English
Since the medieval period in Europe, equestrianism has been popular among the royal nobility. From the 16th century onwards, European monarchs saw horse riding as a leisure activity that symbolized wide territories and economic potential rather than just a necessary tool for war. After Henry VIII ascended to the throne, he began organizing large-scale horse racing events. An expression of equestrian culture is the spirit of chivalry, which symbolizes honor, etiquette, humility, courage, loyalty, and piety. Every weekend, a large number of nobles dressed in gorgeous costumes participate in the races, and the refined gentleman's attire, consisting of a hunting suit that gradually evolved into comfortable tight-fitting custom riding breeches, is becoming the specific attire for the nobility's equestrianism.
The custom equestrian apparel is a very important element in equestrian sports and has strict requirements. The design of equestrian wear is not only for the convenience of wearing, but also a presentation of aristocratic fashion. No matter when and where, equestrian clothing represents a unique temperament and taste.
Modern equestrian competitions include obstacle courses, three-day events, and dressage, each requiring different attires. The attire for obstacle courses, somewhat similar to a tight-fitting casual suit, evolved from hunting suits and is particularly gentlemanly when worn. Men usually wear light-colored shirts and white ties, while women typically wear high-necked shirts without a collar.
Riders in three-day events (cross-country) must wear protective vests, which have buckles on the shoulders and waist and a backplate to protect the spine. In foreign countries, it is also mandatory for children under 12 (including those aged 12) to wear protective vests when riding.
The attire for dressage is the most courtly, exquisite, and ceremonial. Both the rider and the horse are dressed beautifully, with the horse's fur washed to a shiny satin-like texture and its mane styled in unique braids. The rider wears a black top hat, tailcoat, white tight-fitting breeches, and high-cut boots.
The combination of formal attire and dancing horses is elegant and powerful. Although the sport of kings has become a popular sport, it still showcases the power and beauty, tension and rhythm, harmony and freedom, as well as the noble demeanor of gentlemen and ladies through strict dress codes.
In China's thousand years of civilization, the complete crown and garment system was already in place during the Zhou Dynasty. The emperor, feudal lords, officials, and knights wore different colors and styles of clothing, crowns, shoes, and hats for occasions such as sacrifice, court attendance, hunting, weddings, funerals, receptions, and wars. This was one of the important symbols of establishing cultural order in civilization. Although the prosperous aristocratic era has long passed, in some situations, people still follow the cultural order, understand humility, self-discipline, value honor, responsibility, and courage. This is the true spirit of nobility.
