Horse Show Safety Clothing Rules

Horse show safety requires that certain clothing be worn to protect both the horse and the rider. Different types of horse shows will vary slightly when it comes to clothing rules, so it is important to understand the specific equestrian discipline.

  1. Significance

    • Horse show clothing is important for both form and function. Not only should a rider look aesthetically appealing when riding his or her horse, but the clothing itself should facilitate a relaxed, comfortable, proper equestrian form.

    Types

    • In western events, jeans, cowboy boots and a simple button-down shirt are acceptable. In many English events, however, jodhpurs, field boots, ratcatcher shirts and ATSM-approved helmets are more common.

    Features

    • The pants worn as horse show clothing, whether jodhpurs or jeans, should not have an inseam so the material does not rub the rider's legs. Boots with a heel are almost always required for horse shows.

    Considerations

    • When in doubt, riders should talk to other riders who have been to similar horse shows to find out if helmets are required, what color jacket can be worn and whether spurs are acceptable, among other things.

    Fun Fact

    • A ratcatcher shirt is often worn for English horse shows. It received its name because Englishmen used to go hunting for rats on horses wearing shirts fairly similar to these.

    Warning

    • Horse show clothing rules can change from event to event, even within the same discipline, so request a list of rules from the show office prior to attending.