Tips for Horse Show Clothing

Competing in horse shows can be a wonderful hobby, but it is important to be prepared before entering the show ring for the first time. Before actually attending your first show as a competitor, attend a few shows as a spectator. This will give you an idea of what everyone else is wearing, and give you time to gather the clothing items you will need to compete successfully. While having the best clothes will not guarantee you a blue ribbon, the way you present yourself and your horse does play a role in the judge's decision.

  1. Cleaned and Pressed

    • No matter what type of riding you do or which events you plan to compete in, it is essential that the riding apparel you use be spotlessly clean and well pressed. Dry cleaning and pressing your show clothing a day or two before the show is an excellent practice, as is checking each piece of clothing for torn seams or frayed edges. Show clothing withstands a lot of abuse, so check each item as you put it away as well.

      It is essential for your clothing to be fitted properly as well. When you enter the show ring, the focus should be on your horse and his performance, not on the dangling of your shirttails or your collar. Good show clothing is form-fitting without being tight. This will provide a clean look for you and your horse and allow the judge to focus on the entire picture. Form-fitting shirts are designed to fit with riding pants, and these outfits are an excellent choice for Western classes. For most English classes a well-fitting pair of breeches, a properly fitted shirt and a quality hunt coat make a correct ensemble.

    Appropriate for the Class

    • Before you enter your first show it is a good idea to get a copy of the rulebook that governs the competition. Each breed association uses its own rulebook, but many local open shows will use either the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) or the 4H rulebook. No matter which set of rules governs your show, get a copy of the rulebook and read the section on appropriate apparel. If the English classes require long-sleeved hunt coats, be sure you have an appropriate one for show day. If the rules for the Western classes ban frilly collars, make sure your collar is plain. Knowing the rules ahead of time is the best way to avoid a show ring fashion faux pas.

    Showy But Not Overdone

    • For many Western classes glitter is the order of the day, and even many normally staid English classes are featuring glittery collars and showy brooches. When showing your horse it is important to follow the latest fashion trends, but it is just as important to avoid going too far. All that glitter makes it easier for the judge to spot you in a ring full of similar colored horses, but being showy just for the sake of being showy turns off a lot of judges. When purchasing show clothes, keep in mind that those clothes will be viewed from a distance, so what looks glaring up close might be very appropriate for the show ring. But if there is more silver and glitter than actual cloth, you might want to look for more appropriate show ring fashion.

    Jodphurs and Breeches

    • As you attend horse shows as a spectator you will notice that many of the younger riders wear jodphurs and jodphur boots, while most of the older riders where breeches and high boots. This is a standard practice in the show world, and one that new competitors would do well to emulate. "Jods" are traditional attire for younger riders, and as with all other show clothes they need to be properly fitted--not overly large with the idea that the child will "grow into" them--and well cleaned. Give the short jodphur boots a good swipe before each class with a soft polishing cloth.

    Safety Equipment

    • Safety is a vital consideration in the show ring, and competitors need to incorporate proper safety gear into their show day outfits. ASTM/SE-approved helmets are a must for English riders, and equivalent head protection is important for Western competitors as well. In fact, many shows require that all riders under the age of 18, no matter what their discipline, wear an ASTM/SEI helmet when mounted, whether or not they are competing in a class. Choose a helmet that fits you properly--a properly fitted helmet will not impede your vision or move around as you ride.