Is it thought of as odd to wear a shorter frock coat at lower levels, like Training and First?
Can you provide pictures? I am not at all sure what you’re asking, given that short coats (as opposed to tailcoats) are required from Training through Fourth Level.
Frock coats are generally only worn out hunting.('cos they are toasty warm for your bum and thighs, virtually weatherproof and have copious pockets) I’m not sure you’d want a jacket draping over the saddle for dressage. I don’t think anybody would say anything to you, but it would not flatter your seat much.
[QUOTE=Dbliron;8913235]
Can you provide pictures? I am not at all sure what you’re asking, given that short coats (as opposed to tailcoats) are required from Training through Fourth Level.[/QUOTE]
Something like this:
https://www.horseloverz.com/english-riding-apparel-clothes/english-show-clothes/show-coats/rj-classics-ladies-essential-dressage-frock-coat-20
Longer than a hunt coat, but not a shadbelly. I’m having a hard time find a photo mounted. I’ll be showing Working Equitation with dressage turnout, and I’m not crazy about how I look in a hunt coat. I think something a tad longer would give a nicer picture.
[QUOTE=Simrat;8913412]
Something like this:
https://www.horseloverz.com/english-riding-apparel-clothes/english-show-clothes/show-coats/rj-classics-ladies-essential-dressage-frock-coat-20
Longer than a hunt coat, but not a shadbelly. I’m having a hard time find a photo mounted. I’ll be showing Working Equitation with dressage turnout, and I’m not crazy about how I look in a hunt coat. I think something a tad longer would give a nicer picture.[/QUOTE]
Those of us of a certain age have worn those coats for dressage. I have a lovely Pikeur Diana that looked similar. I did not love it while posting as the ‘skirt’ got in the way but at the time that was ‘THE’ coat to wear.
It is only in the last few years that dressage riders have gone to the shorter and sometimes much shorter coats that show the rear end.
And for many riders of a certain age and shape, this coat is still the most flattering. Short coats (and sometimes the VERY short coats) don’t look good on many people. I’m 59 and slim and fit, and I won’t be caught dead in most of what’s “trending” now in terms of coats. Our sport is all about elegance, and the coat you’ve shown IS elegant.
I use the RJ Piaffe Frock since it was the only dressage-style coat that fit my torso. I have Pikeur Skarlett and it just made me look like a tube and the armholes were too low and had the same problem with other models and brands I tried on. I’d rather my coat be flattering and all full range of motion than be trendy. For what it’s worth a couple of my trainer’s other students wear frock coats too.
Here’s a photo of me showing dressage this summer in a coat very similar to the one you linked, OP.
I don’t have any problems with it, sitting or posting.
I do have a shorter coat in Navy that I sometimes wear, but this one makes me look leaner due to the high waist.
Figuring out sizing is a challenge mail order. I’ve no local tack shops here that sell show clothing. Those of you with RJ coats, do they run small or large? I am tall, averagish weight, but short waisted and carry any ‘extra’ around my hips.
[QUOTE=Simrat;8913521]
Figuring out sizing is a challenge mail order. I’ve no local tack shops here that sell show clothing. Those of you with RJ coats, do they run small or large? I am tall, averagish weight, but short waisted and carry any ‘extra’ around my hips.[/QUOTE]
I ordered several sizes from smartpak so I could decide and have free returns. I tend to wear a US 4 petite, and ended up with a 4P in RJ (6P was just large enough to look “off”, a eventing coworker said it looked like I was running for office.) Almost all of the tack shops focus on hunters so my in-store pickings were slim.
[QUOTE=Simrat;8913412]
Something like this:
https://www.horseloverz.com/english-riding-apparel-clothes/english-show-clothes/show-coats/rj-classics-ladies-essential-dressage-frock-coat-20
Longer than a hunt coat, but not a shadbelly. I’m having a hard time find a photo mounted. I’ll be showing Working Equitation with dressage turnout, and I’m not crazy about how I look in a hunt coat. I think something a tad longer would give a nicer picture.[/QUOTE]
yes that is a dressage short coat and suits all classes, even FEI in national shows ( read the rules) I think they are quite flattering if well fitted.
You can call RJ Classics and give them your chest and waist measurement and they’ll suggest a size for you. Google for their website and contact info.
I still show in a Pikeur Diana because it’s the most flattering.
Just adding that your choice of breeches will be important with this coat. I find the low rise breeches do not work with this type coat. ( I wear a Pikeur Diana also)
Frock coat on horse; https://www.foxhuntinglife.com/images/stories/art/munnings.la_montagne.small.jpg
A friend borrowed my older Pikeur Diana for a rated show this weekend. It fits her well and she looked great. I would be concerned more with the overall fit of the coat, than the length of the skirt portion. Find what looks nice on you and makes you feel like a million bucks.
