I recently took my young horse to a breed show to get him some experience in the show ring. My background is saddleseat but this horse is definitely not a ss mover, so I tried to go with a retro hunt seat look - man’s tie, non-skin-tight breeches, flat tack, big braids, etc. I want to get a better fitted saddle pad, but overall I like the look. Best of all - we had fun and the horse had a good experience.
44 Likes
Lovely! Both of you !
3 Likes
Thank you!
2 Likes
I love the wide cavesson and the rosettes.
2 Likes
I especially like the brown hunt cap.
5 Likes
Thanks! I think the wide, flat bridle looks good on his big Standardbred head.
5 Likes
Thanks! It was a good find on Ebay. 
1 Like
I love ebay!! Unfortunately my beautiful brown hunt cap hangs on my wall because it is pre-harness and no longer allowed but damn I looked good in that thing back in the day 
6 Likes
Perfect. My first reaction to your lovely photo is What an old timey head. And those ears!
3 Likes
LOL! He’s mostly Standardbred crossed with a bit of Dutch Harness (hence the STB “jug head”), and I think he could tune in Tokyo with those ears! 
12 Likes
There is an elite Oldenburg mare at my barn whose head is identical, down to the star.
3 Likes
Best of all y’all had fun and your horse had a good experience. You look great! I am not a chasing the latest trend person. As someone that has judged local shows I have often thought that exhibitors should have spent more money on lessons/training and less on attire.
7 Likes
I love this look! I have a friend in North Wales who dresses like this for her shows and I think it should be more prevalent here.
4 Likes
Love the look and the horse!
3 Likes
Your photo is lovely, and I admire your knack for putting it all together, down to the flat tack, knotty braids and earth tone apparel. And I love me some big ol’ warmblood ears!
But I do have to say that at first glance I had a severe and sudden flashback to my youth.
2 Likes
Not retro! Middleweight hunter UK style! 
7 Likes
I do think that plain, simple bridles, without droopy browband, bling and the inevitable flash, do show off a horses head very nicely.
2 Likes
I absolutely love the colors! I really prefer the old school fabrics and colors to the modern ones looks-wise. So classy! They’re just so tough to deal with in the humidity. Barnmate showed two weeks ago in an old-school coat and top and looked fabulous… but a bit miserable in the heat.
And I am forever on the hunt for a brown helmet that conjures days of yore (and ditto brown boots!). I have one on my Pinterest from CO, but it’s a custom job outside my budget.
2 Likes
I’m liking those non-skin tight breeches. I am nostalgic about the ones I rode in as a teenager - cotton with a bit of stretch, with some bag to them. Wish I could find something similar. Hate peeling off clothing after being at the barn… I’m in Phoenix, it’s 93F at 7am…
1 Like
I have two pairs of brown field boots. I am thinking of sending them to Middleburg Tack Exchange. Message me if you are slim.
1 Like
