I think the woman in the Phelps photo is more likely a judge or the prize sponsor. just my opinion
[QUOTE=anmoro;7701386]
Ah… my apologies. I was thinking in my head what they were. One particular trainer was in jeans, a tank top (that left little for the imagination) and sneakers. I was raised where trainers dress “appropriately”, khakis, slacks, skort, a nice blouse and often a hat (large brimmed or the style that looks like a mens derby hat-can’t recall name).[/QUOTE]
Skort? Omg :no:
[QUOTE=HJStyleReport;7701693]
Skort? Omg :no:[/QUOTE]
Business in the front, party in the back…the mullet of fashion 
[QUOTE=HJStyleReport;7701693]
Skort? Omg :no:[/QUOTE]
What I was thinking. Do those still exist? And if yes, whyyyyyyyy?
Also dressing up for a plane? I think people stopped that when planes became… just another normal way to travel really. The only dressed up people I routinely see are on redeyes, since they’re presumably going straight into a meeting.
[QUOTE=HJStyleReport;7701693]
Skort? Omg :no:[/QUOTE]
LOL, or nice blouse… or large brimmed hat? is this for the Triple Crown or horse shows? I guess I don’t travel in the right circles as my trainers are too much hands on… my horse would eat large brimmed hat. and if the blouse was any color but slim green… ruined
[QUOTE=ladyj79;7701686]
But AliCat, that it was poorly-fitted wasn’t the described problem of the OP. It wasn’t until that photo was posted, which OP has thankfully now removed, that we were aware–as you just pointed out–what the “real” problem seemed to be. And rest assured, I’d be equally upset if she had posted a picture of a competitor wearing an ill-fitting jacket or breeches that were less than flattering so we could all sit around and mock those people as well.
Again, I think it is demonstrates a distinct lack of class.
Please tell me, those of us who actually do go to these shows, who would have ever, ever thought that girl was a trainer until someone posted an awful and unflattering picture of her on a public blackboard and called her a trainer? There is nothing from that picture that says “trainer”, and I walk by lots of people at every level of show dressed thusly without batting an eye. They are
grooms, or contestants, or spectators. But the difference is, this girl was clearly not one of the beautiful people, so she stuck out, enough for the OP to notice, and then take her picture off of facebook, a picture that honestly is not identifiably from a show or her as a “trainer”, she’s not standing in the winner’s circle with her student, as the “good” example is, it’s a completely candid and “unprofessional” shot. She could have been the rider’s sister for all I knew.
I think this was a legitimate question to pose and conversation to have, but the execution has left a very bad taste in my mouth.[/QUOTE]
Wrong, at least from my spot on the couch.
As I already stated, I thought posting the pic was in poor taste but unlike you, I haven’t labeled the woman in the photograph as not being one of the beautiful people.
If the OP had asked if I considered a tight ribbed tank top paired with poorly fitted jeans appropriate attire for a trainer at a show, the answer would be absolutely not. I don’t care if she has the body of a supermodel or not. I don’t need a picture to determine what is and isn’t professional.
I’m assuming the OP knows enough about the situation to know for certain that person serves as a trainer vs groom or friend.
[QUOTE=AliCat;7701701]
I don’t need a picture to determine what is and isn’t professional.[/QUOTE]
Couldn’t agree more.
I was at a show recently and there was a trainer (I know she was a trainer because she was shouting the jump order while her kids rode their rounds… :rolleyes: ) and either her shorts (cargo) were too low or her shirt (polo type) was too short but about 2 inches of stomach was hanging out. Now to just describe her “cargo shorts and a polo” seems fine, but it looked REALLY bad. It wasn’t because her stomach was “hanging” either, I would have given the side eye to a skinny minny in a belly shirt too!
Agree, belly shirts should probably not be on your trainer at a show. or you. or your mom, daughter, sister, friend. Rest assured, I and another handful of Cothers have been mortified by acquaintances just coming up and talking to us in various states of bad dress at shows. But we smiled, and nodded and so on and so forth. Ok, I admit, one time I did literally run away from them at Culpeper.
That said, I am now picturing my middle aged mucho macho trainer wandering around Upperville in a belly shirt. He’d kill me even for thinking it
As far as trainers’ and grooms’ dress goes, my preference is for the kind of clothing that keeps them comfortable and happy All Day. Don’t want to be yelled at or abandoned ringside because someone’s knickers (real, or figurative) are in a twist.
What starts as a post to ask about attire has now turned in to an attack thread stating that apparently I judge people if they aren’t in the “beautiful crowd”. Apparently those making this assumption do not know me, my friends or my family.
Ladyj79- What part of any of this thread says that the “real” problem is not the ill fitted jeans and tank top? The original post says that clearly.
As far as skorts, maybe that is not right term. Skirt with shorts under them. The type you wear for golf, running, tennis, etc… That way if the wind blows, you aren’t having a moment of indecent exposure.
I’m so glad to come on COTH and learn more about myself than I apparently knew. Thank you for telling me I’m classless and judgemental. I will be sure to remember this when people describe me as a caring person who goes out of their way to help others.
Some trainers are hands on and do not have a herd of minions to do the work so they are going to be less than garden party neat. No problem with being dirty from the work but the clothes should at least fit and be appropriate. anyone in flip flops at a show should get stepped on just for being dumb!
[QUOTE=anmoro;7701386]
Ah… my apologies. I was thinking in my head what they were. One particular trainer was in jeans, a tank top (that left little for the imagination) and sneakers. I was raised where trainers dress “appropriately”, khakis, slacks, skort, a nice blouse and often a hat (large brimmed or the style that looks like a mens derby hat-can’t recall name). When I think of trainer attire I think of classy women like this lovely photo posted by Phelps Sports:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t34.0-12/10592520_10203541319146973_653740293_n.jpg?oh=8a911ea3fb3f67ed74bd35df9e103956&oe=53E4C3AF&gda=1407527835_79d5bc529e6c2a0f44bdb37ff9f8a6b4[/QUOTE]
The person in this photo is NOT this child’s trainer. It is somebody presenting awards. The child’s trainer is a man who was probably wearing shorts and a polo shirt on such a hot day.
Yikes. How about trainers get to wear whatever is comfortable, since they spend all day jogging from one ring to the next in the dust and heat? Seriously, have you ever sweated through your khakis? Not a good look…
And there is no way that that photo from pony finals depicts a trainer. If I saw a trainer dressed like that ringside, I would give some serious side eye. How would you even stay clean?
I expect functional clothing from a trainer, nothing more. It’s a horse show (and not even the part in the ring!), not a fashion show. It’s a SPORTING EVENT that takes place in a big oval of dirt - you don’t have to dress like you’re about to attend the Oscars!
[QUOTE=SaturdayNightLive;7701874]
And there is no way that that photo from pony finals depicts a trainer. If I saw a trainer dressed like that ringside, I would give some serious side eye. How would you even stay clean?
I expect functional clothing from a trainer, nothing more. [/QUOTE]
I like how “classy” for a woman = garden party attire entirely unsuitable to…well, doing anything physical with a horse, should it be necessary (and I assume for trainers at shows, it is sometimes necessary).
No, belly shirts aren’t professional attire in most settings, including IMO at horse shows. But what a throwback in the OP’s example of “classy” for a woman, contextually that attire isn’t really “professional” for a working trainer at a show, not because of a lack of “class” but because it makes little sense for the work.
I’m judging this judgmental-ness, yes.
[QUOTE=anmoro;7701429
I guess I was shocked because of the way I was raised. I still dress up for supper, flying on an airplane, having company over, church, etc… Then again I guess I am a fuddy duddy because I still go to the barn in collared shirts and rarely wear any t-shirts.[/QUOTE]
:lol: When is the last time you flew on a commercial plane? We did dress nicely to go to the airport and fly when I was a kid…back in the 1960s. Flying was an occasion way back then and very civilized. Now??? It’s a friggen cattle call, where you get pushed and shoved, molested by TSA people, squished into a tiny little seat with your knees up in your chest and sometimes sweat buckets stuck on the tarmac while the screw around with something. Riding the subway in Boston is a bit nicer than flying these days ;).
[QUOTE=anmoro;7701429]
My intent was not to be mean spirited or a mean girl. Anyone that knows me, knows that I am anything but. If my intent was to be mean, I would not post under my normal COTH ID that tells who I am and where I live. I will gladly delete the pictures. If you notice in the original post, I did not post anything, however it was pointed out that my post was vague. I cropped out the horse, cropped the trainers face and did what I could to make the photo generalized. The trainer is actually a nice person and I have nothing against them. I was just shocked by the attire and was asking about what is appropriate. My apologies to those I have offended.
I guess I was shocked because of the way I was raised. I still dress up for supper, flying on an airplane, having company over, church, etc… Then again I guess I am a fuddy duddy because I still go to the barn in collared shirts and rarely wear any t-shirts.[/QUOTE]
Kudos to you for not caving in to the Lowest Common Denominator that has normalized looking like a SLOB without regard to venues or situations. I, also, change my clothes to go grocery shopping (not wear muddy/stinky barn pants), dress up to go to the City on the train, and certainly dress professionally at horse shows. After all, for equine pros the show is “the office,” and the impression you make MATTERS.
I used to watch Emerson Burr; at home or at shows, EVERY DAY OF HIS LIFE, he went to the barn and ring in crisp, creased khakis, an oxford cloth button down, respectable shoes, and a natty straw hat. He ALWAYS commanded respect and he ALWAYS looked in charge. I can’t even VISUALIZE him dressed in ripped jeans, sneakers, or a tank top like a trucker!
The issue is NOT “comfort.” For me, it’s a lot more “comfortable” to know I look nice than to wonder if my shirt is riding up or my ass hanging out of my pants. It’s also nice to bring dignity to a venue and people you respect, be they clients or judges, by dressing in a way that flatters you. Or at least like you own a mirror and didn’t spend all night on a bender!
It’s not like it’s a major imposition to put on a nice shirt and a pair of pants without holes in them. . . stick to your guns, OP and call a spade a spade!
In the REAL WORLD, as opposed to the Internet (junior high cafeteria where grown adults use names like “mean girl” and “judgy-pants,”) the rules of adult common sense and dignity still apply. What you project to the world IS how you will be “judged.” And a well-dressed trainer is always going to be assumed more serious and settled and attract a better class of clients than a SLOB.
A number of years ago there was some silliness with trainers trying to pass for their wealthy clients, wearing designer everything and Rolexes; no one was fooled. Maybe NOW it’s time they realized they are ALSO not the pubescent teenyboppers they’re taking to shows. . .
OP…I somewhat agree.
(posting as an alter for obvious reasons)
I’m anything but “old fashioned,” but I really do think trainers as a professional should be setting an example. Do I think at horse shows they should look like they are ready to attend a dinner party? No. But professional looking? Yes.
I don’t compete at rated shows, so maybe I shouldn’t really be posting in this thread, but it felt like a somewhat appropriate place to vent about my experience at a horse show last weekend (and actually my experience at these types of shows in general). Like I said, I don’t do A shows. These are not rated at all, they are on the “Associate” level for my state’s Horse Show Association. But, they are NOT schooling shows.
I think at a horse show (or just being at the barn for that matter), proper footwear is important. This does not include flip flips. OR BARE FEET. Yes, this particular trainer and her students are walking around, holding horses, LOADING HORSES IN THE TRAILER with no shoes on. Some of her students ride in shorts during the schooling breaks. Jackets were excused this past weekend, but I don’t think its okay to wear a regular t-shirt in your class. I wouldn’t even ride in a regular t-shirt at a schooling show. The least I would ride in is a polo.
/rant over.
I don’ think anything could beat the trainer I saw at a schooling show… she was about 6-7 months pregnant with tank top, ill-fitting jeans…and by ill -fitting I mean anyone behind her could see the color of her thong (and more)… topping it off was the cigarette…
I believe the woman in the pony finals picture is Sissy Anderton, the owner of Brownland Farm, a trainer, breeder, and a very kind woman who was more than gracious to me when I was trying, and often failing, to negotiate the ins and outs of becoming a young professional at another A show barn in her area back in the dark ages. I haven’t seen her in person for years, but she was always appropriately attired for the job at hand.
