Do people still wear classic show coats?

I have a gorgeous black Cavallo coat that I bought in 2000. It has four buttons, a velvet collar, shoulder pads, and is long enough to cover one’s derrière. It’s similar in style to the Pikeur Diana.

I showed exactly once and the horse subsequently went lame, I got a new horse and switched disciplines (don’t show in that discipline either.)

I’ll never wear it except to admire it once a year in the mirror. I know people wear shorter coats these days, but would anyone wear this today?

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I have a gorgeous 3 button light wool black Tailored Sportsman. I mainly where it to work but did wear it to do a couple dressage shows

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Probably not. I have a beautiful older coat as well. I even took it to a tailor to see about shortening it, but he said the pockets were too low and it would never look right. :cry:

Wear it and see. Personally I dislike the current fashion for shorter coats because the bottom line of the jacket cuts straight across the bum and it is not a flattering look on the vast majority of people over the age of 18. I also think a longer jacket just hangs better and looks a lot more elegant as one performs. Dressage, of course, is not as rule bound as the hunter show ring.

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I have a Pikeur Diana which I will most certainly wear when I show.

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I’m still in to the conservative colors…black jacket and white breeches. I did get the shorter coat and have to disagree about the over 18 comment. I see the shorter style looking good on all ages at the shows because age is not the issue…fitness is.

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Well body dynamics is. If you’re a lady with a bit of a belly then a longer coat will probably look more finished.

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For dressage shows, I wear my light weight black coat that I use for fox hunting when the weather is warm (it happens). It is a frock coat --comes about two-three inches past butt --no one has ever commented on my coat at a dressage show --it is beautiful and well tailored for me —my horse is quite tall and I am quite tall. A short coat would, in my opinion, spoil the picture. I also have a swallow tail pad, some what larger than normal for Hugh Jackman as he is huge (18.2 hh, 1500) and a little tiny pad looked silly (I thought) on him. I had to have the pad custom made since swallow tail is, “out of fashion.” My matra is “You do you.” What’s most important is you enter at A with confidence. AND I had comments of “lovely horse” —I really don’t think anyone is judging the length of my coat --if they are, then that’s their problem.

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I’ve been trying to sell my Pikeur coat on FB for $35 with no response

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That’s a sign of the universe gone awry

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I have discussed the topic of attire and bling several times with my friend who is a dressage judge. She assures me that the horse‘s movements are what she watches and scores. Wear your coat.

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If I rode dressage and showed, I would. I ride hunters and haven’t ridden in a dressage saddle for ten plus years.

It’s that lovely frock coat style. I could maybe change out the buttons and wear it with jeans, but I’m also thinner and older and it doesn’t fit anymore.

I just want it to have a good home.

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what size is it? I may be interested!

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It was sold to me as a 16 but it’s probably more like a 12

it is the dressage equivalent of The Little Black Dress and I would definitely wear it, quite proudly. I can remember back when, having lost a lot of weight I was finally able to put on a Diana and off the rack Anky boots. I thought I had arrived.

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damn…a bit too big for me

I don’t understand show coat sizing at all. There’s no size tag on my coat, but probably also a street size 12.

I think a big part of the issue is not just the fashion, its the fabric. Global warming and all that.

As a later middle-aged woman who shows in the desert in August, I’m deeply grateful for modern lightweight and breathable fabrics that can go in the washing machine.

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Oh for sure the wool jackets are more suitable for un-hot weather.

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Can anyone suggest a non-FB way to give it away to a dressage rider?