How to Dress for Formal Riding Turnout

Dressing in formal turnout, also called formal attire, is common at many English riding equine events. As the name infers, formal turnout is reserved for formal riding events. Riders may choose to, or be required to, dress in formal attire at fox hunts, breed shows, riding clubs and professional level competitions, including dressage and stadium jumping. Since there are so many options available for show clothes, it is important to know how to correctly dress in formal turnout to avoid the risk of disqualification.

Things You'll Need

  • Helmet, hunt cap or top hat
  • Breeches
  • Hunt coat
  • Riding shirt
  • Stock tie
  • Gold pin
  • Boots
  • Gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose and put on breeches, or riding pants, that are white, canary, tan or buff colored.

    • 2

      Choose and put on tall black field or dress boots over the breeches. Brown boots are not acceptable. Clean and polish the boots.

    • 3

      Choose and put on a long-sleeved white riding shirt with a collar. Over the collar, tie a stock tie and fasten it with a gold pin. The pin is worn horizontally.

    • 4

      Choose and put on a hunt coat. Acceptable colors include black, navy or dark grey. Hunt coats should be solid with no pinstripes or patterns.

    • 5

      Choose and put on a black helmet, hunt cap or top hat. Black or brown gloves can also be worn as part of formal turnout.