| Show clothes create an image in the judge's eye that | | | | remember to bring dark leather riding gloves. |
| will have as much to do with your score as riding ability | | | | Breeches And Boots |
| and the horse's performance. No matter how well | | | | Riding breeches provide protection, comfort, and |
| someone rides, if they are not dressed appropriately, | | | | contact all while silhouetting a sleek look. Show |
| they will not place and can often be disqualified | | | | breeches are usually light colored, but fashion trends |
| altogether. Creating a checklist of essential equestrian | | | | are as alive and well in the show ring as everywhere |
| riding apparel helps to prevent the stress, frustration, | | | | else. Looking at what is currently available at reputable |
| and problems that can occur when showing horses. | | | | online equestrian riding apparel sites can provide riders |
| Every rider knows that they need to wear a helmet, | | | | with a better idea of what the judges and the |
| shoes of some kind, and clothes that are not baggy. | | | | competition will be looking at this show season. |
| Show clothes, however, are far more than that. Show | | | | Breeches get dirty very easily, which is why three or |
| clothes must look elegant, allow for movement, and be | | | | more pairs are needed. Be sure to pack a belt that |
| made well enough to last through the end of the | | | | goes with the other leather items in the show clothes |
| current season. Companies such as Tuffrider, Tailored | | | | wardrobe. |
| Sportsman, and Equine Couture use the best materials, | | | | Tall black boots are the order of the day when it |
| styles, and accents to create the right image while still | | | | comes to show clothes. Dress boots are worn in |
| allowing the freedom of movement necessary for an | | | | dressage classes, whereas stylish and elegant field |
| excellent performance, the moisture-wicking properties | | | | boots are worn in other types of classes and |
| that keep riders comfortable, and well-made products | | | | competitions. The important thing to note about boots |
| that will last. | | | | is that they must be clean and form fitting. Two or |
| Heads Up On Show Clothes | | | | three extra pairs of socks are always a good idea |
| An ASTM/SEI approved helmet should always top | | | | when packing for a show. You will also want to bring |
| any equestrian riding apparel wardrobe list. Show | | | | spurs, just be sure they are allowed in the class before |
| helmets are generally black or charcoal colored and | | | | wearing them into the ring. |
| should be wiped off or brushed prior to entering the | | | | Other Show Essentials |
| show ring. If a helmet does not display an ASTM/SEI | | | | Your crop may not be considered equestrian riding |
| sticker, you will not be allowed to ride, so be sure to | | | | apparel, but it sure will come in handy. Other |
| only buy approved helmets. Riders with long hair should | | | | non-clothing items that should be included on your list of |
| be sure to wear it neatly. It is a good idea to bring | | | | things to bring include a sewing kit, a first aid kit, and |
| extra hair ties, hair nets, and bobby pins. | | | | rain gear. Sunscreen and sunglasses can help riders |
| Working downward, a show shirt and jacket are the | | | | feel more comfortable outside of the ring, as will a |
| next items on the list. For men, button-down shirts can | | | | supply of healthy snacks and electrolyte fluids for both |
| be worn with a tie or stock tie, while women wear a | | | | you and your horse. Grooming gear, extra tack, and |
| ratcatcher with a choker collar or a stock tie. The | | | | some cash in hand can go a long way to reduce |
| show coat or jacket is usually dark-hued, grey, or | | | | stress on show days. |
| beige. There are many elegant and flattering styles of | | | | You can use a list of essential show clothes to help |
| show coats available today that feature a stretch lining | | | | get organized before heading to a show. It can also be |
| that allows freedom of movement as well as a stylish | | | | used to identify items that are missing or that need |
| appearance. As likely as it is for a show shirt or show | | | | replacing. There are some very fine, reputable online |
| jacket to get dirty, it is always a good idea to bring an | | | | equestrian riding apparel sites that sell high quality show |
| extra jacket and three or four extra shirts, along with | | | | clothes at excellent prices. Ensuring that you have |
| extra collar pins or stock ties, just in case. A wardrobe | | | | everything needed to look, feel, and perform like a |
| brush or lint roller can also come in very handy, and | | | | champion is the first step toward a winning season. |