Need help...english rider trying western pleasure at first show

[Silk]

Long story short, disability has left me in a position where riding hunters has become physically very difficult. My barn mates ride western and suggested I try. It worked out very well…I can actually ride again and I am thrilled. I have a wonderful welsh pony that I show (I am a 4’10" adult). I show at an open show series with open pleasure classes and some light horse classes. I want to ride him western in these classes.

I have a black western saddle I am borrowing and just picked up a black pony bridle and the correct bit (a jointed curb). I have a pink western saddle pad. (pony is white)

i know its not ideal but before I spend any money, I want to see how I feel about this new adventure.

How can I dress myself? I do have a pair of pink suede fringed chaps, but can I just wear black jeans and a pretty print shirt? or, should i wear the pink chaps over a pair of slinky black “jeggings”?

How horrible is this ensemble? I really dont want to spend money until I know if this is a direction I want to go.

a little more info: I have shown a few times since my treatments and I am exhausted by the end of a flat class. I have been able to ride much longer in the western saddle…it is much less physical for me

thank you!!!

[Renae]

Since you are an adult I would forgo the pink chaps, that’s a look for the 13 & under crowd, even if you are mounted on a pony.

Do the rules of the organizations you are showing under say you must wear chaps? Some smaller open shows let you slide on chaps. If you can show without chaps get a pair of dark black good fitting (med-high waisted, boot cut) western jeans. If you need chaps I would invest in a pair of black chaps. I always prefer to match the pants I wear under the chaps to the chaps, I think the two tone butt is an unflattering look. Under chaps most people wear polyester show pants, jeans are too bulky under well fitting women’s show chaps.

For a top a basic western snap front shirt works, or check eBay or a consignment shop for rail shirts (decorated spandex blouses). Shirt should be long sleeved and have a collar.

Helmets are always acceptable headwear, so a basic black helmet is fine, only invest in a black western hat if you really want it and are comfortable riding without a helmet.

[saddleup]

Ditto on not wearing the pink chaps. Make sure if you buy jeans you get them long enough to stack at your boots so they won’t ride up and be too short when you’re mounted. A black oxford style shirt would look sharp, maybe with a pink and black print scarf tied and tucked at the neck…not with ends flying…sort of like the college equestrian teams are using now. The monochromatic look is slimming and trendy now, and you can wear the shirt for other occasions so you’re not wasting money if you decide it’s not your thing.

[Silk]

I am definitely thinking it will be my “thing” for a while…i am actually looking forward to riding instead of dreading it now, and it feels so good to want to ride again
that being said, I have no idea if my pony will be accepted…while there are a lot of Qh and paints in these clases, they are open classes. I know this pony will never go like a true QH (may not even get a real lope) but I am hoping he will be judged according to his breed. When I youtube welsh ponies ridden under western tack, the high point ponies actually go like ponies…a little more relaxed and collected than hunter ponies, but still not like the QH. I love this pony though and he makes me feel safe. He is a well known hunter pony here on the East Coast.

I know the black tack is waay out of line, but it is what I have right now. Will it look too garish??? I can do the all black thing for myself, and maybe spend on a cowboy hat but will the black tack be horrific?

thank you for the clothes ideas…I also have a really nice paisly pink, white and black Jones of New York blouse that is western styled…

[Tee]

Actually, at least around here, the black tack is becoming more popular again.

For you, I’d do maybe a black hat and chaps (or jeans if chaps aren’t required), but a brighter blouse and saddle blanket to bring color to your look. Oxford shirts are becoming more and more common too - thinking about getting a couple for myself.

[potteryshop]

Black tack is becoming more popular at some breed shows also.

That being said, many open shows around here, TN, are quite casual. I never break out the chaps for small open/barn/fun shows. I may if people come from more than 30 miles away.

For your starters I would ride the saddle you have, get a matching bridle, have black hat (or helmet) boots jeans, and wear your print shirt. I have even been known to show up in a polo if it is really hot. Add the chaps for your larger show.

Not sure your pony will be judged according to his breed, but ride what you have when you are in the ring. And have fun!

[Renae]

The shirt sounds nice. I wouldn’t worry about the black tack. Keep your eyes out for shows that of bridlepath western pleasure or pleasure-type western pleasure. These classes are for Arabians, Saddlebreds, Morgans and other similar breeds, such as a Welsh pony.