I am looking for a new show coat and was wondering what was acceptable for the hunter ring. I have been out of showing for a while and am getting back into it with my new Hanoverian. There are some very flashy coats out there and I wasn’t sure if 4 silver buttons was acceptable on a navy coat? There is a Pikeur I really like but it is a little shorter than a traditional hunter coat and I wasn’t sure if it was ok. Any information or recommendations will be helpful! Thanks!
Is the coat flattering and comfortable? Then go for it. The jacket you are describing wouldn’t be traditional but honestly no judge or other competitor will care and if you feel good in it than that is what counts.
I show in the hunter ring with a navy coat with 4 silver buttons all the time and that has never ever stopped my horse and I from placing…I have used this at A/AA shows in the 3’6" so I would say go for it. To make matters worse, I even showed in half chaps and could still win so anyone who tells you that the outfit matters is wrong.
If it fits and it’s clean it is totally fine.
If you’re planning on showing more than a couple times a year, I’d say get more than one! I have 4 right now, which is nice because I can wear a different one every day and still have a clean one in case of emergencies. They’re also all different weights so I can choose based on weather, etc.
I would recommend starting with the one you absolutely love (and yes, it’s not “traditional,” but really, who gives a rip) and then getting another, more conservative jacket. You can get great deals on ebay and Facebook groups if you know your size and keep your eyes open. If money isn’t a concern, I just bought the Irideon Kismet coat ($250 I think) and I LOVE it. It’s machine washable and made of that super light techy fabric, but it is a very traditional cut and color, so I can wear it for eq day.
The hunter ring seems to allow more freedom of style than the eq ring. So if you’re just doing hunters (and aren’t going to go bling crazy), then get what fits and what you love! 4 button with silver (or even sparkly) buttons will be just fine. Lots of green, grey, tans, and of course navy in the hunter ring (A and AA). I want a green coat…
