How ridiculous would it be for a small adult to show in jods? I have tall boots, of course the zipper blew out the week of the horse show. I actually ride in jods exclusively at home, I prefer the feel, but usually show in tall boots. I’ve been able to glue back together an old pair to use this week, with jods as the back-up to the back-up plan if all else fails. I’m 5’2 and I ride a 15.1h hony. We do the 2’6 hunters and derbies and sometimes we do the step, often times we do the add. People often can’t tell if he’s a pony or a horse and if I’m an adult or a kid (actual commentary in the stands once was “I think that’s a full sized adult”). I have seen kids taller and bigger than I show in jods, I feel like in divisions like the non-pros and non-pro 2’6 derby a judge would never know the difference. What do people think? Do we think judges would care? Release me from the hell that is tall boots.
A little bizarre, perhaps, but not explicitly against the rules.
I don’t think it’s appropriate, tbh, though I don’t think there’s a rule explicitly stating you can’t.
If you’re not doing rated shows, a compromise could be black paddock boots and get yourself some of those really nice half chaps that look like tall boots when they’re on.
I’ve thought about that also.
That’s what I wear. I do own a pair of tall boots but they are uncomfortable and don’t fit well (too short and gape at the top). The paddock boots plus well-fitted half chaps are both more comfortable and look better.
Another vote for no.
However, if you’re showing unrated stuff, really nice (and clean!) paddock boots and matching half chaps will be fine. You can get show-worthy tall boots for that price, but if half chaps are more comfortable go for it.
I’m 5’1” and was asked if I was over 18 at a show last weekend. I still cannot imagine going into the show ring in jods.
I saw someone win in the A/Os at a larger show in polished black leather half chaps - not sure if she had a boot malfunction or it was preference, but I only noticed because I was standing right next to her at the ingate. You certainly couldn’t tell on course that they weren’t tallboots. This would be my choice if I didn’t want to wear tallboots.
As someone who as a kid had inappropriate gear for rated shows, I’ll warn you not to go with jodhs. If you don’t pin you’ll forever wonder whether your turnout was the cause. … Sigh.
Good luck and have fun!
If wearing tall boots, how does anyone know the difference between jods and breeches when worn by a rider sitting on a saddle? Also, if you have short boots and the gaiter style half-chaps designed specifically to look like tall boots, how many people can tell from even a short distance away? But I always prioritise comfort over fashion.
She is referring to wearing jods and paddock boots. Jods under tall boots would make no difference, but would be a bit uncomfortable given that jods usually have a bulkier ankle for the elastic straps that go under your boot heel.
I wouldn’t. If you’re doing unrated stuff like others said you could go for nice half chaps if you want to get out of tall boots.
That being said, a while back I was showing in the low adults at a local show and competed with a woman (like a fully grown adult on a large horse, not an aged out 18yr old on a pony) wearing jods with her hair in two braids with bows. It was super odd. So that’s a look you could go for I suppose.
I’m cackling. Has to be that she lost a bet!
I’m not a judge, but if I were and there were two adults who put in equal rounds, I would pin the adult wearing tall boots above the one wearing jods.
One of our newly-minted amateur riders and I were joking about doing this. She is petite and I am tall, and both of our horses look like overgrown ponies. We said we would get the enormous bows our mothers wouldn’t let us have as children and turn up at the ingate dressed like 10-year-olds just to be ridiculous and see if our trainer could bear to acknowledge us.
In other words, OP, this is a look that would likely cause attention to be on your attire and not your performance since it is not conventional for adults. Get some half chaps. 
For whatever reason, the trend seems to be toward fewer people–even children–showing in jods and paddock boots. Because tall boots are cheaper, I’ve even seen tiny children in tall boots on small ponies. Regardless of what you think of that trend, I agree that jods on an adult in the hunters may look odd, and the fact you’re short on a small horse might increase the “uncanny valley” picture of neither adult/child look.
My first thought reading this thread was if I saw an adult showing in jods and paddock boots I would wonder if they lost a bet 
If this happened to be in Maryland back in the fall, that could well have been me for our shows costume class 
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OP, I think it would look really weird, not matter how tall you are. My vote is a hard no. Also, as stated above, I’ve done it recently and boy do I hate garter straps!
It was in Maryland, but it was like 9 years ago during the summer so no costume class excuse. But you’ve given me a great idea if I ever get to do a costume class
WHEW! My friend and I decided to dress up as lead line riders for the costume class, complete with amazing bows that a friend MADE for us and I borrowed jodhs from a barn kiddo. It was fun, but I’d hate for anyone to think I was wearing them seriously lol!
Pics please! 
