Horse Costume Class Ideas

Both horse show participants and spectators find the costume class a favorite at a horse show. Costume classes allow owners to show off both their horses and their creativity, and they provide a welcome break from the more serious classes at the show. Creative horse owners can use their imaginations to transform their horses into anything they like.

  1. Little Bo Peep

    • Horse owners can transform their equines into ovines with a few simple adjustments. This is one of the easiest costumes to make, and sure to get the attention of both spectators and judges. To make this costume, start with a white turnout sheet or blanket, then use glue to cover it with cotton balls. You might need to purchase a lot of cotton balls, but you don't have to worry about other expenses. When the cotton ball encrusted sheet is put on the horse, you have an instant sheep. The Little Bo Peep costume for the rider completes the look. A vintage dress from the local thrift store can serve as the centerpiece of the outfit, and a simple lunge whip makes a great shepherd's hook.

    Unicorn

    • The unicorn costume is simple to make, easy to put on quickly and attractive to judges. Construct the horn out of white construction paper and a stapler or even old paper towel rolls. Kids can add glitter and sparkly material to the horn. Use string or fishing line to attach it to the halter. Choose a halter color that blends in with the color of the horse. The rider can complete the look by dressing as a princess, a costume that can be created by hand or purchased off the shelf in a post-Halloween sale.

    Circus Horse

    • Riders can transform their horses into circus animals with a minimum of fuss and expense. This costume requires very little costuming for the horse, making it a good choice for riders participating in other classes who need to do a quick change. Adorn a fancy show halter with glitter and other fancy touches to give the horse a festive appearance. Complete the look by painting a bucket or an old feed tub in bright colors and carry that as a circus pedestal.