I agree if that “style” is their style of riding. I saw Anne Kursinski riding Eros at a major competition. It looked like she was just casually bopping around the course. In reality, based on the clock, she flew through the course. While other riders were herky-jerky kicking to speed up, then jerking on the reins, to put on the brakes to make a turn or jump, Anne just kept a very steady pace…it was just a very fast steady pace. She won. It was a memorable and impressive riding style that I have tried to keep in mind.
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I’m not saying it should count but people definitely follow fashion trends as well as riding style.
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Absolutely. But there is a sports psychology aspect as well regarding the rider.
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Oh, heck. I’ll freely admit to being shallow enough to like fashion and nice clothes that make me look and feel good. I need all the help I can get, especially sweating my way through a dressage test!
I’d agree that they don’t make things like they used to. You can’t even buy the quality of fabric I used to be able to purchase as a keen sewist 35 years ago.
But today’s fabrics and cuts are far more appropriate for what is, after all, an athletic endeavor.
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I will be the dressage curmudgeon here. My OPINION is that anything that top riders (and/or their horses wear) is a promotional piece funded by the rider’s sponsors and should be scrutinized as to whether it is worth while to purchase.
I agree on picking riding apparel for functionality. This is a very valid reason…such as using riding helmets vs the old hunt cap. But the markups on “riding apparel” are too high to change my wardrobe based on something currently in vogue.
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I totally get that. And I don’t disagree.
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I had one of the first washable Pikeur Diana show coats. Beautiful shape. Just as well it was washable because it sure as heck wasn’t breathable. It was like riding in a rubber suit. It could walk home on its own after a weekend in the show ring.
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The great thing about classical jackets and breeches is that some of us impecunious riders would rather spent the money more usefully, ie; on our horses, on our education as a rider(which never,ever stops), new trailer tires, etc. etc. etc.
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I am one of the ones that has a beautiful Kentucky “short” coat and a Pikeur tailcoat. Both wool. I have replaced the short coat with something cooler. But if I should ever get to another FEI level show, I may have to suffer with the Pikeur. It was such a big deal to buy and means a lot.
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OMG! @Bristol_Bay I just received this jacket. It fits PERFECTLY!!! I am so appreciative of your generosity. i cant thank you enough. And it seems kind of light! I’m so smitten…
I also love the stock tie. In all of my younger years, it was a “thing” that the trainer tied the stock tie on the student before the classes. I got a velcro one but it was never the same. I’m inspired to carry on the old tradition, because it looks great and feels great, and I’m honored to add you and your stock tie and stock pin to the tradition.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
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That makes me so happy! I took a bunch of other really nice but no longer useful clothing to a local thrift store today. It feels good to pass these things along.
So glad it fits! That stock tie was given to me by Lisa Zella, former trainer who started the People on Horses business. It’s pretty classy!
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And I guess the answer is YES, people still wear classic show coats!
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I have the Fits jacket. Even though it’s mesh, it still looks really neat and clean. And then I ruin the look by putting my dusty air vest over it. 
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I think we need pictures 
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Pics! Pics!
I got a Pikeur Diana for a steal once the newer tech fabric jackets started coming out. How do I know if mine is the washable kind? Is it shown on the label?
I feel like I remember seeing “dry clean only” somewhere on mine so I’ll have to take another look.
those labels on the jacket usually on the side seam. You can google what the symbols mean.
unless you took the labels off. I always took mine to the dry cleaners for wash and press so it looked its best. That was worth it to me
The Cavallo coat has all the labels inside the pocket in the lining.
The Diana is usually dry clean only. At least mine is and it’s an older wool version.
It was a washable fabric. The lady at the cleaner was confused by my wanting it dry cleaned
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