In my previous blog I mentioned about doing your research especially with the association your horse is registered in or the style you compete in, (i.e. western, hunter/jumper, dressage, eventing or reining). If your horse is not papered then go with what style of breed it is, whether Quarter Horse, Arabian, Saddlebred, Morgan, Tennessee Walker, etc. Still, consult those rule books. They have handy information in there on all different attire. This way there is no excuse of, "I didn't know you couldn't wear that in this class". It also goes for the type of tack you can use for each event you compete in. Some items cannot be used in the show pen, so read those rules over as well.
As mentioned in my previous blog, "all" judging is subjective, the placings of any given show are those of usually one judge, on the local show level, its just their opinion on that day. And always remember, horses and people have their good days and bad days and so do judges. Try not to get in the mindset that a judge doesn't like you or your horse because of the color of your outfit or breed/color of horse you ride, this is negative thinking and you will defeat your performance before you ever enter the ring. As a judge I always judge each show as if it was the first time I'm seeing these riders, even though some of them I've been judging for 15+ years.
So what are some of the rules we should adher to when showing. There are only a few but they are important to remember.
** Please wear the correct size pants, whether they are showmanship/horsemanship pants, breeches, jodhopers or jeans, wearing the correct size and fit is paramount to your overall look as well as comfort. Leave all "low rise" pants at home or in your trailer to change into later. The point being, if they are not the correct size or fit, they will creat a muffin top, which sorry to say jiggles when your horse trots, and I've seen lowrise pants go under the butt in a riding class exposing someones thong and (sorry I have to use this word, crack). Not only does it look bad but its embrassing for the rider, when they realize its happened and it makes the spectators uncomfortable as well, so NO LOW-RISE pants in any shape style or form EVER!!! Also purchase a good quality belt to wear with your pants, blingy (western only), tooled, or plain is ok, some even come braided like an english rein and those are ok as well.
** Boots: Purchase the correct style and size of boots for the event you ride in. Correct sizing is very important for fit and safety. Remember they must be comfortable since you will be wearing them all day. For western, lace-ups or ropers in colors that match your chaps are appropreiate. NO fashion boots with 3inch heels are appropriate in any discipline. I've seen it and had to deduct for it in different events. Check out equestrian catalogs with clothing and tack to learn what kind of boots are the correct ones. Invest in a really good pair (in a neutral color if showing western events or match your chaps) Always black for hunter/jumpers, and paddock boots in black or brown, for saddle seat attire, lace ups or zip ups are appropriate. Children that ride hunter/jumpers/shortstirrup and are under 10 years old can wear a jodhper style breech with gator straps fastend below the knee to prevent the pant from riding up, they can were paddock style boots with these pants. They can also dress this way for english events at 4-H and open shows as well, this style is more economical for parents since they don't have to invest in tall dress riding boots for awhile which is a huge savings for them that have children that are continuously growing, do not buy children boots that are too big (hoping they will grwo into them) it detracts from their riding and is uncomforable for the child and poses a safety issue as well.
**Chaps, purchase chaps that fit "SNUGGLY" NOT skin tight. They should make you feel slim and fit well, no bunching or pinching anywhere. They must buckle at the waist not at the hips. At the hips is too low and they can roll down funny, and be uncomfortable plus they don't look right either. Buy the best quality you can afford. If you can afford custom made chaps great, but remember when you measure for them (if you are sending measurements to a chaps maker) DO NOT fudge the numbers. If you do you will have to pay extra to get the chaps altered to fit right. Which adds to the expense. Some chaps can be gotten with an elastic insert which helps on those bloated feeling days, but don't let that make you fudge your numbers either. Every measurement needs to be exact and when measureing. Be sure to wear the show pants you plan to wear under them. If you don't have them yet then wear a pair of snug jeans. If the jeans are too loose then so to will be the chaps.
If you don't want to wear chaps when you show then I suggest you get a pair of pant clips. These clips attatch at the side seams of your pants and go under your boots at the instep, or just in front of the heel, these will keep your pants from riding up as you ride in a class.
A nice pair of lace-up boots. Polished and ready to wear in a class. Would match well with rust chaps.
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