the race.

    Fox Hunting Jacket Colors

    • Fox hunting on horseback includes many traditions that relate to the rider's attire. During the off-season, hacking jackets in earth tone colors such as browns and greens are worn by both men and women during the hunt. Subtle plaids and patterns are also acceptable during this time.

      During the formal season, scarlet riding jackets with the hunt's color on the collar are worn by the masters and officials of the hunt and those male members of the hunt club who have been awarded their colors. The awarding of colors is done by the hunt masters to members who have made an ongoing significant contribution to the hunt club. Dark navy or black hunting jackets are worn by the other participants of the hunt during the formal season.

    Horse Show Jacket Colors

    • The colors of jackets worn during horse shows do not necessarily have a specific meaning; however, riders often try to wear a jacket that complements the color of their horse. For example, a navy jacket will highlight the color of a palomino or other light-colored horse. Understated or muted colors such as navy, brown, black and dark green are recommended for these events. During the show, the focus should be on the horse, not the attire of the rider, so bold colors are frowned upon. Some high level shows will dictate what color must be worn during the show, but in most instances, the choice is up to the rider.

    Dressage Show Jacket Colors

    • Black riding coats are often used in dressage competitions; however, other dark colors may also be worn. Black tailcoats are only worn in high level dressage competition.