Attire/turnout for local show?

[MoonMountain]

I am participating in a local dressage show this summer. The last time I showed dressage was nearly 20 years ago, when I was in middle school, so I just have some questions about turn-out. I will be doing an Intro level test and a training level test, and from what I’ve gathered, this isn’t usually a huge show (maybe 4-5 riders per class TOPS, probably less for my training level division). Here are my questions:

1. I have read paddock boots/half chaps are legal through 1st level. Much as I would like to purchase boots, I am in the process of moving and planning my wedding, and am not sure I can swing it for this summer. My boots and chaps go together pretty well, and obviously I will polish the crap out of them beforehand, and I’m hoping my spurs will tie it all together. Will I stick out like a sore thumb?

2. Do I have to have a stock tie? If so, do they need to have a pin, or are there versions that don’t need a pin? Also, how do they work? Would it just go over my regular show shirt and then I pin the front? Sounds sweaty. Haha.

3. Breeches: do I have to wear white breeches? I have the light beige colored Tailored Sportsmans which look pretty sharp. However, my saddle pad will be white, so I don’t want to clash or look out of place.

4. Hair: Can I get away with doing a regular hunter-style hairnet for a small, local show?

Okay, I think those are all of my questions! I have a show coat that I’ve only worn once, and my helmet and belt will work. I also have black show gloves, white saddle pad, and my saddle has brand new leathers and is all good to go. Just trying to figure out the rest of my ensemble.

Thanks!

[Training_Cupid]

1. Around here most people would have tall boots, but short boots with matching half chaps is fine.

2. Stock tie not required for a shirt with collar. If you’re not wearing a jacket, don’t wear a stock tie! Around here a regular polo or tech shirt with collar is common in the more casual schooling shows (while some people wear jackets - either is fine really)

3. White or light colored breeches are fine. At very casual schooling shows I’ve seen black too, but personally I would not wear it.

4. Hair net is fine. I usually do a low bun under the helmet myself.

Here’s what I wore to a casual schooling show last weekend - the collar was zipped up while I rode, and I had black gloves and helmet obviously. Horse was unbraided, though I have braided at this show in the past (mainly for practice) and several other people were braided.

Have fun!

[2tempe]

If your regular show shirt has a stand up collar - ratcatcher type or like of like a turtleneck, no stock tie necessary. I have abandoned them here in central florida - usually too hot to wear anything that is not absolutely required.

[Training_Cupid]

ETA - if you are going with a trainer check with her though - some like their students to be more formal even when not required!

[Janet]

More importantly, make sure your bit, spurs. whip and bridle are legal.

[Knubbsy]

What Training Cupid said about checking with your trainer. My trainer knows I fret about what to wear so we’re always on the same page.

I have two regional schooling series I show in. One is more casual and the other most people braid and wear coats. I know I’ve seen half chaps at both series and no one cared. For the casual one I either wear a long sleeve, conservative colored technical shirt (Ariat or Kastel, I like Kastel a little more) or a conservative sweater, black or white gloves, and white or tan breeches, white pad, never braid (I’ve done a black pad too but I didn’t like it as much aesthetically.) For the more formal series: white breeches, gloves, and a b/w show shirt (goode rider prix, but with plain buttons), white pad, usually don’t braid.

I have a short bob so do hunter hair, my trainer has a pixie so it looks like hunter hair. I actually think hair is more common with my barn than a bun.

[GraceLikeRain]

Around here I tend to see polos or technical fabric sun shirts with white/light breeches and hair up. There’s no harm in tossing your coat in the truck but I would suspect most people will be far more casual.

[MissAriel]

Definitely ask your trainer - if s/he doesn’t have a preference, at least they can point you towards what most riders will be wearing. Or email the show secretary and ask. I have found them to be very helpful with suggestions of what is standard at their shows and understand first time riders wanting to “fit in”.

Around here most will be in a polo or long sleeved technical shirt (Ariat, Kastel or similar) light or white breeches and either boots or half chaps. Any way you do your hair so it is neat and tidy will be fine. If you do a bun, make sure it doesn’t bounce, as that will be distracting to the judge, even if they don’t comment on it. I have yet to do a schooling show in a jacket and braids, although I have seen a few and I suppose I might to work out my prep routine before a regular show.

[MoonMountain]

Thanks all, I appreciate the info. I will definitely check with my trainer to see what she wants, but I like hearing other perspectives too.

To clarify, it’s not technically a schooling show, although it’s not a huge show and it’s held at the barn where the horse I’m riding lives. I did look up the photos from this show in previous years, and it looks like the majority are wearing jackets and white breeches, so I’m going to go with that. Everyone was braided. Looks like a pretty even split of black and white gloves. My show shirt does have a stand up collar, so glad to know I won’t need to worry about the stock tie. I’ll probably be the only one in chaps and paddock boots, but hey, if I can’t afford that part right now, I can’t afford it!

[Training_Cupid]

Interestng, I practically never see white gloves at lower levels (either rated of schooling shows)

[MoonMountain]

@Training Cupid

Interestng, I practically never see white gloves at lower levels (either rated of schooling shows)

The show goes up to 4th level – maybe those were the white-glove wearers? The photos didn’t indicate which level they were all riding.

[alibi_18]

If it’s a schooling show, and a small one, you’ll see people being more casual than formal.

Neat and tidy is what matters for you and your horse. And your riding!

1. Short boots with matching half chaps is perfect. I have a pair of halfchaps/paddocks that I « cheated » with… zipper broke - nothing else to wear - No one saw the difference. Thanks Ariat Monaco!!!

2. Stock tie… I have a prefab one, the type that is flat with little ruffle at the top only that I wear at National shows (If I’m wearing my jacket - which I try to avoid)
   But in a casual venue? Nah… Just wear a nice tech polo shirt. When jackets are waived, you need a shirt with sleeves (short or long) and open collar.

3. Light colored breeches are just fine.

4. As long as your hair are not distracting you (or the judge) you’ll be fine. I French braid my hair and pull it up through itself like I braid my mare’s forelock.
   It doesn’t make a bulk under my helmet.

5. Pad : If you have a black or plain gray/dark blue/beige/neutral colored pad, it would be also ok.

In your case, I would wear those TS breeches, a belt, a nice polo shirt (neutral color- white one would match the pad), your black gloves and your halfchaps/paddock.
White pad.

If it was me going, I would wear :
My white TS full seat, a brown belt, my brown/gold show tech shirt, my dark brown halfchaps/paddock, brown gloves, brown helmet,… brown tack and white pad. Yeah, I like brown.

You haven’t mentionned it but if you have a jumping/AP saddle, use an appropriately sized pad. It just looks weird when there’s a huge dressage pad with a small saddle. But even then… no one would care really.

Ride well. Ride your best.
Make your horse and yourself look good, for you.
Have fun. Smile.

[Magicboy]

Doesn’t sound like a schooling show, so your plan for white breeches, cost and braiding is fine. So are the half chaps…have a good time,

[hoopoe]

if it is a local show, but rated by the USE(F) ( american federation) you must comply with the rules which are pretty clear cut. Pay a visit to the USEF.org page and look up the rules. They spell it out well.

https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/F3p8pgrWgAo/dr-dressage-division

If it is a local show but not nationally rated, then you need to find out what the rules state for that organization. If your trainer does not know, contact the show secretary

keep it simple

dress rules for federation shows have relaxed quite a bit so you can turn out in general english / hunt or dressage attire. If you are using half chaps I would not wear a stock tie, consider yourself in somewhat informal attire. A conventional ratcatcher shirt and choker is fine. Black gloves perfectly acceptable if you wear them at all. White gloves have fallen by the wayside and would be much more formal. I never rode without gloves and used black or white as suited my mood.

Hair net always, there is no other way to contain hair under the helmet. It is a finishing touch

if this show has rating you need to make sure you are correct in the tack. Your trainer has all the answers you need. Ask them. The rule book also spells it out.

[MoonMountain]

@hoopoe

if it is a local show, but rated by the USE(F) ( american federation) you must comply with the rules which are pretty clear cut. Pay a visit to the USEF.org page and look up the rules. They spell it out well.

https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/F3p8pgrWgAo/dr-dressage-division

If it is a local show but not nationally rated, then you need to find out what the rules state for that organization. If your trainer does not know, contact the show secretary

keep it simple

dress rules for federation shows have relaxed quite a bit so you can turn out in general english / hunt or dressage attire. If you are using half chaps I would not wear a stock tie, consider yourself in somewhat informal attire. A conventional ratcatcher shirt and choker is fine. Black gloves perfectly acceptable if you wear them at all. White gloves have fallen by the wayside and would be much more formal. I never rode without gloves and used black or white as suited my mood.

Hair net always, there is no other way to contain hair under the helmet. It is a finishing touch

if this show has rating you need to make sure you are correct in the tack. Your trainer has all the answers you need. Ask them. The rule book also spells it out.

Thanks so much!

I spoke to my trainer today, and you are right, it is a rated show. She is expecting white gloves and a stock tie (I told her I probably wouldn’t be able to afford boots this time around), so we’ll go with that!

[alibi_18]

@MoonMountain

Thanks so much!

I spoke to my trainer today, and you are right, it is a rated show. She is expecting white gloves and a stock tie (I told her I probably wouldn’t be able to afford boots this time around), so we’ll go with that!

White gloves and a stock tie for Intro?
Put on your white riding shirt, your beige TS, your jacket, your black gloves and half chaps/paddocks.
You will look perfect.

Your trainer’s expectations are a little exagerated… As per the rules, you don’t have to wear a stock tie and I’ve rarely seen white gloves under 4th level, even at National shows, and gloves don’t even have to be white at FEI/CDIs shows…

I hate when trainers do that. I understand they want their students to look the part and that they represent them, but as long as students are dressed within the rules and in a clean/appropriate fashion, they shouldn’t be asked to spend more money on stuff that is not essential…

My answer to that is that I have X$ for the show season and I’d rather spend my riding budget in lessons (their pockets) than in clothing/tack (tack shop pockets)… They usually agree.

[amb]

@alibi_18

White gloves and a stock tie for Intro?

There seem to be weird regional expectations sometimes. At a whole lot of events around here, even low-level schooling stuff when it’s way too hot, I see jackets and stock ties. Despite practice elsewhere, though, usually with riders in tan breeches, for as I have heard more than once “white breeches are only for professionals”.

White gloves at low levels are a new one on me, but if that’s how people there roll…

(I don’t at all mind being somewhat of an iconoclast, but my dressage trainer is Very Traditionally Proper.)

[hoopoe]

white gloves and stock tie with half chaps a bit incongruous.

as others have mentioned, a conventional ratcatcher and choker with black gloves are perfectly within the rules and harmonious with the rest of your attire.

[Dark_horse17]

Widely varied, for sure. Here in New England, a Schooling show is seen as practice for a Rated show. Even in Intro, horses are braided, riders are in full turnout (think conservative-- limited bling, nothing super fancy/flashy), but dark coats, stock ties, white pads, polished up boots and tack etc. are the standard. You would absolutely be out of place in tan pants with a sun shirt and an un-braided horse. I think, most of the competitors relish in the opportunity to shine up their horses for the day, and, of course, practice up for the rated shows.

[asterix]

Just went to a recognized show in VA at 1st and 2nd level. My horse has a mohawk and I had beige britches and field boots. I got perfectly appropriate scores for my rides. Don’t let anyone bully you into wearing white britches and gloves for intro level. That is crap. Dress conservatively and neatly. You will be fine.