AA Motion Lite competition jacket

[MissusS]

I’m idly looking for a show jacket, and have my eye on the AA Motion Lite as it gets stupid hot here in the summers. I have absolutely zero need for one as I aspire simply to low level schooling shows but… they are pretty and I think would help me feel more put together/confident. I only started riding summer of 2019 so first covid hit, then I was without a horse, so I have never ridden in a schooling show even.

I tried one on this summer while spectating at Spruce Meadows and it fit beautifully. But alas, I put it back since I don’t need it.

Now, today only, a tack shop has them on for 25% off which is the largest discount I think I’ve seen. Even with the discount it’s still a rather pricey purchase. I’m lucky enough to have the disposable income to afford it but prudent enough to know I don’t NEED it.

None of the people in my very small circle have one, so I can’t get first hand recommendations. I believe I’ve seen it mentioned on here in the past that people like them, but I am looking for either validation or opinions that it’s overpriced/not worth it for someone in my position.

So what say you COTH’ers… if you had the money, had been eyeing one up for a while, and didn’t already have a show coat… would you get it? Would you wait until you have a few shows under your belt?

And again… yes, I realize this is a totally frivolous post and potential purchase. But I still would love your opinions!

[islgrl]

I’d say if you can afford it and love it buy it. Worst case you re-sell it (or not if you can’t find a buyer). Maybe it will inspire you to feel confident enough to enter a local show!

[SillyHorse]

Absolutely, I would get it. Treat yo self!

[Jealoushe]

No get one NOW! I can not say enough good things about them! I have 2 I love them so much haha.

When it’s crazy hot, I dunk it in a bucket of water, ring it out and put it on. It keeps me even cooler than without a jacket. Machine washable. You can throw them in a corner crumpled up and just wash or dunk in water, they dry very fast too. Super comfy and also flattering, I get compliments at every show. I’ve been asked by so many people to try it on, see the fabric etc. They are the bomb.

[MissusS]

Thanks for the fast responses!

I am thinking black. I also would go for the maroon colour but they are out of stock. Navy is in stock (one left in my size) but if I am going to go with a dark colour like navy I may as well go with black that “matches” more and doesn’t stand out as much… right?

[Jealoushe]

I have the maroon and navy. I love them both, black is also nice though. What colour is your horse/helmet/boots/pad?

[MissusS]

dark bay horse, black boots/helmet. Pads in navy, black, rioja (lemieux maroon), ink blue (lemieux purple/blue). Any colour would look great with this mare.

I have basically everything in Rioja and Ink Blue (Bonnet, polos, pad, and some shirts for myself.

I also have a couple nice white show shirts (one short sleeve, one long), and nice breeches in white, tan, and black so… all bases covered LOL

[Jealoushe]

I vote for black or maroon. I wear the maroon with a rioja bonnet on my dark bay mare, looks so good together!

Maroon and then the last is the navy.

[SillyHorse]

I think navy looks awesome on a bay.

[outerbanks77]

@Jealoushe

When it’s crazy hot, I dunk it in a bucket of water, ring it out and put it on. It keeps me even cooler than without a jacket.

Ooh, I might need to try that. I was actually a bit disappointed that it is not cooler unless there is a breeze.

Mine is very comfortable, though I wish it was cut a bit shorter. OP, if you watch the HorseWare website, they often have them discounted. I bought my navy one with lighter blue collar trim for like $130 when they were having a sale. Might not work if you have your heart set on a specific color though.

[beowulf]

I love my AA Motionlite in maroon. I’d make sure you try them on in person. I’ve noticed there’s some sizing inconsistencies. I’m a medium in everything but the medium was too short for my body. I sized up to an L.

I’ve only had a chance to wear it once so far, last year was not a good competition year for me. That being said it was flipping hot and the jacket lived up to its claim of being lightweight and wearable in hot weather.

I second that everyone compliments you. I was actually not used to so much attention in the dressage warm up!

[Rel6]

I love mine and have two. I have the maroon and the green. I don’t have any great photos of me in the maroon, but here is me in the green. Both look good on my bay, but the maroon looked stunning on a grey I showed too.

[Xanthoria]

@Jealoushe genius wet jacket trick!

OP I have a Motionlite in gray and agree with the others - fantastic breezy jacket. Get it.

[awaywego]

I bought one and immediately bought a 2nd. yes yes yes

[Jealoushe]

I want the green next! It’s a toss up between green and grey for me on my grey.

@Xanthoria its been a total life saver for me, I get over heated very easily in the summer.

[Libby2563]

My mom bought me one on sale this fall and I LOVE the feel and fit. My only disappointment is that the green is so dark that it looks basically black unless it’s very sunny out. If anyone wants a small green one I am thinking about parting with it and getting something in more of a sage green for my chestnut.

Also keep in mind that with the mesh, the color/pattern of your shirt underneath may show through. My go-to show shirt is short-sleeved with white cuffs and the first time I tried to wear the coat I realized I had to fold the cuffs up and pin them.

[MissusS]

I did it!! Ordered in black. This way I can in theory also use my ink blue or navy gear (on top of maroon and black) for a show, AND I can leave the door open to get a maroon show coat as a reward for myself once I have a few shows under my belt

Thank you for the encouragement/enablement! I’m very excited to add it to my stash of show clothes for next season.

[Rel6]

Congrats! One thing I should have mentioned is to keep an eye out for a used one in your size too. I got one of mine used, and I see them for sale used with some regularity.

[MissusS]

It seems all the equestrians in my area who put things up for sale regularly are half my size… I see them come up on buy n sells but they are always size small. I’m a large gal

The only L I’ve seen was in green, and I knew that was the only colour I wasn’t really considering.

I’ll continue to keep my eyes open, though!

[Jealoushe]

post pics when you can!