Time For Change

Show Jumping Waitemata are calling for an end to riders having to compete in light coloured breeches or jodhpurs.

Chair Emma Buckingham says it is time to ditch the archaic ruling, with Waitemata Area tabling a remit to ESNZ Jumping and Show Hunter at the AGM.   “There is so much research out there that highlights the need for that change,” she says.   “Other sports like gymnastics, tennis, football and others have made the move – what is holding jumping back?”

Tradition is no longer an excuse to stop the use of coloured breeches.   “Promoting women’s participation in sports, reducing anxiety about body image – for both men and women – and menstrual anxiety is much more important.”

Emma says breeches should be allowed to be white, light or dark in colour.   “Wearing darker colours can be more inclusive and flattering for those who may not feel that comfortable in lighter colours due to their body shape – especially when we are competing in wet weather.”

It was time to follow the likes of Dressage NZ and NZ Pony Club, both who have ditched the requirement for light-coloured breeches at all levels, giving riders more options to feel comfortable in equestrian sport.

“It’s time we aligned with Sports New Zealand’s efforts to support the health, wellbeing and performance of high performance female athletes – this is something that extends well beyond grassroots concerns.”

The prevalence of eating disorders was high and she felt one of the contributing factors was the current dress code.   “A study published by the American Journal of Athletic Training in 2011 examined the role of body image perceptions and eating disorder risk among collegiate varsity equestrian athletes estimated a 42% prevalence of eating disorders in the group.”

Allowing riders to wear darker colours would boost confidence for those competing while menstruating.   A recent study done in New Zealand by Dr Rachel Batty explored the perspectives and decision-making processes of female sport uniform designs from a National Sports Organisation standpoint.   The findings suggested a uniform design can contribute to increased anxiety among female athletes, particularly concerning body image, menstrual visibility and underwear visibility while wearing a uniform.

“So many sports are transitioning away from light coloured uniforms and encouraging discussions about periods in sports,” says Emma. “It is long overdue.”

Period stigma is particularly crucial for younger girls in sport.  “One of the reasons for dropping out of sports is the stigma surrounding periods along with body image concerns.   By shifting from white to darker colours we can eliminate another barrier for these young girls who may lack the confidence to navigate these issues.”

A March 2023 research done on the back of the Women’s Football World Cup highlighted that –

• 68% of young women will avoid activities when they lack confidence about their bodies
• 88.2% want darker sports gear and/or uniforms
• Young Māori and Pasifika are 63.6% more likely to refrain from playing a sport they are interested in due to clothing and/or equipment making them feel self-conscious.

“If changing this rule keeps just a handful of extra participants in the sport it’s got to be good,” says Emma.  “It is time to change.”