I am looking to have a short dressage jacket custom made to show in this season. I want to make sure what I would like done is legal for the show ring.
I would like to have the collar on the jacket stand up instead of fold over, and maybe have some ruffles on it (in a very mild and feminine way). Can I put ruffles on the sleeves to? Would this kind of jacket be legal?
Can someone direct me to where I can find this information in the rulebook?
Thanks!!
The USEF rule book doesn’t address ruffles directly — LOL — but only says “short riding coat of conservative color.” See DR 120 DRESS of the 2016 rule book: https://www.usef.org/documents/ruleBook/2016/08-DR.pdf.
I can’t image a circumstance where ruffles on the sleeve of your comp coat is a good idea.
The rules about coats aren’t very explicit, but I don’t think that ruffles are part of “riding coats” and I don’t think that anyone has ever needed that explained to them before.
And personal feelings about ruffles aside, coats are supposed to be simple, form-fitting and dark so that the judge can see your position. I think that ruffles and popped collars are going to make their job difficult.
Maybe you could compromise and get a stock tie with ruffles?
I totaly understand your desire to wear something a little more feminin. The black tuxedo effect… not much my taste. I prefer colors and untraditionnal chic!
Regarding the ruffles : It is technically allowed but really, it depends how it is done, something subtle could be delightfull. Cut a little differently in the front and bottom, this could really be ‘‘ok’’ as a riding jacket.
Regarding the high collar : Go for it! Check the military and Mao styles.
Are you planning of a sleeve less vest to wear this summer too? Something similar without the belt would really be attractive! 
I would suggest not going to wild but playing with details just to make your jacket more personal! Use technical material so it is not only beautiful but comfortable as well!
The sleeveless vest is adorable! Thanks for the link. I was just looking at a pair of maroon breeches for clinics, and I think that vest would work perfectly with them.
Rule of thumb:
For a subjective discipline, don’t wear anything that will make the judge “notice” what you are wearing unless you are already winning on a regular basis.
[QUOTE=Janet;8569786]
Rule of thumb:
For a subjective discipline, don’t wear anything that will make the judge “notice” what you are wearing unless you are already winning on a regular basis.[/QUOTE]
THIS^^ Just a week or so ago I posted a thread re someone who got “called out” by a judge who thought her light blue bun cover was too distracting. This person was riding Grand Prix trying to get her last scores for gold medal, and she is into her bling - boots, helmet, browband, etc.
I’m pretty conservative by nature, so I just don’t get the desire to stand out for anything other than a nice ride.
Interesting post!
I am so divided about this kind of thing…while I completely understand the desire to play with the “boring” standard dressage attire (and in real life I love clothing and to push fashion limits), I see some good reasons to be somewhat conservative in the ring.
What it boils down to is this: every second the judge spends looking at your clothing, sparkles, colors, etc…is one that takes away from them looking at your horse. If you are lucky, that second was a bad one, but it could just as easily be a great one. I want the judge to have their undevided attention on the horse. I want to disappear.
I’ve done a lot of scribing, and judges all appreciate a sparkling clean horse in well fitting gear and a rider in well fitting (tailor those jackets!) clothing. Some hate bling: it glares in the sun. Some think it’s fun.
I do think the poster above has a point:if you are going to stand out, you’d better be good. Wear blingy patent leather boots and every wobble is magnified. Same with blinging bobbling helmets and sparkling wobbly hands. Want the judge to notice every tiny wobble of your horse’s head? Bling it on!
With regard to the ruffled jacket, I applaud your creativity…but I think you have to be aware that the payoff may not be what you expect. It may be outside of what’s considered a “riding coat”, and that’s open to the TD’s interpretation. If you have a cool head, having to change coats at the show (maybe in the warm up ring) may not ruffle your feathers, but it’s not something I’d want to worry about, myself. Plenty of other things to think about.
The judge will give it a second and third look, and that may not be a good thing. I know that judges can see past attire, but an impression is made even if unconscious. I’ve been next to judges who have rolled their eyes at people who have pushed the legal attire limits and are riding poorly…one actually said to me “if only they put as much attention on their riding as they did how they look”.
There can also be a sense of the rider upstaging the horse, who is supposed to be the star attraction, not the rider!
I truly applaud creativity! I just think that there are many things to consider before you push it too far on the ring.
[QUOTE=Janet;8569786]
Rule of thumb:
For a subjective discipline, don’t wear anything that will make the judge “notice” what you are wearing unless you are already winning on a regular basis.[/QUOTE]
“Winning” on a regular basis? That’s a lofty pursuit in a discipline that’s scored against an ideal. Dressage is a poor fit for equestrians desirous of regular wins of their classes. And how do you factor in the number of riders and the competition to know whether the blue is satisfying enough?
I personally have no aspiration nor expectation to win on a regular basis. I’m in it to showcase a cool horse, have good times, and to best myself. Maybe that’s why I’m standing out within reason and glad to be noticed. Maybe I’m crazy to feel this way. But as one of only one or two men in my classes and sometimes at the entire show, I already stand out.
That’s not to say I don’t revel in a ribbon when it comes with the score. The blues are indeed more special. But every outing where we have a better go than previously, or are able to show some movements well, is a win. That happens on a very regular basis, so if that’s the criteria I’m good.
I have seen some really nice added touches that add some flair to the “Lawyers on Horseback” look that the dressage attire tends to have.
That being said—I also do eventing and there are always some riders that take their xc colors to the extreme (matching galloping boots, vest, saddle pad, helmet cover . . . . . ) When it’s in dayglo pink or neon green----I think it’s great . . . . if you are 11 years old!
However, as an adult, I feel like if I bling out for xc —I had better have a flawless round. Otherwise, it only makes me stand out (and not in a good way). JMO! Although (joking here)—a lot of color DOES make it easier for the ambulance to locate you when you come off on course! FYI—my xc “colors” are black and white!
For a dressage show—I do have a black coat, but it has some white piping on the collar and pockets. My only real color is on my horse-- I like the beaded browbands—however I picked out ones that have “beads” no gemstones, or shiny stuff. I have seen the sparkly rhinestones on browbands and helmets that can be blinding in the sun.
From a practical standpoint, I’d just be worried that ruffles become dust collectors… I’d skip the ruffles on the jacket, and you can always go to a pretty ruffled blouse? Or a fancy stock tie - there are some lovely ruffled bibs on some of the stock ties.
IMO I would keep the ruffles to the stock tie. Some are very “ruffly” these days and quite feminine.
Regarding the judge who called out a rider on a bun cover - she should write a complaint to USEF.
[QUOTE=lorilu;8570911]
Regarding the judge who called out a rider on a bun cover - she should write a complaint to USEF.[/QUOTE]
I’m scribing a lot and seen quite a few ‘‘excentric’’ riders and haven’t heard much of a comment from the judges regarding riders’ clothing or tack and even less had to write something on riders sheet!
I think I wouldn’t have even if asked!
There was one judge who commented on one girl’s choice of browband for her horse BUT it was during a clinic AND it was truly disrupting the ride. The browband was too big, overly white blingy and frankly quite ugly.
Still, his main concern was the fact that the browband was ill-fitted and at PSG, he scolded the rider for not being more knowledgeable on proper fit. (It was bouncing in her horse’s eye at much every step…)
I advise my dressage riders that it is ok to express your fashion sense but there is a fine line between fashionable and distraction. Make it tasteful. Jackets can have subtle bling, sequin trim, etc, or be a different shade but still conservative but don’t go to out there. You don’t want the judge trying to get past your show clothes but rather just enjoying the beautiful partnership. Also be mindful of how colors work against colors of the horse so that the whole “look” compliments.
[QUOTE=Janet;8569786]
Rule of thumb:
For a subjective discipline, don’t wear anything that will make the judge “notice” what you are wearing unless you are already winning on a regular basis.[/QUOTE]
Yes!!! And for those who are winning keep it classy please 
I love my “unconventional” coat.
But then I also have an “unconventional” horse.
http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ClaireLV/media/Facebook/iOS%20Photos/11070505_10205309360005288_6264569262422251432_o.jpg.html?o=299
This was taken after we earned our last score for the bronze last year.
[QUOTE=Incitatus;8576178]
But then I also have an “unconventional” horse.
http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ClaireLV/media/Facebook/iOS%20Photos/11070505_10205309360005288_6264569262422251432_o.jpg.html?o=299
This was taken after we earned our last score for the bronze last year.[/QUOTE]
This is not really an unconventional jacket. It’s the kerrit blue with little white trim jacket. Lovely and congrats on your scores!
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
