Help! My show clothes are old enough to vote and buy liquor!

[Texarkana]

I’m kicking around the idea of taking my gal to a few hunter schooling shows over the winter. “Schooling show” can have different definitions in different locales; from what I’ve seen of this particular circuit, folks go all out in terms of dress. While I’m waaaay too lazy to braid or anything, but it looks like I better throw on a jacket if I don’t want to stand out like a sore thumb.

Which brings me to my show clothes, which haven’t been updated in over a decade:

-I have a beautiful, navy blue, wool hunt coat, circa late 1990s, that looks TERRIBLY outdated in comparison to today’s tech fabrics.
-I have a plain, cheap black hunt coat from the early 2000s that doesn’t look quite the relic as the blue coat. Maybe this is still wearable?
-Around 07/08, I bought a lovely gray hunt coat with faint blue striping while they were all the rage. The tags are still on it, but from my understanding, that fad went the way of rust colored breeches.
-I also bought a GPA “skunk helmet” to be my show helmet about the same time to replace my velvet CO helmet.
-I have a lovely assortment of monogrammed ratcatcher shirts in plaids and pastels, also a variety of stock pins… I don’t even understand how today’s shirts work.
-Most of my show breeches are puke green-tinged Tailored Sportsmans, however, I do have a normal tan pair of TS breeches that I think are still socially acceptable.
-My field boots are a pair of pull ons from the late 90s/early 00s, but I don’t think that’s of consequence. They are pretty low on my priority list to replace.

So… I definitely need a shirt, possibly a coat and helmet, if I don’t want to look like a time traveler from a bygone era.

What colors/styles/brands would you recommend on a schooling show budget? I mainly do unrecognized dressage/eventing/jumpers stuff in schooling breeches and a polo shirt, but it would be nice to have some “formal” show clothes from this millennium for occasions like this where I need to blend in.

[constellation]

You CAN still show in a ratcatcher, if you have happen to have one that’s white. But it’s very very rare to see people not in white shirts these days. If you do get a new one that’ll likely be the only option, so just pick whatever one you like that’s in your budget. They pretty much all look the same when mounted.

There are a couple of people who still wear grey coats, if you really like the way it looks. The black would also be fine. Especially if it’s winter, wool is so much warmer than the newer fabrics. If you do want a new coat I know a lot of people who have the cheaper RJ Classics coats and like them. Horseware also has inexpensive jackets. Just make sure whatever you have fits well - taking it to a tailor is usually worth it - and you should be fine. Color wise, you can never really go wrong with black and navy. Hunter green is less popular but generally acceptable,

I would definitely be prioritizing a new helmet, because your skunk stripe helmet has ‘expired’ by now. For hunters, people pretty much wear anything as long as it’s more or less solid black, but I think the Samshields are probably the most popular from what I’ve seen around here. I know Ovation has a pretty subtle looking helmet that is more budget friendly.

[MMacallister]

I have nothing to add but sympathy and applause on one of the best thread titles I have seen in a while

[JenEM]

Absolutely nothing wrong with a classic navy hunt coat. Especially in winter/cooler weather, you’ll still see plenty of wool jackets. Particularly on adults, who still have them in their closets If you’ve got a white or light blue ratcatcher no one will even notice you’re not wearing a newer type shirt, especially in the winter when everyone is all buttoned up anyway.

First priority should be a new helmet, not because GPAs are out, but because of age. Not sure what you do dressage/eventing in, but perhaps a OneK would work for you, as they seem quite popular in those disciplines as well.

You can pick up a newer show shirt pretty reasonably there’s a lot of sales onnow with last years patterned prints (on the inside of collars/cuffs, not on the whole shirt, sadly, as in the past); I personally like RJs and Essex, which are usually able to be found on sale pretty reasonably. The plus of the newer shirts is no fiddly collar to lose, or try to attach as you’re getting ready, just snap and go.

I haven’t seen pukey green breeches on anyone at a show in a while, even local stuff. Plain beige is fine, of whatever brand fits best. TS isn’t quite the monopoly it once was, nor are waistbands as high as they were in the 90s, so depending on how well you like the fit and material, you may want to consider upgrading. If they fit, the show Pipers are perfectly fine for schooling shows for the price; for a little more you can get Tredstep Rosas or RJ Gulfs, if you’re interested in branching out from the TS.

[Renn_aissance]

Go replace your helmet and the rest is fine.

I envy you your wool coat right now for winter showing. I had no need to keep two coats and stopped showing in winter so that’s the one I sold, but you’ll be far more comfortable than anyone else.

[NancyM]

For a schooling show, what you already have is fine, IMO. Wear what is comfortable, what you already own, what fits you, and what YOU like. If you are differently attired than others at the show, call yourself a “trendsetter”. What is old, is new again, given time. There is no need to be a fashion follower if you have the confidence in yourself to be a trendsetter.

[NancyM]

Apparently, edit function is not working for me. Edited to add, the new helmet IS probably in order.

[Willesdon]

“Classy vintage style” not “old enough to vote”! New hat though.

[merrygoround]

One of the best things about riding, is that classical is never out, although I admit some of the lower topped boots do look different.

I realize the clothing companies do love the change cut and color. They are watching their bottom line. I prefer to watch mine.

[Texarkana]

I’m not trying to be a trendsetter. I’m just trying not to call more attention to myself. And there is no denying my stuff needs updating for the future endevors.

If you guys saw the blue wool coat, I’m not sure you’d be agreeing it’s “classic/vintage.” It just looks dated! And I don’t have a white shirt in any condition, but I do have a white stock tie… maybe I’ll wear that? (Kidding… sort of…) A replacement white shirt is not a big expense.

What helmets would you recommend that won’t break the bank? I currently ride in a dark gray Tipperary Sportage might be passable… but I don’t think the Tipperary look is quite as acceptable in hunters. I’m also not keen on paying $400-500 for a Samshield. The One K looks interesting… I didn’t even know that brand existed. What about the Charles Owens “8” helmets… are they on their way out the door, too?

[2DogsFarm]

@merrygoround Amen!

I have no problem wearing my circa 1989 navy lightweight wool huntcoat.
And I must be on the Cutting Edge as I have foregone the chokers on my white (pinstriped) ratcatchers for years < just button top buttons. Never had a comment on being incorrectly clad.

OP:
Forget the Fashion Show, be neat, be comfortable & ride the pants off your horse :yes:

[amb]

@Texarkana

I have a beautiful, navy blue, wool hunt coat, circa late 1990s, that looks TERRIBLY outdated in comparison to today’s tech fabrics.

That sounds utterly classy and completely appropriate. More likely you’ll look polished and everybody in the high-tech softshells will look off.

Honestly the time-traveller look isn’t a bad one; none of black, navy, or grey seem awful. I’m not so sure about the pukey green breeches, but rust is very much back in so give it another year or two? Tan always works there, anyway.

[Texarkana]

@2DogsFarm

[USER=“87129”]

OP:
Forget the Fashion Show, be neat, be comfortable & ride the pants off your horse :yes:

If you saw how bad my riding is, you might take this statement back. :lol:

The best thing that can happen is that no one notices we are there and we come away in one piece without making a scene. That’s the goal.

[2DogsFarm]

@Texarkana

If you saw how bad my riding is, you might take this statement back. :lol:

The best thing that can happen is that no one notices we are there and we come away in one piece without making a scene. That’s the goal.

Then no amount of updated show clothing/tack/etc is gonna make a difference.
Go,have fun, be happy you can jump jumps you do not have to put up & take down

[JenEM]

@Texarkana

I’m not trying to be a trendsetter. I’m just trying not to call more attention to myself. And there is no denying my stuff needs updating for the future endevors.

If you guys saw the blue wool coat, I’m not sure you’d be agreeing it’s “classic/vintage.” It just looks dated! And I don’t have a white shirt in any condition, but I do have a white stock tie… maybe I’ll wear that? (Kidding… sort of…) A replacement white shirt is not a big expense.

What helmets would you recommend that won’t break the bank? I currently ride in a dark gray Tipperary Sportage might be passable… but I don’t think the Tipperary look is quite as acceptable in hunters. I’m also not keen on paying $400-500 for a Samshield. The One K looks interesting… I didn’t even know that brand existed. What about the Charles Owens “8” helmets… are they on their way out the door, too?

Jacket cut hasn’t changed much, so if it still fits, I say go for it. If my mare’s abscess clears up and I get motivated to show this winter, you better believe it will be in one of my wool coats. Cool weather showing is why I’ve kept a few of them around! If you really want a new coat :winkgrin:, the Horsewear coats are fine for the price, but go with their black not blue because IIRC it’s a bright blue not dark navy; there were also just a few sale RJ coats on Smartpak the other day that might work for you.

I still see plenty of people in the COs. The JR8 is the cheaper option there, and fit is pretty similar to the GR8. I think the trend has definitely swung more the Samshield direction, but you won’t stick out in a CO at all. If you’re in MD, are you close enough to one of the Dovers that you can go try some different models on and see what you like?

[SonnysMom]

I show in schooling jumpers, derby cross and eventing in the Ovation Schooling Helmet. It is comfortable, safe, adjustable and cheap.
https://www.sstack.com/ApparelBoots_English-ApparelHelmets_Helmets-Hunt-Caps_Helmets/Ovation-Deluxe-Schooler-Helmet/?gclid=CjwKCAiAj53SBRBcEiwAT-3A2PiBK_64Ng3CB4xjBukBelMTeuGxL3r-jNOBOFuGLrt2o-2kIYlPtBoCQWoQAvD_BwE

I have one in black and one in brown and they are also my everyday helmet

[Lord_Helpus]

What you will “need” depends on who you are trying to impress. The judge will not give a rats patootie if you have an ‘old fashion’ shirt (and odds on, the judge will not notice what you are wearing)…

If you are trying to impress your fellow competitors, why do you care? ESPECIALLY at a winter schooling show. Depending on where you live, chances are good that people will be showing in parkas.

If you only own a light blue coat with velvet collar and pockets, then, maybe I can see getting a new coat. But puke green breeches and pull on boots will not matter one whit.

Save your money for taking lessons from a top instructor. A well ridden round WILL be noticed

[Soaponarope]

I would just get a new white shirt in one of the new fabrics and a new helmet. Wear the navy wool jacket and tan breeches you have. I think the One K is a good choice but even Ovation has a subdued black “Extreme” helmet that is acceptable. Have fun! Be sure to do hunter hair with a hair net and all hair up under helmet. You will look great.

Colored shirts and stock ties are sadly out of fashion.

[173north]

Agree with folks that you will probably be just fine in your older clothes. But, if you want to update for the hunter ring on a budget my recommendations would be:

-OneK helmet. The matte one can often be found for $210 or $215. Very comfortable, you see them in every ring - McKayla Langmeier won the Maclay in one a few years back. I ride in one and love it.
-Inexpensive white show shirt. I quite like Tredstep for a budget option but they really do all look the same when you’re on and wearing a coat so just grab something on sale.
-RJ Classics does some really nice coats in the $240 range - once called the Devon, now the Nora. Horseware and Kerrits do ones around the $100 range as well though I am personally not wild about the fabrics of those.

Your tan TS will be just fine and your boots will be too!

[Renn_aissance]

@Lord Helpus

If you only own a light blue coat with velvet collar and pockets, then,

…then sell it to me. I once found on eBay a gorgeous vintage French blue hacking jacket with navy velvet collar and pocket trim. My trainer at the time told me that if I bought it she would not acknowledge me. I regret it, looking at the contrast collars on hunt coats now! What was old is new again…

In seriousness, if your head is round, the OneK helmet might be a good fit for you. If oval, I tried Troxel’s take on the Charles Owen Ayr8 and really liked it a lot. It didn’t fit me, but it’s a well-ventilated low-profile helmet with multiple points of adjustment on the harness.