Please explain to me . IS there a proper Dress Code to show in the Ammy Handler class? I mean really IF the Professionals have to wear Jackets , then what is proper attire for Ammies?
What are your Thoughts and Opinions . AND should the Judge place you or excuse you from the line up .
This past few weeks I have seen POOR Dress Code at such shows as the Young Horse Festival/ Sallie B. Wheeler and most recently Warrenton .
I was always educated that ALL Handlers must dress the part and the class IS judged on how you present the animal .
Inquiring Minds Want To Know …
Bump …
Professionals have to wear jackets? For in-hand classes (like hunter breeding), men usually wear khakis, coat and tie. Occasionally you may see a suit. Women usually wear similar types of pants, collared shirt (polo, button down, etc.), maybe a sweater or jacket or vest depending on weather. I’m not sure I’ve seen any classes divided by the category of handler? Isn’t it usually the category of horse?
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In the Amateur Handler Classes I’ve judged, I have complimented each participant when they have dressed professionally and have made suggestions whether it be to the way they are standing their animal or jogging it or what they have on. The emphasis needs to be on the animal and how it’s presented. If the handler is wearing something that draws attention to themselves and not their animal, then they need to be told. Hunter breeding and pony breeding classes, whether it be professionals or Amateurs, need to dress understated and professionally.
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I’ve mainly see khakis or similar non jeans type pants with a polo shirt or buttondown-- maybe blazers/ tweed jacket for women and sportscoat and tie for men if the weather is not too hot, or at Devon and a couple of really big shows. I wouldn’t worry about what other people do as long as their horses are under control.
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I have to say, I saw a video of the Irish Draught class at Dublin, and I wish our handlers dressed like they do.
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Oh good grief. This migrated from Facebook to the COTH forums?! :lol::lol::lol::lol:
FWIW - Warrenton is a C show. Who cares?
Rated Hunter Breeding - from what I understand there is no WRITTEN dress code. There is an etiquette and an expectation and that is to dress in a professional manner that doesn’t take away from the turnout of your horse. Look at the big name handlers. They dress in a dark sports coat or blazer, white shirt and khakis. Women should wear khakis and a light colored or dark colored button up.
Years ago I handled Andalusians in breeding classes. You would be excused from the ring for not following the rules of dress to the note. All handlers were required to wear a tie. Women could wear a neck sash, scarf or bolo. I was questioned in the ring one show because the ends of my bolo had slipped in between the buttons of my shirt so the judge could not see it.
