Show season is gearing up, and with quite a few new-to-competition riders in our stables we are providing some insight in to what these up-and-comers need for clothing.
There are a few clothing items that riders will need no matter their age or riding level in order to horse show. A white competition show shirt and black or navy blue show jacket are the basic beginnings. Boys can wear a white button-down Oxford shirt with either a necktie or bowtie, but girls need to wear equestrian specific show shirts. All genders and levels will need a black ASTM/SEI-approved riding helmet as well as black gloves.
Now things start to diverge depending on age and riding level. Your instructor can give the final decision on whether your young rider will be dressed in short boots and jodhpurs or field boots and breeches. The decision to move out of short boots is largely based on age (typically around 13 years old), riding level (usually once riders start jumping 18” and up), as well as physical height. I’ve had 15 year olds that still looked appropriate for bows and short boots, and 10 year olds that needed to transition to tall boots.
If your rider is deemed appropriate for short boots you will need the following: tan or light gray jodhpurs, garter straps, paddock boots, and a pair of hair bows. When purchasing the jodhpur pants double check that they are the type that extend past the ankle, with a rolled cuff at the bottom and elastic strap to go under the boot. Garter straps either buckle or velcro just below each knee, and provide some extra grip and keep the pants from riding up. Black or brown is appropriate, although a polished look will match the garters to the paddock boots. Paddock boots should be black or brown, and highly polished. Finally, a pair of bows allows for some customization to your look. When braiding your riders hair and placing the bows please be aware that neither hair nor bows can cover the back number, or you risk elimination by the judge.
After a certain point riders are ready to graduation from bows up into tall boots. The major changes is the type of pants required (breeches) as well as knee-high field (or dress) boots. Definitely confer with your instructor if you are ready for tall boots. They are expensive, so you want to make sure to get the right ones. The boots, like paddock boots, should also be highly polished. Breeches should be a similar tan or light gray color, and will be tight around the leg, ending just above the ankle for a smooth fit under your boots. Finally, the hair is worn up inside the rider’s helmet, and secured by a hairnet.
The number of choices for clothing can be overwhelming and astronomical in pricing. Instructors and trainers have great insights for what items are best to be splurged on, and which items can be skimped. At the Frederica Tack Shop you can find all your needs for horse showing.