Show Clothing

WESTERN RIDING to a far greater extent than other equitation styles has given rise to a booming fashion industry offering everything from hats to boots. Outside the show ring there are no dress rules. However if competing an exhibitor is expected to conform to required dress codes. Clothes should always look clean and tidy and the colour chosen should look good on the rider and with the horse. For most disciplines men wear much the same outfit. Women bring more variety. In Halter classes men wear a jacket and tie and ladies wear chic jackets and smart slacks. Hats: Should be of good quality made of Durofelt or beaver fur. A cheap hat is a major let down. A good quality hat can be steamed into shape so that there is a slight dip to the front and rear of the hat. A hat should be regularly dusted off with a dry sponge and never left to rest on its brim. Shirts and blouses: Should be smart, well fitted, long sleeved, fastened at the neck and finished off with a neat small scarf tie. Overly flowery "rhinestone cowboy" styles should be avoided. Trousers: Men simply a smart pair of jeans or similar trousers. Ladies usually wear smart outfits of trousers with matching body stockings, waistcoats or jackets. Chaps: Ideally should colour match the rest of the outfit and complement the colour of your horse. They should overhang the bottom of your leg when you try them on. That way they will just come over the bottom of your boot when you are in the saddle with your knees bent. They are best made of suede and the most acceptable enclose the legs and have zip up the side covered by fringes. Although decorative these fringes were originally designed to disperse water when riding in the rain. Boots: Should be of good quality working style and not overly fancy. They should be comfortable enough to be worn as everyday footwear. The height of the boot should be such that its top does not snag on the saddle fender. Belts & Buckles: Both men and women generally wear a belt with a large silver buckle. Competition Trophies often take the form of inscribed buckles. Spurs: Used to reinforce the leg aids. They should only be worn by experienced riders who understand exactly when and how to apply them. They should only be applied as a final reinforcement of leg aids and only with a gentle prod. In the show ring spurs are an optional extra. Choose a spur with sufficient weight so that it hangs correctly on the boot. Do not chose a spur that is too sharp.

 

< Prev		Next >