Dressing for Your Equestrian Uniform

When you attend a horse show, the attire required varies according to the discipline you are participating in and the level of competition. Amateur riding classes may be more casual, while professional competitions follow strict dress regulations. In some cases, these rules can be confusing. In other cases, you may be penalized or even eliminated from a competition for wearing the wrong type of clothing.

Whether you are competing at a high level or not, it is always important to look neat and tidy. Your uniform should be clean and well-fitting, while still being comfortable to wear. In addition, your tack should be clean and well-maintained, as well as matching your clothing. This will help the judges understand what you are trying to communicate to your horse.

In Dressage, for example, riders should wear dark colors that will blend in and allow the judges to focus on their performance without being distracted by flashes of color or patterns. These colors can include black, navy blue, brown, beige and white. These colors will also match the colors of the rider’s breeches, paddock boots or half chaps and jodhpur boots.

A dressage jacket should be fitted to the rider’s body for a sleek silhouette. It should be made of a breathable fabric, which allows the rider to move and perform while maintaining a cool, comfortable temperature. This is particularly important in hot weather or for indoor shows. A full brimmed hat with a white ribbon or a bonnet is also an essential part of the equestrian uniform for this discipline.

Riders in Saddleseat and Hunt Seat disciplines need to pay close attention to their appearance and dress code because the judge’s opinions can impact a competition. In Saddleseat, a skirt or breeches are preferred over shorts. A knee patch breeches with a grip feature on the inside of the leg and seat will offer greater support in the saddle and better adherence to the horse. A tight-fitting shirt and a belt are usually worn with the breeches.

A white bib front competition shirt or English riding polo shirt should be worn with a closed choker collar or stock tie and a pin. You can choose a navy or black coat for competition, but it is important that your shirt and ties are matched to the color of your breeches and coat. Tall field or dress boots, or jodhpur boots, should be worn with your competition outfit.

It is also important for your shoes to be polished and ready to go in the ring. You should have a microfiber cloth with you to wipe off your boots and give them a quick shine right before entering the ring. This will help you to look presentable and professional and ensure that your feet are not slipping or sliding in the stirrups, which can distract the judges.