photo credit: dregsplod
photo credit: genewolf

Just when I thought I was old enough not to have to worry about what to wear the fashion police are stepping into the horse show ring. People have been asking, “What should I wear?” Well I say, “who cares!”

Well to some extent I say that. As I recently heard this is not a dare to be different sport. When judging the hunter all eyes are on the horse. The form, technique, and rhythm all have lots to play and the icing on the cake, as it were is the riders turnout. That being said a sloppy and poor turnout will detract from a good performance. I remember someone coming and asking me,
What should I do my horse doesn’t go better than that! How can I get noticed?
I said, “Braid his tail”

Same horse good round, placed 4th. Why, I ask you? All because of a braided tail. It just made the horse look more finished, round and look that little bit more professional.

Remember the days when it was proper to wear a hunter green jacket when riding a chestnut horse? Well not so much any more. Green coats are a bit passé but you won’t get kicked out of the ring for wearing one. In these days are grey with muted pin stripes.

Blouses are another thing, gone are the muted tones of grey rat-catcher and in are the flashy dark solid colors. Judges aren’t in the habit of getting out the binoculars to cipher the type of helmet, bridle brand or saddle make. So don’t get too stressed about it.

The important thing is to have properly fitted and be neat and clean. Every few years styles change and new saddles, fleece girths, padded stirrups and striped jackets go in and out of style. So keeping up with the styles can be a difficult thing to do.