“What am I going to wear?” Fortunately, what to wear when showing your horse has definitive guidelines that will help make your choice of a horse show outfit a breeze. Because when it comes to horse show attire, it’s important your riding apparel is both functional and attractive. Your choices can enhance the entire look by choosing colors that complement your horse’s coat color, and provide an unique individual look that makes you stand out in the crowd. Whether you are going to your first horse show, or you have been showing for years, there are guidelines and tips for every equestrian.
Horse Show Attire Varies by Discipline
Not all horse shows are the same. The various disciplines each have a rule book stating specific rules for what to wear for showing horses at recognized events. Local and non-recognized horse shows usually follow the rules and guidelines of the recognized shows. Dressage riders, for example, consult the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) rulebooks for specific rules for dressage attire. The Hunter/Jumper rules are also found in the USEF guidelines and also the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) rulebooks. Eventing riders also consult the USEF rulebook. Western riders consult the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA.) After that there are non-written accepted styles and guidelines that go with each sport. When in doubt, read your rule book, consult with your trainer, and attend a horse show to see what everyone is wearing.
The Hunter Jumper world, and specifically the hunter classes have been consistently conservative through the years concerning the preferred equestrian show attire of their competitors. Dark show coats, navy blue, dark green, dark gray, or black are the acceptable choices. Breeches are primarily beige, light tan or light grey. Black or navy helmets, black field boots, and black or navy gloves complete the streamlined effect. Those in the jumper division have more leeway with some bolder colors choices.
Dressage competitors have recently been given a little more choices in colors of coats and breeches. To be safe - choose a black coat, white show shirt, white stock tie, white breeches, and black helmet, gloves and boots. Some riders have ventured out of the traditional black/white look to go with dark navy, green or maroon coats. White breeches still rule however. Helmet choices have branched out to include a matt or shiny surface, maybe with a bit of sparkle, or even dark navy. Black gloves are always acceptable, but as you move up the dressage levels, you should wear white gloves.
The western show world is all over the map. Cowboy hats, plain or sparkling shirts, full chaps, matching vests, cowboy boots, and spurs. Because of the huge variety of horse shows in the western world, you definitely have to consult your rule book, get the advice of your trainer, and go watch a show that you wish to participate in to get an idea of what is being worn. From reining, to western equitation and pleasure, trail classes, and working cow horse - they all vary as to what is appropriate.
Build Your Core Riding Show Wardrobe
First and foremost for your safety is an ASTM/SEI certified helmet. ASTM/SEI certified helmets are horse riding helmets that have been tested and certified by both ASTM International and the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) to insure certain standards. A black helmet is always a safe choice for any English competition.
When choosing a show shirt, breeches and jacket, proper fit is essential. These garments need to appear fitted to the rider without being too tight. Loose riding apparel just looks sloppy.
The English equestrian show shirt, once referred to as a ratcatcher, has a stand up collar to accommodate a choker or a stock tie. Hunters and jumpers primarily wear a choker with a pin or engraved initials or designs, and dressage riders wear a stock tie with a pin to keep it secure. White show shirts are always a safe choice with long sleeves, especially for when coats are optional for a sleeker look. In the hunter world, mild colors are acceptable to complement the coat color.
Full seat or knee patch breeches are equally acceptable in the English horse show world. It’s personal preference. White is the most common in the dressage arena, and beige/tan are most often worn in hunter/jumper competitions. Finish your polished look with a smooth conservative belt.
Show coats or jackets have evolved and are more comfortable than ever. Most are made with fabric that has a bit of stretch and breathability. The dressage coat typically has four buttons and is a bit longer than a hunter coat, while the hunter rider has three buttons. However, a good fit is the most essential for a sleek, polished look.
If you are serious about showing your horse, you need tall boots. Dressage riders wear dress boots, and hunter riders wear field boots. If you are going to a schooling show, you can wear black paddock boots and matching black half chaps.
Style Tips to Elevate Your Look Without Breaking Rules
The best way to look sharp in your horse show outfit is to pay meticulous attention to the details. Show coats, show shirts, and breeches must be perfectly clean, and fit snug enough to lay flat and sleek, but not so tight they are uncomfortable. Tuck show shirts inside your breeches or undergarments so the seams lay flat and are not noticeable. Take the time to try on your helmet at home by putting your hair in a braid or ponytail and ALWAYS wear a hair net so no wisps of hair escape. Be sure your show coat sleeves are long enough so there is no gap between your coat sleeve and your gloves. If your long sleeve white shirt cuff is visible, that is acceptable.
Coordinate the color of your helmet, show coat, show shirt, breeches and gloves. Your show shirt can be a light color that compliments your coat, but be sure your gloves are the same color as your jacket for a seamless look. If you go with a dark navy helmet, wear a dark navy show coat and gloves, for example.
For a sophisticated look, you can monogram your choker instead of wearing a pin. In the dressage world, you can add a bit of bling to your dressage show outfit with some sparkle to your helmet, gloves, and tall dressage boots. When in doubt, choose the more conservative option. It is better to wow the judges with your riding ability, then with the fanciest horse show outfit.
