i plan on dressing monotone to my mare’s colors. She is pale palomino and with gray points. So cream and gray for me and her tack. Except saddle, which if i can find a way to, i’ll paint gray 
We will be a combo-glob of diluted normal horse and tack colors with some white here and there. (she has a blaze and hard to notice white socks)
Totally. I just ended up with some patent, dark navy lace up boots. They were a floor model or customer return in my size for 40% cheaper than a custom order. Before finding those I also bought a new helmet that has a glittery stripe over the top. So everything else will be very muted. Still worried that we’re going to look too glitzy - my mare is deep chestnut and shines almost like an akhal teke in summer.
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Oh bummer! Did the Powers That Be confirm it’s illegality? Seems completely daft to outlaw something that was legal (and is really very subdued and classy!)
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Can you get it to one of the custom coat makers, and swap out the mesh for another brown? What a shame!!!
What??? Are you saying that it was legal like yesterday or a month ago or whenever was “pre new rules”?? If so, I’d raise some commotion with USEF - along with pics of you wearing it at previous shows. I thought I saw a pic of an “illegal” one that also had mesh down center of back and that was considered a wide stripe…
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Is that a custom jacket from Southeast Sport Horse? I saw Jo post asking everyone who has a jacket like this from her to contact USEF and raise a stink. She said she can only get the mesh in limited colours, so it often was a different colour than the jacket. She also said she would cover them for customers if USEF doesn’t change their minds.
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@Piaffe11, @ 2tempe, @atr… yes this is from Jo, and yes she can replace those panels. And yes I wore it last year, even at 2020 Regionals. ANd yes, I sent in pics, and it was deemed “multicolored” because the collar is also black. @2tempe
How stupid.
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What in the world…? So, if the jacket has panels and collar of contrasting color to the body of the jacket, it’s “multi-colored?” But… WHY?! These dress rules are starting to feel half-baked.
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Well, at least Jo can help you out! But IMO these dress code rules have gotten a bit ridiculous.
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Love Stockbubble! She also made a regular mens tie for my husband with flame fabric we found on Spoonflower.
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That’s ridiculous! I was planning on getting a blue jacket and then having a contrasting collar, but now that is illegal? Or is it because the collar AND the underarm are black?
Maybe they should look at their own attire guidelines… I swear there were multiple jackets on those guidelines that were much more blatantly multi-coloured with high contrast colours.
I just can’t believe that it was legal last year and this year they are deeming it illegal.
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But if it was all purple it would be OK.
These rules are so weird.
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Yes, it’s because the jacket would be considered “multi-colored.” I think they could have made it clearer by stating that the body and sleeves of the jacket must be the same color.
Your contrasting collar should be just fine: “Tasteful and discreet accents, such as a collar of a
different hue, modest piping, or crystal decorations, are acceptable.”
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Yes, this ^^^ would’ve made the guidelines/rules more direct so competitors aren’t left pondering what is or isn’t allowed now.
The mesh fabric topic gets to me, though. So specific plaids, Wonder Woman boots and a certain level of sparklies are acceptable, but discreet panels of techno fabrics that help you ride more comfortably so you don’t pass out from heat stroke are… not. 
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I have to agree, it’s pretty nutty.
I ordered a stock tie from them based on your recommendation, and I love it!
Email from USEF today:
“ It has been brought to our attention that the current DR120 language does not address consideration of mesh or stretch panels on coats and jackets. While the Dressage Department considers acceptable clarifying language to this rule, we are advising that judges not eliminate competitors wearing this type of jacket, but instead warn that the issue is currently under review and that a rule clarification to DR120 will be issued as soon as possible.
Whenever possible, it is advised that this information be included on the test sheet, and that judges communicate with the technical delegate about including this information in their report. Technical delegates are requested to take a photo that can be included with the competition report and submitted to US Equestrian.
Officials or competitors are encouraged to contact the Dressage Department if an elimination occurred when this type of jacket was worn between the December 1, 2021 effective date, and the date of this communication. Inquiries can be sent to dressage@usef.org.”
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Ugh. Lorilu, I think that show coat is lovely. If TPTB wonder why people are running away from dressage, it might be because many of us can’t afford to replace perfectly functional clothing every year to please people we spend 5-7 minutes in front of once or twice a year.
Sheesh. Dull as it is, I’ll stick with my navy coats. And tons of turquoise and silver.
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I’m thinking you didn’t read the USEF response. The coat is provisionally ok, and will probably be made legal soon.
Who is running away from dressage?
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