Showing In Hand What To Wear? Best 51 Answer

Finding the perfect wedding dress is an exciting time for every bride and you want to do it right! Make sure you find out all the things you need to know by asking your br… Read more

Jackets come first. A good quality and well-fitting tweed jacket is required for many courses. Mountains and moors, hunters and corn on the cob specify this as the only jacket permitted. Hack courses give tweed as specifically for men and as an option for women, along with black and blue show jackets, which are more popular and correct. Arab classes offer the option of wearing tweed or blue show jackets. Show pony classes specify that a navy blue jacket must be worn, but most others allow tweed. Courses that overlap, such as B. Coloured, Lead Rein and Equitation require you to wear what is right for your horse type. So when you take your mountain and moorland in Equitation it seems like it’s for an M&M course.

All links on this page that lead to products on Amazon are affiliate links and I get a commission if you make a purchase. Thank you in advance – I really appreciate that!

There are many types of horse shows for both children and adults. My grandkids love barrel racing and I’m grateful they were able to attend local shows. It gives them the opportunity to improve their driving skills while watching each other compete.

Competition is a key element of horse shows. In various equestrian events such as dressage, barrel racing or show jumping, riders compete against each other to see who has the best skills. These events provide the perfect opportunity to bring together the work done during the apprenticeship.

Being part of a horse show crowd can make you feel like you’re in a completely different world. Whether you’re introducing your family to your love of the sport or experiencing it as a guest for the first time, it’s amazing to see riders show off their skills.

If this piques your curiosity to learn about the different types of shows, stay tuned.

horse shows

Horse shows consist of competitions between horse breeds and equestrian disciplines, where prizes and prize money are awarded. The horses are judged on their movements, jumping style, manners and hunting speed.

In contrast, their riders are judged on their riding skills, communication skills, and ability to control their mount. Horse shows give riders the opportunity to test their horse in a competition. Training is fun, but you never really know how your horse will develop until you take him to a show.

Most horse shows have three classes: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Beginner courses offer horses who have never competed or are just starting out a chance to gain experience without pressure.

Intermediate provide an environment where participants can improve from beginner level while still competing against others of similar ability.

Finally, there is the “Advanced” category, which challenges experienced professionals. Advanced participants typically earn points to qualify. Within each of these categories there are often levels.

English horse shows

Whilst there are several competitions for riders and horses to take part in, one of the most popular is the English Horse Shows. There are several activities within the competition where the riders and horses are judged in this competition.

If you wish to compete your horses and are interested in competing in an English show, you must be highly qualified in the following events:

dressage

show jumping

versatility

jump hunter

dressage shows

The dressage part of the competition consists of evaluating how the horse responds to its rider and whether or not it obeys its rider. In dressage tests, judges evaluate the horse’s training. It consists of an arranged movement pattern that makes it difficult to test the horse’s precision and harmony with its rider.

Dressage is a part of eventing and is part of the equestrian events at the Summer Olympics. Show jumping involves horses that can jump large jumps within a certain time limit.

In this case horses are judged on the number of obstacles a horse can clear without fault, e.g. when it knocks them down or refuses to move, as the jumps become more and more challenging as you progress. The horse with the fastest time without faults is the winner.

eventing shows

Eventing is the equestrian triathlon competition that tests the horse’s ability to respond to riders through the dressage test. Then, in the endurance phase of the competition, they evaluate their speed, cross-country jumping skills, and endurance.

Finally, their jumping ability and endurance will be tested in the jumping area of ​​the event. This event is one of the most meticulous tests for horse and rider. Hunter horses are judged very differently than show jumpers.

They will be judged on their style and manner of jumping and their ability to successfully complete the course. The judges examine the manners, quality and ease of the horses’ gaits and how they represent their form and safety

over fences.

Western horse shows

In Western competitions, horses are judged on changes in leadership at the canter, quality of gaits, how they respond to their rider, manners and disposition. And while all three gaits are required, most of the pattern is performed at the canter.

The judges emphasize the horse’s precise, clean lead changes and its general suppleness in competition. In this competition, each horse competes individually, with all showing four patterns for the judges to choose from.

Patterns performed include walk, jog, jog, lopes over logs, a transition between jog and lope, a four crossing lead change event, flat 3-4 line changes, rein back, and a hold.

Horses must complete all lead changes within the allotted area. These are some of the many events you will see:

Western pleasure

reins

abseil

barrel race

western riding

path

Western pleasure

In the Western Pleasure classes, the horses are judged on whether they can execute the required gaits calmly and comfortably. Horses should be a pleasure to ride, both in gait quality and manners.

Most events require the horses to jog, west trot, walk and canter in both directions on the arena, and walk back quietly. Horses that are part of the reining event must show a set pattern that emphasizes how well they respond to their rider and their rider’s control.

reining shows

In reining competitions, horses are judged on their ability to respond to their riders by performing things like spinning turns, flying lead changes, lengthening and shortening strides, and sliding stops. The roping events showcase the horse’s ability to track and steer a running calf, allowing the rider to lasso the animals to restrain them.

roping shows

Roping events consist of two riders, a heeler and a header and include different roping events for each team. The winner is the one who manages to rope up the ox the quickest. In the event, including calves, is the winner

Whichever team ropes the calf, ties three of its legs together and dismounts in no time.

barrel racing shows

What I know best are barrel racing shows, which are different from rodeo competitions. During a barrel race, each competitor attempts to race around barrels arranged in a cloverleaf pattern. The fastest time without knocking over a keg is the winner.

Rodeos include various events such as roping, bull riding and bullfighting. At a barrel racing show, only barrel races are included, usually broken down by classes such as junior or senior drivers. It is not uncommon for us to spend the whole day at a barrel show.

Western riding competitions judge horses on their ability to perform an arranged pattern that emphasizes their ability to make flying lead changes, quality of gait, manners, and responsiveness to their riders.

The trail show competitions showcase the horse’s ability to negotiate a series of obstacles that mimic those they will encounter on the trails. Horses are judged on their ability to overcome these obstacles by showing calmness, security and willingness.

Typically, these obstacles include walking across a bridge, opening and closing a gate, weaving cones, backing through cones, and opening mailboxes.

Is horse show expensive?

If you are planning to attend a horse show, expect the prices to be expensive between entry fees, travel expenses for you and your animal. The cost of these shows also depends on how many you join.

If you’re a rider trying to qualify for prestigious competitions to win annual rewards, a specific show can cost anywhere from $700 to $1000. Coaching fees can range from $70 to $100 per day, and day-to-day grooming of your animal can be around $30 per day.

If you are new to horse shows and need the experience and want to showcase yourself, you can achieve these goals at smaller venues that will cost you less than the more prestigious shows. Locations like schools sometimes offer their website for unrecognizable shows with lower entry fees.

My suggestion would be that you do your research before signing up for shows. Make sure you know which show you’d rather attend and know your budget before you decide. Horses are expensive either way, so it’s best to do your homework.

frequently asked Questions

Even your choice of style and tie color can be used to bring the whole look together. For example, a tweed show jacket with a very subtle Canarian check can be ‘highlighted’ by pairing it with a gold tie and tattersall check waistcoat – stunning on a dun or palomino! Showing is about complimenting your horse and about effortless elegance. Look for garments that combine quality and classic tailoring. Subtle checks on a tweed jacket can also mean a natural crossover with the jacket for dressage and show jumping. The more discreet the plaid, the more versatile the garment is for those looking to compete across disciplines on a tighter budget.

This article is part of our Rookies Horsing Around series, guest authors by Emily and Sarah Harris of Sisters Horsing Around.

Horse shows can throw you some curveballs, but your attire doesn’t have to be one of them

Going to a horse show is a lot of fun! Every time show season begins, you need to make sure you’re ready to give your best. Keeping your wardrobe in order is a necessity.

For those new to the world of horse shows, knowing what to wear can be a bit daunting. With all the talk about formal and informal attire, the rules and regulations, etc., there is a lot of show jargon that can be confusing and dampen enthusiasm. But fear not, we’re here to help!

Firstly, we suggest that you check with the facility hosting the show for details on what type of show is being hosted and what the show attire needs to be.

Find out if your specific showwear needs to be formal or informal.

If the show requires formal attire, we recommend that you check with the United States Equestrian Federation for the formal attire rules for the discipline you will be entering. If informal attire is acceptable at the show you will be attending, you can follow the guidelines in this article.

*Cover photo by Sarah Harris of Sisters Horsing Around

Local English shows – not discipline specific

These shows are usually viewed as fun shows or educational shows. These shows are for those who are just starting out. They usually consist of walk, trot, canter, go-as-you-please classes, a leadline class and maybe even a few show jumping classes.

If this is your first show, things don’t have to get fancy or expensive. You can look your best with some wallet-friendly options.

You can choose one:

Simple clean white polo

Clean white sun shirt or quarter-zip sport shirt

A pair of clean riding breeches or riding tights

Nice belt if your breeches have belt loops

Clean paddock boots or tall leather boots

ASTM-SEI approved riding helmet (can be any color but it’s best to stick to conservative colors)

A simple, clean polo shirt or long-sleeve shirt, such as a quarter-zip sunshirt or athletic shirt, will do just fine. We’ve replaced the more expensive riding sunshirts and sport shirts with performance white jumpers and there’s no visual difference. In addition, we save money!

Conservative colors like white, black, navy blue, gray, or another dark color are good options. Light colors are fine when pastels are involved, but in general light colors are kitschy and garish and should only be worn outside of the show ring.

It also works when you pair your shirt with clean breeches or jodhpurs.

Keep the colors a little more neutral like tan, beige, or even black. You could possibly even get away with rust or brown pants.

As for your boots, it’s okay if you only have one pair of paddock boots. In local shows they are not too picky about footwear as long as you have a good, secure shoe. Closed boots with a 2.5 cm heel and a flat sole profile are considered safe. These days you don’t always have to shop at an equestrian store, looking for polo shirts or performance style quarter zips at Walmart or Amazon is an excellent place to start your search.

If you’re not sure what to wear, as the organizer of the show. At some school shows the dress code is casual and you can wear clean and tidy everyday riding attire.

Local hunter shows

At hunter shows, the informal attire has a more distinct look than at fun or educational shows. Think of hunter shows as if they were a beauty pageant. Not only do they need to drive well, they also need to look neat, tidy and polished.

What you wear depends on your age and driving status – meaning if you are a junior driver you would not wear the same as an adult amateur driver:

A clean white show shirt with buttons

A black, navy blue, or pinstriped showcoat

Black paddock boots if you are under 12

Black paddock boots and half chaps if you are a junior over 12

Black field boots (for adult riders)

Suspenders (for youth riders)

Breeches (for youth riders) or breeches (for adult riders)

ASTM-SEI approved riding helmet (black, navy, or tan – black is more common)

For riders under the age of 12, a show shirt with a show jacket, light brown breeches with a garter and paddock boots are appropriate attire. Riders under the age of 12 are allowed to wear their hair in a low ponytail or braids under the helmet. You can also wear the pretty show bows in your hair!

For riders over the age of 12, hair should be neatly tied into a hairnet and stowed under the helmet.

To make the best impression, make sure that no strands of hair are sticking out from under the helmet or through the hair net.

Paddock boots are allowed as long as you have half chaps, but if you really want to go for the hunter look then opt for a pair of field boots. Aside from the breeches with suspenders, the way you wear your hair, and the type of boots that match, the rest of your outfit isn’t age dictated. For all riders, the shirt may be a pastel or white button-down shirt and may be worn with a tie, collar with stick pin, or stick tie and pin.

For the show coat, any dark colored coat in solid or striped style is acceptable.

For breeches you can choose between tan, buff, canary or rust. If you’re having trouble deciding on a color, you can NEVER go wrong with a pair of tan breeches. In hunter shows they really like to stick to tradition. We therefore recommend that you stay as conservative as possible in style and choose colors that suit your tastes but do not clash or distract in the show ring.

DO NOT wear a polo shirt to these hunter shows. Polo shirts are considered prohibited clothing.

Local dressage shows

At local dressage shows, the dress code is not as strict and much simpler than at a hunter show. You’re probably a little surprised, but yes, local dressage shows are pretty relaxed about what to wear as long as you’re confident and looking neat! If you want to dress up and look fancy, that’s totally fine.

Just don’t feel the need to go running to buy one of those long shadow bellies you see on the Olympic riders. This is not necessary for local shows:

Any polo color that is clean is fine

Quarter zip shirt available in any color

White or brown pants

Black paddock boots or half chaps for training levels and below

Black field or dress boots

A black or navy blue show coat

A white shirt with buttons

Riding helmet with ASTM-SEI approval

Any color polo is fine as long as you tuck your shirt into it. You can pair your quarter zip polo or shirt with white or tan breeches along with a nice plain belt if the breeches have belt loops. You wouldn’t wear a jacket with the polo or quarter-zip shirt.

If you’re younger, paddock boots are perfectly fine. If you’re older, add some half chaps or wear field boots or dress boots. Dress boots differ from field boots as dress boots do not have laces and field boots do.

If you want to wear a show coat, navy or black are the most commonly worn colors. However, if you choose to wear a black coat, you MUST wear a white button down shirt underneath with a tie and pin. A black coat is considered formal wear, so keep that in mind when choosing your attire. If you opt for a navy blue or pinstriped coat, a white shirt with a tie or choker collar and pin will work well.

Local jumper shows

In show jumping, or “jumper” shows, your main focus is to get your horse across a course cleanly and in the fastest time.

Your clothes can be simple as long as they are safe and neat:

Any color polo that is clean

A pair of clean breeches that are either white, tan, or canary colored

Paddock boots with half chaps (they must be the same color)

Black or brown field boots

A light or white shirt with buttons

Each color show coat (!)

Riding helmet with ASTM-SEI approval

Believe us when we say if you want to let your personality shine, you can do it at show jumping! Want to wear purple, blue or even pink, go ahead! But a more conservative color might be better in some areas, so just keep an eye out for pics of drivers on previous shows. If you like it simple, a polo or quarter-zip shirt is just the ticket.

Again, you wouldn’t wear a polo or quarter-zip jacket.

They may wear breeches that are white, fawn (tan), or canary colored.

Paddock boots and half chaps are perfectly fine, just make sure the half chaps are the same color as your boots. If you want to go the extra mile and have all the bells and whistles, then a white button down shirt, with a colored show coat, white trousers, a belt and field boots is the way to go!

Local eventing shows

An eventing show is called Horse Trials. The local shows generally offer a CT or a combined test (show jumping and dressage only) in addition to the horse trials. Eventing is one of the mildest English disciplines in terms of dress code. However, since eventing has three phases, dressage, show jumping and cross country, the rules differ slightly depending on the phase.

Also, the dress requirements are divided by riding level, the higher you go, the stricter the dress code:

Clean polo in any color with sleeves

Quarter zip sun shirt or sport shirt with sleeves in any color

Pants of any color

Any Color Show Coat

Black or brown paddock boots with matching leather gaiters

Black or brown field boots

Medical armband or bracelet

Body armor (additional inflatable air vest is optional but recommended!)

Any colored ASTM/SEI approved helmet

Gloves (not required) any color for cross country, dark colors, tan, beige or white for dressage and show jumping

Stick binder and pin, for dressage and show jumping

Choker, for dressage and show jumping

Tie, for dressage and show jumping

For Beginner to Pre-intermediate levels, you are allowed to wear shirts of any color, such as: B. a polo shirt or a quarter zip – as long as it has sleeves. Pants of any color are perfectly fine.

You only need a show coat for dressage or show jumping, but they are not always necessary and can be any color. Tails (shadow bellies) are not allowed for these levels.

Gloves can be worn as long as they are either dark colored or tan, tan, or white. Wearing body armor is fine in dressage and show jumping, but it is MANDATORY in cross country. A medical bracelet or bracelet is also required.

Helmets of any color are fine too, they just need to be ASTM/SEI certified. You can wear black, brown or other dark field boots. Paddock boots with gaiters are permitted, but half chaps are not permitted.

All her show attire can have small embellishments such as rhinestones, glittery patches, lapels or collars of different colors, etc. as long as it is “discreet and tasteful”. For Intermediate and above, the same rules apply except that gloves and a show coat are required and tails are permitted.

Local Saddleseat Shows

A lot is different at Saddleseat. There are a lot of things you need to get right when it comes to dressing for this discipline. There are different rules for clothing and not always your outfit is suitable for every class. For example, there are informal wear, formal wear, day wear and evening wear.

But don’t let the different show attire discourage you, you can still have loads of fun without getting bogged down in all the details:

Riding jacket with collar and lapels in the same color to match the breeches

collar shirt

Tie

vest

Jodhpur boots

gloves

Derby hat or ASTM-SEI approved helmet (Chief Rookie Aside: Go for the helmet!)

Show attire for Saddleseat is referred to as a ‘riding habit’. The colors must be conservative. If a color is not listed in the show rules, it is considered forbidden and a reason for disqualification. Colors considered appropriate colors for an informal riding style are black, blue, grey, burgundy, green, beige or tan and may include herringbone, pinstripes and other solid color combinations. Usually a derby cap of the same color will be worn, but helmets are also fine and will not be penalized.

military service and police

Drivers who serve our country in any military service or police capacity are granted a special exemption. They can wear their uniform while competing in the show ring. Whether you are retired or currently serving, you can wear your service uniform with pride!

The disciplines that have this special allowance are:

dressage

versatility

show jumping

Hunter

Accesories

Accessories are those things that you don’t actually need, but are still a good idea if you want to take things a step further. It all depends on what level and discipline you show.

gloves

Spurs (if you know how to use them properly)

hairnet

Show Bows (especially for kids!)

When using a hair net, use one that is similar to your hair color. Show bows can be worn by girls of all ages but there are 2 different styles that determine age appropriateness. The elaborate long tail show loops are for girls under 12 only. These show bows are cute and fun and can be personalized to suit your little girl’s taste. The smaller show bows with a hairnet combo are for girls of all ages including adults! They are more subtle and classy in appearance with a touch of sophistication.

Gloves are not required, but if you use them, black is a very good choice that can work well at any show.

Also, remember to keep jewelry to a minimum. Loose dangling jewelry can be a hazard while riding. Therefore, you should be careful not to wear loose bracelets or necklaces, and if you choose earrings, make sure they are small studs or studs.

frequently asked Questions

What is horse show etiquette for spectators?

Check with the show ahead of time to see if spectators are allowed. Always being considerate is perhaps the FIRST RULE for spectators. Be considerate of the riders and their horses and be considerate of other spectators. Please ensure that you remain calm while the riders are in the show ring and do not do anything that could create a dangerous situation for the riders.

Flash photography may be prohibited due to the possibility of startling a horse. We have seen this many times in a hall. No Smoking! No drinking!

If you have a dog, ALWAYS keep it on a leash. Not all horses and dogs get along.

Supervise your children at all times and please respect the riders by staying clear of the barn areas and trailer parking areas.

If you meet a rider on his horse, be friendly and nice and ALWAYS ask before touching his horse. We know this can be difficult, but some riders don’t like people touching their horses. Some riders feel that people walking around touching all the horses in the show are spreading germs from one horse to another.

Do not walk in the stands or around the horses. Don’t leave junk behind.

What should a spectator wear to a horse show?

If you wish to see a local show, you should contact the show office for dress codes. Shirts and sturdy shoes are generally required. Remember the adage “when in Rome, do as the Romans do” and dress appropriately for the venue and discipline you will be seeing.

Check out Fashion Dos and Don’ts: What to Wear to a Spectator Horse Show.

As a rule, it is acceptable to dress casually in comfortable shoes. Horse shows can be quite long and you want to be comfortable for the event. Also remember to dress modestly. Do not wear clothing that could put you in a dangerous situation, especially when you are near a horse. Of course no sandals, flip-flops or open-toed shoes near horses!

If it’s an outdoor show, be prepared to have sunglasses and a hat or cap for the sun. Also prepare for rain with a raincoat or rain poncho.

DO NOT USE UMBRELLAS near horses. This would pose a danger to the riders.

What else do you need to pack for a horse show? Many riders prepare a “bridle case” with everything they need for their horse and for themselves to show. You might also want to consider a show backpack, also known as a “ringside” bag, to store those things you might need just outside the ring before you go in. Mending yourself, boot shine, spurs, a crop etc.

Next, pack lots and lots of drinks! When you know it’s going to be hot, then drinks are really necessary to avoid heat-related illnesses! Consider packing snacks to save money on grocery expenses and extra clothing for emergencies.

For more tips, check out our ultimate horse show packing list.

Other items include: a horse and rider first aid kit; a battery to charge your phone (just in case there are no outlets); and the rules for the classes in which you will appear.

More tips, tricks and suggestions:

Now that we have discussed what you should wear for each English discipline, we would like to suggest some other things to consider when preparing for horse shows.

Get Organized: Along with preparation, organization tops the list of things to consider. Being organized will definitely help make your show experience less stressful. A packing list is important.

Next to preparation, organization is high on the list of things to consider. Being organized will definitely help make your show experience less stressful. A packing list is important. Keep It Clean: Once you have everything for your show outfit, we recommend storing your show outfit in a garment bag. A garment bag keeps everything organized and clean. There are boot bags that you can get for your show boots. Doing your best doesn’t have to mean having the most expensive items you can buy. Looking good can be as simple as flaunting a well-put together outfit that fits well and is neat and clean.

Once you have everything for your show outfit, we recommend storing your show outfit in a garment bag. A garment bag keeps everything organized and clean. There are boot bags that you can get for your show boots. Doing your best doesn’t have to mean having the most expensive items you can buy. Looking good can be as simple as flaunting a well-put together outfit that fits well and is neat and clean. Sweat It Up: When you come to the show and work and get ready for your ride, you can throw a pair of sweatshirts over your show outfit if it’s winter, or a pair of smocks (think nursing smocks). Make sure your outfit doesn’t get dirty while you get your horse ready.

If you come to the show and work and prepare for your ride, you can throw on a pair of sweatshirts over your show outfit in the winter, or a pair of smocks (think nursing smocks) to complete your outfit so you don’t get dirty while you prepare your horse . Roll it: It’s also a good idea to pack a lint roller along with a soft dusting brush, which you can use to remove any lint or horse hair that may have become lodged on your show outfit.

It’s also a good idea to pack a lint roller along with a soft dusting brush, which you can use to remove any lint or horse hair that may have become attached to your show outfit. Change of shoes: Also consider bringing another pair of comfortable, secure shoes (buckskin boots, muck boots, old pair of riding boots, etc.) to wear while working with your horse before class. This way you can keep your competition boots clean. Only wear your tall boots when you are either sitting on the horse or just mounting it. While you’re not wearing your tall or show boots, store them in a boot bag. If your show boots are tall boots, make sure they have their boot trees in them, this will help keep them tall and straight.

Also, consider bringing another pair of comfortable, secure shoes (creek boots, muck boots, old pair of riding boots, etc.) to wear while working with your horse before class. This way you can keep your competition boots clean. Only wear your tall boots when you are either sitting on the horse or just mounting it. While you’re not wearing your tall or show boots, store them in a boot bag. If your show boots are tall boots, make sure they have their boot trees in them, this will help keep them tall and straight. Shine On: Since you want to make sure your boots are clean before stepping into the ring, we recommend getting an inexpensive microfiber cloth to wipe down your boots when they get dusty. It would also help to remove the boot shine from your boots just before entering the ring.

Since you want to make sure your boots are clean before stepping into the ring, we recommend getting an inexpensive microfiber cloth to wipe down your boots when they get dusty. It would also help to remove the boot shine from your boots just before entering the ring. Don’t be sticky: Also, make sure your notebook is clean and in good condition. Tack doesn’t have to be new, but it should be clean and secure. Be sure to check the rules for each discipline to know what the acceptable tack requirements are. Certain bits are not allowed in certain disciplines.

Also make sure your bridle is clean and in good condition. Tack doesn’t have to be new, but it should be clean and secure. Be sure to check the rules for each discipline to know what the acceptable tack requirements are. Certain bits are not allowed in certain disciplines. Mind Your Manners: Last but not least, you should remember that “You’re never fully dressed without a smile” (a song from the movie “Annie”). We encourage you to HAVE A GOOD ATTITUDE. This goes a LONG way in the show ring. Be friendly, smile and be polite to the other riders, the show officials and the judge.

No matter what goes wrong, how your horse behaves before you enter the show ring, how your horse behaves in the show ring and if you don’t win your class, show that good attitude. The setting makes as much impact as the clothes you wear.

You are always a winner with a good attitude!

parting thoughts

We hope this has given you some insight into what to wear to a show for competition. The show should be an exciting opportunity to showcase the progress you and your horse have made.

We understand how difficult it can be to find the right clothes. But no matter what discipline you ride, your clothing must always be safe, neat and clean. You don’t need the most expensive outfit to look good. A well-put together outfit that hasn’t cost an arm or a leg can look just as good as a tailored outfit.

If you have any doubts about whether your show attire is correct or legal, be sure to read the contest rules. These rules should help you to come to the fair well prepared!

If you are unable to buy the clothes you need at the moment, you might want to ask a riding enthusiast to borrow their clothes. Most drivers are happy to help, especially if you only show a few times a year. Just make sure you treat whatever you borrow well. And don’t feel like you need to get formal on your first show. This should be fun! So grab your boots and helmet – it’s time to enter the show ring!

PS Do you like this article? Trot on to:

Preparing for a horse show is the ultimate test of organization, early preparation and deep, relaxed breathing – 3 things riders aren’t always good at, especially when showing inexperienced horses! With this simple guide, getting everything ready won’t seem so overwhelming.

Before you begin, there are a few things you need to clarify in order to start packing.

Are these questions going through your head too?

Is this an overnight show, if so how many days?

How far is the showground from your stable?

Does your horse eat and/or drink outside the home?

Will the site supply water?

How much are the entrance fees?

Is there a trailer fee?

what classes do you go to

Is this a rated show or a school show?

Do you or your stable rent boxes or tie them to the trailer?

Creating separate lists for rider and horse can be an easy way to organize your gear, clothing, and supplies.

Knowing this information first will make packing a lot easier and you and your horse will be prepared. For example, you don’t need extra bedding, pitchforks, etc. if your barn doesn’t rent boxes. Familiarizing yourself with the show overview, horse and rider accommodations, and other expectations will determine what (and how much of it) you’ll pack.

What documents do I need to bring with me to take part in a horse show?

The first things to think about when packing for a show is paperwork and necessary documents that the show delegates will ask you to do. These may depend on the Governing Body making the show possible.

A few general documents that should always have a safe place in a lockable folder are:

Coggins/Health Certificate

Required membership information (for both rider and horse)

Horse registration papers (copies)

The Rule Book of the Governing Body

USEF Guide: https://www.usef.org/compete/resources-forms/rules-regulations/rulebook

It can be quite frustrating to get all the way into the trailer and find out you don’t have the documentation needed to even get in the ring. Also compensate for the time it takes to get the paperwork! Don’t wait until the day before the show to ask your vet about a negative coggins or health certificate.

What should I bring to the tournament for my horse?

After you’ve scraped together your paperwork and answered the first few questions, it’s time to start packing officially.

Here are some of those questions that need to be answered. If your horse is a picky eater and you know or have doubts that he eats and drinks off the property regularly, it may be helpful to bring food and water from “home”. Even slightly different-tasting water can seem like the end of the world to a picky horse.

What does my horse eat at the tournament?

If you don’t eat, your horse will be further stressed and unable to perform at its best. If your horse hasn’t eaten or drunk water for a long time and seems lethargic or depressed, scratching from the other classes may be the healthiest choice. This can also include transport illnesses – another reason why an up-to-date health certificate is so important; It’s not just an inconvenience, it’s for the protection of the horses!

hay

water

Buckets (at least 2- 1 for drinking water and another one for bathing)

flavorings and/or electrolytes

Cereals (common type, brand and quantity)

Bringing food and water from home is a good idea anyway, in case there are problems with the food or water provided. Packing a powdered electrolyte or flavor mix can mean the difference between a healthy horse or a dangerously dehydrated one. Always offer water several times a day, including between classes.

Also read: How to care for your horse

Which bridle do I need for the horse show?

Depending on the type of show you’re attending and if you’re competing in multiple disciplines, be sure to pack the trailer with the necessary accessories. If you’re an all-rounder trying your hand at multiple disciplines, but you’re going to be in a Hunter Jumper tournament, don’t bring your western saddle “in case you need it.” It’s just more work and clutter in the trailer tack room. More is not always more.

Hard brush

Soft brush

hoof pick

Grooming for horses (e.g. Carr & Day & Martin)

hoof polish

baby powder

baby oil

Mane and tail crest

Horse razors and small travel clippers for mending

Linen (if required)

sponge

flysheet or scrim

fly spray

Extra Braiding Materials and Tools (You know these guys never stay)

If you sometimes need to change bits, bridles, girths or even saddles during class, bring anything you anticipate using or need. If you decide to take a fencing course and always fencing in a pelham, then bring a pelham with you.

Don’t forget the first aid and post-workout articles:

iodine peeling

gauze

scissors

thermometer

Abscess Kit – diaper, tape, hoof wrap

butt

If you HAD to have that ½-price piece from the tack shop but didn’t have time to try it first, leave it at home. With many other horses whinnying, disengaging, and darting into the warm-up ring, there are many other stimuli instead of focusing on new equipment. The introduction of new gear and equipment should only be done at home in a controlled environment.

Also Read: Horse First Aid and Emergency Plans.

What do you need to bring to a horse show?

Packing for yourself can be pretty easy with a few reminders. If you are your own groom, as many people are, you will need a few extra items.

Of course, you need well-fitting tournament clothing such as:

Extras to consider:

Cash for food stall (and tips for attendants if required)

suncream

Laces for tying a number on the jacket

Small box for storing and transporting ribbons

Preparing for a tournament is a lot of work and can get expensive – that’s why we should be so thankful to tournament moms and dads. Show your appreciation and get your helmet hair fixed and your boots polished before stepping into the ring, it’s for love!

Continue reading

Here’s how to calm your nerves on a show day

Equestrian events for all horse lovers

Concerns about show ring etiquette can be off-putting to show newcomers. That’s why we answered the questions you found too obvious or too embarrassing to ask

Which color and type of stitching is correct?

In general, brown (Havana) stickiness is considered proper for showing. There are differences in the type of bridle used by class (e.g. butts and hunters wear plain browbands; saddle horses, hoes and show ponies / advanced show riders wear a colored browband), but straight cut saddles with neat black or tan capes are considered the norm, to best show off the horse’s shoulder. Working hunters would use a GP or jumping saddle, also with a neat black or tan saddle, and martingales/breastplates are permitted. Large, angular saddle pads or brightly colored saddle pads are not suitable.

How do you know what kind of clothes to wear?

Again, the type of jacket to wear varies by class. Tweed jackets are commonly used for shows and come in a wide variety of colours, fabric weights and styles. Tweed is correct for most classes, although at county shows on a trail ride or during an evening performance, riders would wear a blue or black jacket (and may do so for riding horses). Breeches should be fawn, cream, or buff (not white like show jumpers); Children on show ponies often wear yellow or canary-colored breeches. Plain brown or black leather boots with straight toes and garter are right; Children wear jodhpur boots until the transition to junior high school.

How do you know if you should braid?

As a rule of thumb, show horses and ponies will be braided unless they are native/traditional or show cobs. The latter are chopped and Natives/Traditionals should be shown in their natural state according to the guidelines of the show and/or breed society (rules vary as to the amount of trimming permitted). Braided tails are used for showing young stock by hand; Horses and ponies under saddle have tails pulled unless they are Aboriginal/Traditional.

How do you know how long your custom show should be/what to do about it?

Some judges give the contestants a set show – be sure to listen carefully to the instructions and follow them. In other cases, competitors will be expected to show their horse’s gaits according to the class. As a rule of thumb, avoid complicated or overly long shows (a few minutes should do the trick); Start with a square halt in front of the judge, followed by a short walk and trot, a canter on both reins and a finishing extension/canter before coming to a standstill again in front of the judge. Keep in mind that higher level shows will have a judge in most horse classes (including beginners) so make sure your horse is used to other riders before expecting a judge to step in.

What to expect at an award ceremony?

Once the results have been announced the final line up of horses is expected to be in place whilst the judges award the rosettes, sashes and any qualification cards/prize. Most judges give the rider rosettes instead of attaching them to the horse’s bridle. After the award ceremony, the winner leads the starting grid for a lap of honor. It is worth spending some time teaching your horse to stand politely. the final result is only available after the rosette has been awarded and it is not unknown for horses to lose their placement due to bad behavior (even at the highest level).

continued below…

liked this? You might also enjoy reading these articles…

21 Signs You’re An Incurable Show Addict If you live and breathe showing – either 8 awesome natives who recently won in the show ring. Far removed from its origins of carrying heavy loads

What is ringcraft?

You may have heard the term “ring craft” before and wondered what it means. It is an integral part of show ring etiquette and is usually understood to mean showing your horse or pony at its best without putting others at a disadvantage. For example, most riders want to make sure they are in their own area during the “go round” (this is the initial walk, trot, canter on both reins and the canter of the entire class, which the judge(s) n) allowed to make a first assessment). To do this, it is permissible to circle away and find a better seat, especially if you are about to ride down the side of the ring where the judges are watching. However, be aware that it is considered bad form (by other competitors and judges alike) to clip other competitors or allow your horse to crowd other horses in the ring.

If you’re preparing for semester 2021 with your traditional horse or pony, read the H&H guide to preparing your horse or pony and hit the right notes once you’re in the ring.

The following expert insight will help you get the best possible picture and increase your chance of taking home a red rosette:

class options

The “hairy” classes for colored show animals are made up of Native, Cob, Traditional, and Vanner types. The ridden classes are divided into two: ponies up to 148 cm and horses over 148 cm.

In the UK there are two societies that regulate the colored horses:

The Colored Horse and Pony Society (CHAPS)

The British Piebald and Skewbald Society (BSPA)

You must be a member of CHAPS to compete in Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) classes and BSPA to qualify and compete in the Royal International (RIHS).

The TGCA (Traditional Gypsy Cob Association) Ltd is a society for the traditional gypsy cob, which might include many traditional blacks.

Not sure if your butt is colored? View the description of a colored horse or pony here.

perfomance

In horse classes, the judge rides each horse, while in pony classes, the judge asks each horse to put on an individual show, which is either determined by the judge or chosen by the rider.

Turn out

Traditional Gypsy Cocks are judged using the same criteria and conformation rules as any other show class, but are shown in a natural state with a full mane and tail and full plumage. Cobs of corn are chopped up, and natives are trimmed a little, trimming the mane and tail.

plumage

“Caring for hair and feathers in traditionals is critical,” explains CHAPS and BSPA Judge Liz Wright. “My traditionals are regularly treated with pig oil to keep their hair in good condition. This acts as a barrier against water and mud, and the addition of powdered sulfur to the hog oil helps keep the dreaded feather mites at bay.

“It’s an old-fashioned remedy, but with regular use, it works very well. Vet shots of ivermectin seem to work incredibly well for some, but not all. I tend to use blue and white shampoos and always trim manes, tails and feathers.

“Feathers should be full, ideally coming from both front and back, covering the hoof. Fine, silky, straight feathers are more desirable than coarse, curly feathers.

White spots

To make lighter areas shine, you should…

Stay on stains daily.

Remove them as soon as you see them as a stubborn stain is very difficult to remove. A good quality purple shampoo is essential, but don’t leave it on for too long.

“I find that mixing chalk powder with some water into a loose paste and applying it the night before works well,” says show producer Natalie Reynolds. “It’s then brushed over in the morning to remove excess material and can work wonders to add extra whiteness and reduce blemishes.”

keeping animals braided.

“I like to keep my manes and tails braided loosely,” says Liz. “And in some cases, storing it in mane and tail bags can help reduce spotting.”

chalk block.

“A chalk pad a day can help with last-minute touch-ups. But always bathe your horse afterwards to remove any products you applied on show days,” advises Natalie.

Cover them up.

“I’m not a fan of bandages because I hate seeing the horrible lines and wrinkled skin that over-bandaging can cause,” says Natalie. “Hoodies and a well-fitting blanket with a neck brace can help keep them clean the night before a show.”

Accept that they get dirty!

“I’m all for letting horses be horses, and I don’t like thinking about how some of the traditionals can’t get dirty,” concludes Natalie. “Keeping a colored horse clean isn’t easy and I find it stains worse than a gray one.”

Correct procedure

“I’m very pleased to see the popularity of the traditional gypsy butt,” says Liz. “They’re typically straightforward and easy to ride, making them suitable for most riders, including beginners. When I was a kid there was a lot of contempt for a colorful flask, but luckily they aren’t anymore.”

In the ring, a traditional colored should look forward.

“Traditionals should move forward under saddle and use their hocks well, gracefully and expertly. They should show an honest, calm temperament,” confirms Liz.

What are the judges looking for?

There is a diverse mix of colored types.

“As a judge, you have to look for the best in the class that is most correct for your specific type,” explains CHAPS judge and color horse producer Simon Reynolds. “For example, a show cob has a different action and way of walking than a domestic horse, who may have more knee action. You will certainly be distinguished from a Vanner who has a more up/down artisanal movement due to their erect, straight shoulder.

“Each horse is judged for what it is and an experienced judge selects the best specimens of its type.”

In general, however, the principles of judging colored natives are the same as for any show class.

“The animal must have a correct conformation, be wind and limb healthy, show good movements and be conspicuous,” says Simon. “Wall and blue eyes are acceptable and should not be penalized.”

Simon adds that judges must not be prejudiced against markings. “Sometimes an unevenly drawn animal can have a short head, for example when the splash of color ends prematurely at the nape. A good judge can see through this too. I always ask myself two things: first, “If this horse were a solid color, what would it look like, and second, would it be correct?”

continued below…

Like this? You might also enjoy reading these:

H&H’s guide to show cob classes: weight classes, presentation and what scares the judges H&H’s guide to show cob classes: from weight classes to correct presentation

The hatred of the judges

Combed feathers.

“The feather should lay flat and natural,” says Natalie. “Combing back would alert me if the rider is trying to cover up poor conformation and flaws like splints, curbs, bent tendons or missing bones.”

Simons adds, “It can often be a disadvantage to ride a show cob as all blemishes are visible, while hair can often hide a variety of sins.”

Excessively long manes and tails.

“It throws off the overall look, and tails dragging on the floor can be dangerous,” Liz says.

Natalie agrees.

“I can’t bear to see horses standing on their own tails or not being able to see where they are going. Also, too much length makes it difficult to see the structure of the horse because they are obscured.”

at the back of the knee.

“This was an all too common mistake, especially with corn on the cob, but luckily it seems to be improving,” says Liz.

Bent over horses.

“A horse that walks with its head stuck can’t move properly from behind and is generally uncomfortable and unhappy,” adds Liz.

Liz concludes that showing traditional people of color means more than most people realize.

“There’s a misconception that showing traditional gypsy butts is all about hair and color, which is definitely not the case,” she says. “These animals, just like any other show horse, need to have correct conformation, movement, manners and the ‘look at me’ factor.”

where to compete

All major shows usually include colored horse and pony classes. Usually the classes are divided (non-native horses, non-native ponies, traditional/native/cob horses and traditional/native ponies).

At smaller shows there may be only one colored class or separate horse and pony colored classes.

The HOYS CHAPS and BSPA RIHS classes are of the highest prestige, but there are plenty of opportunities for owners of color across the board.

The CHAPS and BSPA Championships and Area Shows offer classes for everyone; from the first rider to the veteran, from the hand animal to the working hunter.

Want to read Horse & Hound’s independent journalism without ads? Sign up for Horse & Hound Plus today and you can read all articles on HorseandHound.co.uk completely ad-free

Unless you are a seasoned pro, knowing what to wear for which show class can be a minefield. Overlooking the finer points of choosing the right attire can put you at a disadvantage and make you look red in the ring.

Being ring ready isn’t just about looking good in the most expensive gear. Budget, body shape, comfort, color (of your horse in relation to your clothing) and practicality are important factors to consider, in addition to the rules and regulations of the class you are aiming for.

Don’t leave it until the last minute. Planning what you will wear and knowing what is required before the game will benefit you. Consult the relevant society/association rulebook if necessary, especially as you move up the rankings. This way you can ensure you have a fully comprehensive, up-to-date guide to the ‘shoulds’ and ‘shouldn’ts’ of the show ring.

In the meantime, we’ve put together a handy “what to wear and when to wear” guide to help you make sure you’re dressed to impress…

Lead rein show pony

Navy blue jacket (with slightly visible cuff)

Canarian breeches (lighter for boys)

Preferably brown leather jodhpurs (although black is acceptable) with clips

Brown leather gloves

light shirt

Tie with small knot (pinned)

Buttonhole in the right lapel

Hair braided neatly, braids to loop if hair is long, ribbons to tie to match

Navy blue hat with brown leather chin strap

Lead Rein Handler

Jacket to match the rider or compliment, gentlemen wear a dark suit jacket

Culottes, skirt or pants. Gentlemen wear suit pants

Reasonable shoes/boots

Brown or dark leather gloves

Light shirt/blouse

Ties with collared shirts to match the driver

Hat to complement the jacket. Gentlemen wear a bowler

Clean and tidy hair

First ridden: as a lead rein rider in-hand show pony

Suit jacket, tweed jacket or waistcoat. Hacker jackets are acceptable

Suit trousers, skirt or corduroy trousers

Reasonable shoes/boots

Brown or dark leather gloves

Shirt with collar, light color

Small knotted tie (pinned)

Clean and tidy hair

Protective headgear is recommended. Gentlemen can wear a bowler hat

Brown stick

Lead reins Show Hunter Pony

Tweed jacket to complement the color of the pony with plain or subtle navy or brown collar

Buff or lighter cream Jodhpurs

Brown leather riding ankle boots with clips

Brown leather gloves

Shirt with collar, light color

Tie with small knot (pinned)

Buttonhole in the right lapel

Hair braided neatly, braids to loop if hair is long, ribbons to tie to match

Hat with velvet to match jacket or velvet trim and chin strap in tan leather

Lead Rein Handler

Tweed to match or to match the rider, gentlemen wear a dark suit jacket

Culottes, skirt or trousers. Gentlemen wear suit pants

Reasonable shoes/boots

Brown or dark leather gloves

Light shirt/blouse

Ties with collared shirts to match the rider

Hat to complement the jacket. Gentlemen wear a bowler

Clean and tidy hair

First ridden Show Hunter Pony

Tweed jacket to complement the color of the pony with plain or subtle navy or brown collar

Buff or lighter cream Jodhpurs

Brown leather riding ankle boots with clips

Brown leather gloves

Shirt with collar, light color

Tie with small knot

Tie pin, buttonhole in right lapel

Hair braided neatly, braids to loop if hair is long, ribbons to tie to match

Hat with velvet to match jacket or velvet trim and chin strap in tan leather

Ridden Show Hunter Pony

Tweed jacket to complement the color of the pony with plain or subtle navy or brown collar

Buff or lighter cream Jodhpurs

Brown leather ankle boots with clips or long boots (not dressage) with straps for larger children

Brown leather gloves

Shirt with collar, light color

Tie with small knot (pinned)

Buttonhole in the right lapel

Hair braided neatly, braids to loop if hair is long, ribbons to tie to match. Drivers 13 and older should wear their hair in a neat bun if long, with a subtle scrunchie to match the tie

Hat with velvet to match jacket or velvet trim and chin strap in tan leather

Mounted Mountain & Moorland

tweed jacket

Canary/champagne/beige pants or breeches

Long boots, children to black/brown ankle boots with clips

Brown or corn colored gloves

Light colored shirt

Tie with small knot (pinned)

Neat hair with hairnet and bun with scrunchie

Velvet hat to match jacket or velvet jacket trim with ten leather chin straps

Brown stick must not exceed 75 cm

Ridden Piston

tweed jacket

Beige breeches/breeches

Black or brown long boots and spurs or dummy spurs

Brown or cream colored gloves

Light colored shirt

Tie with small knot (pinned)

Groomed hair in a bun with a hairnet or hairnet worn over short hair. NO SCRUNCHIE OR BANDS

Velvet hat to match jacket or velvet jacket trim with light brown leather chin strap

Brown stick

horse riding

tweed jacket. A waistcoat can be worn to complement the jacket

Canarian trousers

Black long boots

Brown or corn colored gloves

Light colored shirt

Tie with small knot (pinned)

Neat, with hair net and bun and hair tie (if long)

Velvet hat to match jacket or velvet jacket trim with light brown chin strap

Brown stick

Mounted Hunter

tweed jacket. A waistcoat can be worn to complement the jacket

Canarian pants

Black long boots

Brown or corn colored gloves

Light colored shirt

Tie with small knot (pinned)

Neat, with hair net and bun and hair tie (if long)

Velvet hat to match jacket or velvet jacket trim with light brown chin strap

Brown stick

Working hunter

tweed jacket. A waistcoat can be worn to complement the jacket

Canary or beige pants

Brown riding ankle boots and clips or long black boots for advanced riders

Brown or corn colored gloves

Light colored shirt

Tie with small knot (pinned)

Well-groomed hair, with hair net, bun and scrunchie

Velvet hat matching the jacket

Brown stick

Ridden Chaps

Blue, black or tweed jacket

Canary or beige breeches or breeches

Black or brown ankle boots with clips. Black long boots for older kids and adults

Brown, black or navy blue gloves

Light shirt/stock shirt

Tie with small knot (pinned) or stick

Well-groomed hair with hair net

Hat in black or navy blue velvet

Simple, leather-covered cane

Horseback Arabian

Navy or tweed jacket (morning), navy (afternoon)

champagne pants

Black long boots. Children are allowed to wear riding ankle boots with clips

Brown gloves

light shirt

Tie with small knot (pinned)

Well-groomed hair with hair net

Navy velvet hat

Simple leather-covered walking stick – no whips

DISCLAIMER!! THIS IS A GUIDE – PLEASE CONTACT YOUR BREEDER CLUB OR ASSOCIATION IF YOU ARE UNSURE!

corn on the cob; one of the most popular types of horses to own and show. With more and more people opting for the corn on the cob, how can you dominate these competitive classes? Here’s how to show a corn cob…

weight divisions

Under British Show Horse Association (BSHA) rules, cobs are classified into three categories: lightweight, heavyweight and maxi. Mares and geldings from the age of four are eligible to participate.

A lightweight should not exceed 155 cm and have at least 8.5 inches of bone.

A heavyweight should also not exceed 155 cm and have at least 9.5 inches of bone.

A maxi piston is taller than 155 cm but must be a real piston type. There is a recommended height limit of 160cm and judges must pay particular attention to the type.

The BSHA provides the following description of the ideal show flask:

“The cob is more of a type than a breed. A short-legged animal of bone, substance, and quality, capable of carrying considerable weight. The butt should be well behaved and ideal for nervous or older riders. Cobs should have sensible heads (sometimes Roman noses), a full, generous eye, a well formed neck, well muscled with a spiky mane (showing no significant growth) and well defined withers. The butt should also have clean, strong hocks and all the qualities of a good hunter; little movement and a comfortable ride’

“Regardless of which section they are shown in, a cob should be a strong animal with good limbs,” says judge Jack Cochrane. “You should have short cannon bones and good feet. They should also have a decent girth depth with a good strong back and hindquarters.

“It should be well behaved and a safe, balanced ride. It must be able to carry every member of the family on a good day of hunting.”

“I like to think of a piston that’s short and has good limbs for the weight he’s going to carry,” explains BSHA judge Samantha DeCaprio. “I also like a decent front end because you have a lot to drive with it. A maxi butt is also a real butt type, low to the ground with strong knees and hocks with one leg in each corner.”

“A show cob has to have a mix of substance and quality,” adds rider and judge Simon Reynolds. “I look for good, flat bones and a grounded, straight action. You should have a lady’s head and a cook’s butt.”

Tack and turnout

A corncob should be shown with its mane and tail pulled back, not shaved. The tail should be cut so that it is at the point of the hock when carried

Quarter marks can complete a well-turned butt with three stripes facing down and shark teeth underneath. If you are not sure how to do this, ask a professional for help.

The bridle also resembles that of a show hunter horse; Choose a well-fitting curb with a strong noseband that suits the horse. This should only be smooth flat leather, never a colored or braided headband.

Choose good reins for your judge; a strong set that is not too tight.

The saddle should fit snugly and riders should never use a short girth dressage saddle. Saddles should also be treated so that they are not slippery so that the judge feels safe and can ride comfortably. Make sure the saddle is not cut too far forward so it shows the front and shoulder properly.

rider participation

Men’s bowler hat, women’s navy blue or black hunting hat with ribbons inside.

Tweed jackets for men and women, with a neat collar and tie.

Fawn, cream or brown breeches (not white like show jumpers).

Plain black or brown boots with garter fastening with button at knee

Spurs should be worn by adults on the heel seam of the boot and not hanging off the end of the boot.

Gloves; brown, beige or tan.

show cane.

way to go

“I really like when a piston goes forward but is comfortable,” says Samantha. “They should respond to my help without any pulling, but also have something of their own. I like them as a happy, educated ride with good prospects. I don’t mind a bit of cheekiness either as it gives them that shine.

“I like a good step and of course that depends on the breeding of the animal. I don’t expect it to move like a light chaser, but it should be expert and cover the ground without having too much knee movement.”

“I like it when a piston has a nice rein length and a good sloping shoulder,” adds Jack. “If the shoulder is too straight, it lacks movement and may be better suited to pulling a cart as a collar would sit better on a straight shoulder.

“Also, I don’t like lazy and fat cobs that have to be kicked all over the ring.”

“Just because they’re corn on the cob doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be light and flexible; They shouldn’t be in your hands,” advises Simon. “They should be able to work with self-support and show suppleness. Cobs should have low ground covering movement and not be overly fat.”

Riders should…

Find a spot so the judge can see you properly.

Keep an eye on judges and stewards when asked to shift gears.

If you think your horse will get upset if there are lots of horses galloping, turn in a circle and wait – give people their space and your horse won’t get as upset.

Riders shouldn’t

Present a fat corn on the cob; If you have to overload it with weight to make it a corn on the cob, then it’s not for the class.

overtaking in the ring; Overcrowding can be an issue as the class is so popular, but don’t overtake and you should never gallop behind other competitors.

revamp your horse; they can become dull and not shiny.

Further down…

where to compete

All major shows include courses for cobs culminating in a cob championship.

For smaller shows, the light, heavy and maxi flasks can be mixed together.

The biggest awards a cob can win are at the Royal International (RIHS) and the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). In 2019, Our Cashel Blue (Allister Hood) landed both the RIHS and HOYS titles for owner Caroline Tyrrell and was also the RIHS frontrunner.

The RIHS Maxi-Cob Champion was Brookdale Limited Edition (Issy Mears) while Lord Alexander (Stephen Norris) reigned at HOYS.

Horse & Hound Magazine, published every Thursday, is packed with the latest news and reports as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find out more about getting the magazine delivered to your doorstep each week.

A valued exhibition of horses

A winning pony at a horse show

A horse show is a judged exhibition of horses and ponies. Many different horse breeds and equestrian disciplines hold competitions around the world, from local to international levels. Most horse shows last from one to three days, sometimes longer for large events of all breeds or national and international championships in a specific discipline or breed. Most shows consist of a series of different performances, called classes, in which a group of horses of similar training or characteristics compete against each other for prizes, and often prize money.

International organizations and competitions[ edit ]

Dressage at the Olympic Games

There are ten international disciplines that are conducted according to the rules of the Fédération équestre Internationale (FEI):

The rules of the FEI govern competitions open to riders of all nations, including the Olympic Games and the World Equestrian Games.

At the other end of the competitive spectrum, the Pony Club is an international movement that teaches young people horsemanship skills suitable for eventing and other English equestrian competitions. In order to develop positive experiences and good sportsmanship, pony clubs also sponsor horse shows, which are only open to young people under the age of 18 and their horses. Various nations also have their own programs for developing young riders, such as the 4-H program in the United States.

Equestrian tournaments in different nations[ edit ]

show jumping

Australia[ edit ]

Horse shows in Australia are governed by Equestrian Australia, the Show Horse Council of Australia and various breed associations. Much of the development of the show horse (also known as riding horse) discipline was pioneered over the last 40 years by Fran Cleland through her involvement with the Victorian branch of the Equestrian Federation of Australia (EFA) (now known as EV). Fran Cleland is the wife of Reg Cleland, the longest-serving Chair of the EFA’s Victorian branch, who in turn was responsible for the Barastoc Horse of the Year Show, the premier horse show in Australia, for over 40 years and under the direction of Fran Cleland Newcomer, Show Hunter, Lead Rein, First Ridden, Owner Rider and Working Hunter classes into the Australian show horse scene.

Canada[ edit ]

The governing body for equestrian activities in Canada is Equine Canada (EC).

United Kingdom[ edit ]

In the UK there is a clear distinction between “equestrian competitions” such as dressage or eventing and horse shows. Horse shows offer riders and owners the opportunity to exhibit their animals without participating in any of the Olympic disciplines. Classes are divided into ridden and split-in-hand classes and there are many different classes for different horses and ponies. For example, there are classes for mountain and moorland pony breeds, show hunters, show hacks, horsemanship and various show pony classes. Many clubs hold equestrian club classes in which a horse or pony must put on a short “show” (solo performance) and jump over a single fence that varies in height from 2 feet to 3 feet 3 inches. Most shows also include Show Jumping and Working Hunter sections.

The British Horse Society runs many shows at national, regional and local levels, as do the Pony Club, British Show Pony Society and British Show Horse Association. Breeding associations, particularly those caring for the Welsh pony and Arabian horse, also organize their own shows. At the local, unaffiliated level, equestrian clubs across the UK organize regular shows, often staffed by volunteers. The newly formed Showing Council is working towards officially overseeing all horse shows (non-FEI disciplines).

The Olympic equestrian disciplines are overseen by the British Equestrian Federation. However, there are several sub-divisions within the federation. Dressage competitions are held separately from regular horse shows and are overseen by British Dressage. Show jumping competitions are overseen by the British Showjumping Association (BSJA), while one-day and three-day eventing competitions are overseen by British Eventing.

United States[edit]

The United States Equestrian Federation is America’s national equestrian organization and as such is the recognized organization that oversees the United States Equestrian Team at the Olympic level. It also organizes and sponsors horse shows for many horse breeds wishing to take advantage of USEF’s drug testing, judge certification and standardized rulemaking process. In addition, it sanctions events in lower-level disciplines and areas of competition that are not internationally recognized, such as B. Show Hunter and Equestrian Sports. Other US organizations such as the National Cutting Horse Association [1], the United States Eventing Association (USEA) and the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) organize competitions for specific disciplines, such as B. Cutting, and some breed organizations like the American Quarter Horse Association sanction their own breed-specific shows.

Horse shows in the United States take several forms: some are restricted to a specific breed, others are “open” or “all breed” horse shows, offering both all-breed classes and breed-specific classes for many different breeds. In recent decades, American “open” horse shows have specialized by discipline into hunter-jumper or “sport horse” shows, dressage shows, and shows with English or Western equestrian events. However, there are still some multi-day, all-breed events that span multiple breeds and disciplines.

Structure[edit]

A saddle seat class was waiting for awards

There are a number of equestrian competitions and the specific offerings vary from nation to nation and even from region within a given country. However, in North America, most horse shows offer the following classes:

The English riding classes fall into two main styles, hunt seat and saddle seat. “Hunting type” or sport horse classes include dressage, show jumping and show hunters, eventing (also called horse trials) and English pleasure or Hunter Under Saddle, also known as the “flat” class where the event is judged on presentation. manners and rideability of the horse). “Saddle Seat” or “Saddle Type” classes are all level and are mainly variations of English Pleasure, although the high action “Park” style classes differ because they emphasize brilliant trot action. Riding classes assess the rider’s form and ability.

Show jumping, eventing and dressage are sometimes referred to as “Olympic” events because they are the equestrian sports that form part of the Olympic Games.

Western or stock horse competitions include working cattle events such as cutting, team penning and working cow horse in the US and campdrafting in Australia. This also includes “dry” classes (no cattle) which include Western Pleasure, Reining and Equitation.

There are also specialized draft horse showing classes and a range of harnessed horse and pony events including fine harness classes for saddle horses, roadster classes using similar equipment to harness racing and the FEI-sanctioned sport of the combined driving Miniature horses also have their own shows with a number of specialty classes.

Most horse shows offer halter classes, also known as “breeding,” “conformation,” or “in-hand” classes. In these classes, the horse is bareback, not ridden, and its conformation and gaits are assessed. Horse showmanship courses (also called showmanship in hand or youth showmanship) are offered to train young riders in halter demonstration techniques. They are the halter equivalent of horsemanship, as the handler, not the horse, is judged on his ability.

Classes may be divided according to the age of the horse or rider, the number of first place awards earned by the horse or rider, and the size or breed of the horse (or pony). In addition, there is an almost infinite choice of regional or specialty courses that can be offered. Different types of costume courses are often offered; Side saddle classes are common; For small children or very inexperienced riders, a “leadline” or “walk-trot” division can be offered; Also popular are various “freestyle” classes, in which horse and rider perform a routine with music.

Rodeos and horse pulling competitions are not technically horse shows, but they are competitive equestrian events, often with very large prize money. Vaulting is not normally seen at regular horse shows, although it is an FEI recognized equestrian sport. Games like Gymkhana or O-Mok-See competitions are usually held separately from regular horse shows, although some of these “speed” events can be thrown in as “fun classes”, particularly at 4-H, Pony Club and other small shows.

Awards[edit]

A competitor in a sidesaddle class receiving an award

Prize money is sometimes awarded, especially in larger competitions. The total varies depending on the rider’s placement, the prestige of the show and the difficulty of the class. Horse shows don’t command the big purses of the thoroughbred racing industry, although some of the biggest show jumping, clipping and reining competitions can command purses in the low five figures. However, most show horses in the United States, particularly those at the amateur level, rarely win significant cash prizes during their show careers. At best, a solid competitor can break even on entry fees and, if lucky, cover some travel expenses. Most of the money made from horse shows is made indirectly through breeding fees for top horses, the sale of their offspring, or the education fees for top trainers.

Trophies are usually awarded to the horse placed first in a class, depending on the size of the show. At a championship event, both the champion and reserve champion may receive trophies, and at a national or international show, trophies are sometimes awarded to the top five to ten competitors.

Medals are awarded at international events such as the World Equestrian Games and the Olympic Games. Usually only three medals, gold, silver and bronze, are awarded to the top three individuals or teams.

Ribbons are often awarded for top placings in a class. Oftentimes, ribbons are awarded by the top six spots, although some of the larger shows may award ribbons to the top ten. Ribbon color varies from country to country as shown in the table below:

Ribbon Colors Australia Canada Czech

Republic of Germany Netherlands New

Zealand Norway Sweden Great Britain United

States Olympia

(Medals) 1st blue red yellow yellow orange red red blue white blue yellow red blue gold 1st 2nd red blue white gray red blue red blue blue red silver 2nd 3rd white white red white white yellow blue yellow yellow yellow bronze 3rd 4th green yellow blue blue blue green green red green white blue 4th 5th yellow green green red green pink yellow green pink pink red 5th 6th brown pink violet green pink purple white purple green green 6th 7th purple all other green pale green purple orange 7th 8th brown green light brown brown violet 8th 9th orange green brown gray 9th 10th purple green gray lt. blue 10th Ch. blue,

red,

White-red,

blue,

White ? red,

White,

blue dark purple, light purple blue,

Red and

yellow

or solid purple Ch. resolution

CH violet

blue,

White,

yellow ? red,

yellow,

and white

or Solid Lavender Res.

CH

Champion and reserve champion ribbons are commonly referred to as tricolor. They are usually a combination of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place colors for Champion and 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place colors for Reserve Champion.

See also[edit]

Horses lined up in a western pleasure class

Western Pleasure is a Western-style competition at horse shows that judges horses on manners and the horse’s ability to have a relaxed and slow but collected gait rhythm and a calm and responsive demeanor. The horse should appear as “riding pleasure”, be smooth-running and very comfortable. Most light horse breeds in the United States and Canada are eligible to compete in Western Pleasure classes, either in open competition or at shows restricted to a single breed. However, the conformation and temperament of the horse play a role in this event and therefore stock horse breed animals that are calm and composed, have collected, smooth gaits and have the strong musculature needed to maintain slow, controlled movements, are most competitive.

races [edit]

Almost every breed can be shown in Western Pleasure classes. The highest levels of competition are usually held in shows restricted to a single breed, but at lower levels there are open classes where multiple breeds can compete. Across all breeds, horses should generally move slowly, easily, calmly and relaxed with minimal contact with the reins. The desired “frame” or style of horse can vary from breed to breed.

In open or all-breed competitions, stock horse breeds such as the American Quarter Horse, American Paint Horse and Appaloosa are favored by judges, although high quality individuals of other breeds such as the Morgan Horse and Arabian Horse may be competitive when they are not is penalized for their natural conformation, which gives them a slightly higher neck. “Gait” breeds such as the Missouri Fox Trotter and Tennessee Walker often have their own Western Pleasure classes with standards adjusted to assess their use of gaits other than the jog trot. Even breeds that have traditionally been shown primarily in English riding disciplines, such as the American Saddlebred or the Friesian, can offer Western Pleasure classes with guideline specifications adapted to the conformation and gait of these breeds.[1]

Stock breeds[ edit ]

Most stock horse breeds are shown using a style called the “level top line”. Their movement is described as “daisy-cutting” as they have very little knee movement but their hindquarters are actively engaged and their hocks reach well under the body. They carry their necks almost level with their withers and their heads just short of vertical, but will be penalized if their polls are carried lower than their withers. Head and neck move very little with each gait. They are shown with little to no bit contact and a loop in the rein. The style used to show these horses derives from the “Texas” cowboy tradition.

Saddle type breeds[edit]

“Saddle type” horses comprise a large group of horse breeds of many sizes and body types that have an arched and high set neck and inherently more knee movement. They are shown in a style derived from the “California” vaquero cowboy tradition, specifically that of the finished spade-bit horse. They must be tucked in with a slightly arched neck, their heads relatively low and almost exactly perpendicular to the ground, with horses overbent or walking “behind the bit” to be penalized. Although a self-supporting horse with minimal bit contact and a visible draped rein is desired, this effect is often achieved through the use of weighted reins as they are inherently ridden with slightly more contact and have more forward motion than the stock type.

Arabian and Morgan horse breeders produce horses bred specifically for the Western disciplines and offer Western Pleasure classes that attract large numbers of competitors. Breeds such as the American Saddlebred or Friesian have fewer entries in western competitions than other events, but classes are available. Most gaited horses fall into the saddle type category in terms of the desired frame and style, although the judging criteria for their gaits differ significantly from those of non-gaited breeds.

Equipment [ edit ]

A western show bridle with silver detailing on the headpiece and bit

Horses and riders are shown in western attire and attire. The horse wears a western saddle and an open bridle without a noseband. The rider wears a long-sleeved shirt, sometimes with a vest or jacket, chaps, a cowboy hat, and cowboy boots. Gloves and spurs are optional. Shirts and vests or jackets are often brightly colored and sometimes intricately decorated to mimic popular styles in western clothing. Riders at smaller shows typically wear denim jeans under their chaps, while at regional and national competitions, western-style polyester dress pants that match the rider’s shirt or chaps are worn by women, while men tend to buckle up to jeans keep. Men usually wear a neckerchief, often made of silk, and women can also wear a neckerchief, but in recent years the rules have been relaxed, brooches and necklaces are now seen on female riders as well.

show care[edit]

A mane banded for western classes at a horse show

While all western pleasure horses must be clean (generally bathed before a show) and well groomed, with the legs, bridle path, ears, muzzle, and other areas clipped clean, grooming details vary by breed. The length of the bridle path is usually dictated by the breed, with long-necked breeds usually having a longer bridle path than the stick horse breeds.

Casual observers will notice breed differences mostly in the style of the horse’s mane. Although fads vary a bit from year to year, stick horse breeds usually have their mane shortened and thinned out, often “banded” by dividing the mane into many small segments and placing small rubber bands around each segment in turn to keep the entire mane flat and leave it tidy. However, some years long manes were “in”, and other years a thinned mane with a braided forelock or a few small pigtails at the front of the mane was popular. Arabians and Morgans are less prone to fads, having long boasted “natural” long, unthinned, unbanded, unbraided manes. Gaited breeds and Saddlebreds usually have the same style of mane, in both the English and Western pleasure classes, long and flowing but with a brightly colored band braided into the forelock and into the front part of the mane.

Tails are usually kept relatively long and flowing in almost all breeds. Artificial tails or tail extensions are often permitted, but prohibited for Arabians and Morgans where a full tail is a breed trait.

Teaching procedures and requirements[ edit ]

competition clothing

Riders compete simultaneously as a group, driving around the perimeter of the arena. All competitors will be asked, at the direction of the judge, to walk their horse, jog (slow trot) and canter in both directions in an arena, stand still and walk backwards willingly. In addition, many judges require extended gaits, particularly extended jogging and, in some breeds, hand canter.

The winning horses are decided on the basis of their movement quality, their correct behavior, their form in movement and their calm nature. As stated in the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) show rules, “maximum credit should be given to the flowing, well-balanced, and willing horse that appears fit and a pleasure to ride.”[2 ] The Western Division of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has similar requirements. Mistakes are judged on violations such as excessive speed or slowness, aborted gait, or incorrect head posture.[3]

According to the American Paint Horse Association rule book[4], judging Western Pleasure should give credit to the horse that is under easy control and not intimidated with comfort, poise, confidence, willingness and a balanced, fluid stride. To evaluate these things, a judge should look for these six characteristics: cadence and rhythm, topline and expression, consistency and stride, in that order. Cadence is defined as: The accuracy of a horse’s stride at a given gait. Rhythm is defined as: The speed of these steps in a given gait. The Topline: The head and neck should be carried in a relaxed, natural position that is compatible with the horse’s build. The head should not be carried behind the vertical to appear intimidating, or excessively nose-length to give a defiant appearance. The expression should be a pleasant look with clear bright eyes and a willing demeanor. Consistency is defined as the ability to maintain the same topline, cadence and rhythm at any gait throughout the class. The stride length should be appropriate in relation to the horse’s build with the limbs fully extended. The winner of each Western Pleasure class should be the horse that best combines these six qualities. Cadence and rhythm should always come first when evaluating a Western recreational horse.[5]

The Western Pleasure Rider’s seat is deep, with a long stirrup to help the horse drive low from behind and raise the shoulders. The reins are held loose and relaxed, although soft and subtle rein signals are still used. While the rider’s riding style is not judged in a Pleasure class, a properly positioned rider will achieve better performance from the horse.

controversy[edit]

The western amusement competition, like any event, has its controversies and situations where fads become so extreme that they may constitute abuse. As such, most organizations that sanction horse shows have strict rules in place to prevent the worst of problems. Nonetheless, fads are difficult to regulate and horse show sanctioning organizations usually tout the training of judges as the best available method of preventing fads from escalating into more serious problems.

Because Western pleasure emphasizes calm and manners, some individuals try to sidestep good training by using tranquilizers to steady their horses. However, drug regulations of both AQHA and USEF are strict, and both owners and trainers of horses that test positive for drugs face severe sanctions.

Tail dampening [ edit ]

Another abusive practice that will be penalized if discovered is “nerving” the ponytail. If a horse is bored and irritable, it expresses its displeasure by vigorously slapping its tail. Horses that are shown for too long and trained too repetitively can become “annoyed,” a term used to describe a horse with a bored, unhappy, and irritable demeanor, and often a soured horse will flatten its ears and wags its tail receives a command. Because tail wagging is penalized, some contestants resorted to severing the nerves in a sour ring horse’s tail to prevent the tail from moving. Because this also discourages the horse from brushing away flies and being helpless in the face of stinging insects, the practice was quickly banned, and horses with nervous tails are no longer allowed in the show ring. However, some competitors still resort to temporarily stunning the tail with drugs, alcohol injections, or mechanical means. All methods are illegal if discovered, but since no scars are left behind, they can be difficult to spot. The practice of bugging the tail has been less of a problem in breeds where a high carried tail is a breed trait, although momentary stunning of the tail is not entirely unheard of even in these breeds.

“Headset” trends [ edit ]

The western pleasure sport has been criticized for an extremely low head position favored by many judges in the stock horse breeds known as “peanut rollers”. With this headset, horses carry their heads with the poll well below the height at the withers. This is a problem as it also forced the horse to travel extremely slowly on the “forehand” (carrying too much weight on the front legs instead of correctly rocking it back on the hind legs). Exercising in this highly artificial setting for long periods of time can cause health problems in some horses, and even a healthy horse cannot get its hindquarters properly under its body when driving forward. This fad and its problems led to a poor view of the discipline as a whole, particularly among competitors in other equestrian sports.

The industry has adjusted its rules to penalize the “peanut roller” fad, although excessively low head positions can still be seen at times. A requirement has been included in USEF that a horse must not have its poll lower than the height at the withers, or in the case of AQHA, a rule stating that the ideal gait should be performed with a “level topline.” Additional rules complicate an extreme headset by requiring exhibitors to extend gaits during a class. In AQHA’s case, videos were sent to all licensed judges to demonstrate what was right and what was not, and the materials were also made available to the general public.

Lane stop controversy[edit]

A recent trend seen in almost all breeds requires that a horse perform with an extremely loose, draped rein at all times. Western pleasure horses have always traveled on a fairly loose rein, but in recent years the visible “drop” in the rein has become exaggerated.[6] However, it takes time, good riding skills, and careful training to properly teach a horse “posture”, specifically slowing or stopping by merely responding to the use of a rider’s seated position (and sometimes voice) without tightening the reins.[ 7 ] Thus, an alternative training method to slow a horse without using the reins led to a new, highly controversial technique known as “spur stopping”, an unconventional method used by some trainers to train horses to to slow down and stop exercising when spur pressure is applied.

Because spur, heel, or leg pressure is commonly used to encourage a horse to go faster, this technique is sometimes referred to as “riding on the brake” by its detractors, and has been frowned upon by several major Western amusement organizations since at least 2003, according to The AQHA published a series of videos on right and wrong style and procedure in Western recreational horses, showing a “hit list” of undesirable traits not to be rewarded in the show ring, with spur stopping topping the list.[8]

This controversy in Western Pleasure circles is similar to the debate surrounding rollkur in dressage, particularly whether the practice constitutes animal cruelty.

Experts dispute the validity of the spur stop. As coach Bob Avila said, “The spur stop is the worst thing ever invented. If I brought a horse to training with a spur stop, I could do an event with him, period: Western Pleasure. ” Mark Sheridan, an AQHA judge and trainer, takes the opposite view, saying, “You shouldn’t have any trouble stopping the spur and transitioning to whatever events you want to do with [the horse]. Personally, I only spur stop my western riders at the bus stop and back.”

A less extreme method is referred to as attaching “buttons” to the horse. A “button” is simply a leg or spur position trained through operant conditioning that tells the horse to travel at a specific gait or speed. These are often heavily tailored to an individual horse-rider team. Although less extreme than the spur stop, such techniques still take the horse away from traditional responses to the riding aids of seat, hands, weight and voice, which can also lead to an overly artificial nature of the animal.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

There’s something about live music that sets off an experimental chord, whether you’re attending a festival, seeing your favorite rock band, or attending a country, pop, or reggae concert. When putting together a concert outfit, the music genre plays a big role, as does the venue. From suits and VIP areas to casual concert halls and outdoor venues, you should find out the style of the show you’re attending and build your outfit from there.

When considering what to wear to a concert, shoes are one of the most important elements. Rugged styles like white sneakers and cleated boots are often the most comfortable and protective for festivals and outdoor shows. For a more relaxed daytime event, you can easily ditch an espadrille or sporty sandal. If you’re attending a show in a suite or VIP area, heels can definitely work. Because many a glamorous ensemble includes high heels.

For the rest of your concert outfit, it’s fun to incorporate artist signature style cues for a themed moment—this can be anything from color to silhouette to signature accessories. You might want to take the opportunity to bring out your inner pop or rock star – leather pieces, metallic fabrics and dazzling jewels are chic starting points. You also want to feel comfortable, in which case denim and t-shirts are a failsafe option. These basics may feel simple, but accessorizing them is easier than you think. Keep scrolling to discover 12 stylish concert outfits for every type of show, from carefree to sporty-chic and ultra-glamorous.

New to shows or a specific class and have no idea what to wear to the showing? Read our basic guide to showing clothing, adapted from the relevant rule books…

Hunters and Corncobs

Hat: Bowler hat for men, navy blue or black hunting cap for women with ribbons inside.

Jacket: Tweed jackets for men and women with a neat collar and tie.

Breeches: Fawn, cream or buff breeches (not white).

Boots: Solid black or brown riding boots with garter fastening with button at knee. Spurs should be worn by adults on the heel seam of the boot and not hanging off the end of the boot.

Gloves: Brown, fawn, or tan.

Whip: show cane.

Evening performances: silk top hat or hunting caps for ladies and gentlemen, hunting stick with needle, scarlet or black jacket or tailcoat for gentlemen, navy blue or black jacket for ladies, gentlemen should wear brown boots with white garters, ladies normal black boots , spurs to warn, gloves like top and a hunting whip with a strap.

ride horses

Hat: Men’s bowler hat, women’s navy blue or black hunting cap with internal ties.

Jacket: Jackets – ladies blue, black or tweed jacket with neat collar and tie – men’s tweed.

Evening performances: buttonhole, pointer, silk top hat for ladies and gentlemen, gentlemen in black hunting tails, breeches and boots, ladies in black or navy blue jacket, breeches and boots.

Everything else as above for Hunter and Cobs.

Chop

Hat: Men’s bowler hat, women’s navy blue or black hunting cap with internal ties.

Jacket: Ladies wear a blue or black jacket with a neat collar and tie, men wear tweed.

Buttonhole: Can be worn.

Evening performances: top hats made of silk, gentlemen wear dungarees or tight-fitting military trousers with ordinary collars and ties or cravats.

Everything else as above for butts and hunters.

side saddle

Habit: Usually in either blue, black or tweed with a collar and tie. Classes at Royal or International shows after 12:00 noon would require black or blue uniforms with a properly tied hunting stick and pin

Hat: bowler hat with veil or silk hat with veil. In the above classes the hair should be in a neat bun at the nape of the neck.

Spurs: Only one can be carried.

Whip: show cane.

Buttonhole: Can be worn.

Braided ponies

Hats: During a class, drivers must wear the correct headgear; Properly fitted skull cap/riding cap No. All PAS015, VG1, (BS)EN1384 2017, ASTM F1163 04a and above, SNELL E2001, SNELL E2016 AS/NZS 3838 and above. MUST be worn by drivers at all times when fitted. Hats should have a solid color cover, either black, navy, brown, gray, or green. Velvet covers are recommended.

Shirt: Solid color with tie or stick

Jodhpurs/breeches: Usually cream, canary, white, corn-colored or tan.

Boots: Brown or black jodhpur boots (with jodhpur straps or clips).

Gloves: One color in cream, white, beige, brown, black etc.

Jacket: Black or navy blue for competition ponies and tweed for hunting ponies.

Spurs: Prohibited in BSPS classes, except for riders aged 16 and over in the Anglo and Half-Blood Arabian classes over 148 cm.

Whip: In all classes held under BSPS rules, whips must not exceed 75 cm and under NPS rules they must not exceed a total length of 76 cm. Hunting spoils are allowed.

working hunter ponies

Jacket: Plain tweed

Body Armor: May be worn and is highly recommended by the BSPS when participating in Working Hunter and Working Hunter Pony classes.

mountain and moorland

Hat: As above.

Jodhpurs/breeches: As above.

Boots: Brown or black booties or ankle boots depending on the breed of pony and the age/height of the rider.

Jacket: It is recommended that riders wear tweed jackets.

Spurs: Forbidden.

Whip: As above.

Arab

Hat: bowler hat or top hat or deer hunting cap. Youth riders (under 18 years old) must wear an approved safe helmet.

Breeches/breeches: Breeches or jodhpurs in cream, biscuit, peach, banana or beige.

Boots: Long riding boots

Jacket: Formal jacket or top hat and tailcoat. White or cream colored barrel, tie and shirt.

Spurs: English Rowelled or Dummy.

You May Also Like:

Horse & Hound Magazine, published every Thursday, is packed with the latest news and reports as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find out how to enjoy the magazine, delivered to your doorstep each week, and options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service, which brings you breaking news and reports, as well as other benefits.

There are countless sources of information on what to wear to a presentation, but this is a question I get asked a lot. And it’s only getting more complicated as the workplace becomes more casual.

Like it or not, the audience makes all sorts of conscious and subconscious judgments about you before you even say your first word. They look for clues as to whether you’re worth their attention, and most of those clues come from your looks — your posture, your walk, your hair, and, yes, your wardrobe.

So it’s very important that you strike the right note from the start and wear clothes that make a strong first impression or at least don’t undermine you.

Here are my tips on common wardrobe pitfalls and how to avoid them.

1. Dress to feel comfortable

First and foremost, wear something that makes you feel great. I have this one shirt (see photo) that I absolutely love. It fits snugly, looks good, and holds up well after a long day at a conference or while traveling. So I wear it very often.

Most of us have such an outfit or piece of clothing in our closet. If you choose to do so, you’re more likely to feel more poised and confident in front of an audience.

2. Dress to look good

Of course, there are reasonable limits to Rule 1. Of course, wearing your feel-good clothes to the lawn mower or to the gym doesn’t work for a big presentation.

The traditional rule of thumb is that you should dress one level above your audience. In the business-casual era, it’s getting harder and harder to figure out, but the general principle is: if your audience is wearing blazers, wear a suit, if they’re wearing khakis and button-downs, wear a blazer, etc.

And I apologize. I know these examples are totally male-centric, but I happen to be. If you’re looking for women-specific advice, there are people (women) you can consult who are more qualified than I to weigh this up.

Bottom line, your wardrobe should help you project authority. They should look like they belong to sharing knowledge with a group. Whatever clothing you wear, from a t-shirt to a suit, it should be of high quality, well tailored and contemporary.

3. Dress for the audience/venue

It used to be so easy to figure out what to wear to a presentation. Put on a business suit and tie (or a smart dress or suit for women) and you were done. But apart from a few industries, hardly anyone wears a tie these days. (And even for the professions that do, like the law, they usually dress for conferences and similar events.)

So you want to look to your audience for context. The tech industry is a much-cited example—if you show up to a developer conference in a suit and tie, you’re labeled old-fashioned and aloof.

But you never know I have a client whose people all wore suits and ties to my workshops; On the other hand, I spoke to a couple of lawyers who were wearing jeans.

It is best to check with the organizers in advance and be sure to wear flexible clothing so that you can change something on site (e.g. wear a tie or remove a jacket).

4. Dress for Your Brand (Who You Are)

Your clothes should suit you. A crazy creative guy is likely to dress in a fancy or avant-garde way. A risk management consultant would be more comfortable in a conservative suit.

It all depends on where you “belong” – in the boardroom or in the back room.

Even a suit and tie doesn’t have to be cumbersome. A trendy outfit – narrow pants, tailored jacket, narrow tie, spread collar – makes its own statement.

5. Avoid brand new clothes

Always test your outfits on the street before wearing them on stage. Being in the spotlight in front of hundreds of people is a terrifying time to find out that your shirt has an annoying tag that’s chafing your neck, your pants are slightly wrinkled, or your fabric is more sheer than you expected.

6. Don’t try to be hip if you’re not

The latest uniforms among middle-aged men seem to be jeans, jackets, and T-shirts. If you’re trying to pull this off, here are a few guidelines:

Invest in quality, fashionable jeans that are tailored to your body. The cool factor you’re aiming for is totally undermined by “dad (or mom) jeans”, baggy slouchy jeans, or the kind of jeans you would wear to mow the lawn.

Make sure you wear a blazer or sport coat that goes well with jeans. I see a lot of guys who are obviously wearing a suit jacket over a pair of jeans, and that’s wrong, wrong, wrong. Find out about the important difference between suits, jackets and blazers.

If you must wear a t-shirt (as opposed to, say, a button-down), make sure it’s a nice one that fits well and isn’t totally stretched or faded. And if the label says “Hanes” or “Jockey,” you have an undershirt.

7. Keep it simple

If the audience’s main take-away is remembering what you wore, you’re doing it wrong. Unless you have a specific brand that calls for bright red pants or a hat with a giant yellow plume, it’s best to dress simple. Avoid colors, accessories, or jewelry that can distract audiences, make noise, or cause glare under stage lights.

8. Wear something that will hold a lavalier

The best placement for a lavalier mic is centered on your upper chest. People often clip them to a lapel, but that’s not a good idea because every time you turn your head, the volume changes.

The ideal for accommodating a lavalier is a button-down shirt (it should go near the second button) or a tie (a few inches below the knot).

Everything else depends on what kind of clips the AV people have and whether there are any real AV professionals at all. Do some research or consult an AV expert (which I am NOT) if you can.

9. Check the program again

This is funny. A friend recently reported that she felt regret when she realized that the outfit she wore for a speech was the same as the one shown in the photo of her conference program.

Personally I’ve given up worrying about this as I happen to be wearing a favorite outfit in my headshots and I don’t have enough clothes to just not wear it for speeches anymore!

But if this is an issue for you, keep this in mind. Plus, it’s another good reason to dress in something simple and neutral – either for your headshot, on stage, or both.

10. Take off the name tag!

If you’re speaking at a conference, chances are you’ve been handed a large, laminated badge. Take it off before you speak. They’re ugly, the clip-on art never stays straight, and they can wreak havoc on stage lights.

This is important but so easy to forget, so I actually have “remove name tag” on my pre-presentation checklist

Above all, concentrate on the essentials

Off the cuff I can list more than a dozen things that are more important to the success of a presentation than your choice of attire: the power of your ideas, how clearly structured they are, the energy and passion you bring to them, your connection the audience, the way you move and gesture, and more. In comparison, figuring out what to wear to a presentation seems trivial. But an inappropriate outfit can hinder you from the beginning. And the right one can make a subtle but important difference in the way you feel and the authority you exude. When it comes to presentations, the little things often add up to big things, so a few extra moments of thought—and an extra investment—should be well worth it.

Photo Credit: Orbmiser Flickr via Compfight cc

As the holidays get closer, so do the party invitations and the potentially confusing dress code requirements. “The point of adding a dress code is that it makes everyone feel comfortable — it puts everyone on the same playing field,” says etiquette consultant and author Mindy Lockard. “Since the invitation itself sets the tone, you can use playful words in the invitation, but in this dress code, be very clear about what you’re saying. The role of the host is to make it as easy as possible for the guests.” Do you have these hosts? Don’t be smart with “Smoking Attire” or “Festive Chic”—just specify what you want guests to wear.

If a dress code is unclear, gently ask the host for further explanation. “You can say, ‘I wanted to ask about the dress code,’ or ask what people will be wearing and offer what’s on your mind,” suggests Lockard. “Just ask for clarification.”

Nowadays, the traditional codes have gotten a bit more casual, especially outside of Manhattan and D.C. When it comes to deciphering, the most formal is the white tie (jackets with tails and white tie for men, long dresses for women), followed by formal and black tie (a jacket without tails and black tie for men, robes or an elegant one knee- or calf-length dress for women), cocktail and black tie optional (a suit for men, cocktail dresses for women), business casual (work attire such as trousers and a buttoned shirt for men and a skirt and top for women), and casual ( meaning anything that isn’t dressy is appropriate, but know your host and the occasion to decide how casual that should mean). If you’re going to parties and don’t have time to dress up between parties, dress smarter. “You’ll feel more confidently dressed than dressed,” says Lockard.

advertisement