Need tips on attire (boots, jacket, helmet) for showing AQHA

[beau159]

I’ve always thought about doing an AQHA show with my horses and I think I just need to finally go and do it next year! My main goal is the ranch horse classes, but I figure if I am going to be there, I might as well show in other events that we would be capable of doing, including the English classes. In my area, it’s the Hunter Under Saddle and the Hunt Seat Equitation classes that are offered. I’m sad I don’t have Hunter Hack at the AQHA shows in my area b/c that is my favorite! Oh well. I can do that one locally at least.

I do have a two trainers that I take English lessons with from time to time, so I’ll probably shoot both of them a message too, but I thought I would ask COTH and watch the Black Friday sales coming up. I’ve never had a pair of tall boots before but I would like to get some. Currently, at the local shows I attend, I’ve just been wearing my half chaps and paddock boots. Reading the AQHA rulebook, this would technically be allowed, but I know tall boots are better to “complete the look”.

What brands do you recommend for a “starter” tall boot that would be nice enough for AQHA? I know AQHA says they should have laces (field boot). I don’t want to spend a fortune on them, because English really is a “second” discipline for us, but I also don’t want something that’s junk. For the small amount of use they will get, this will probably be the only tall boots I’ll ever buy, as they will probably last me the rest of my life, so I’m okay with making an investment.

Is synthetic leather a complete no-no for showing? I was considering them simply for the ease of care.

I know fit is important. I know the sides need to be tall enough. So hypothetically, I know my half chaps fit “too short” for where a tall boot should be.

Here’s my current get-up:
[IMG2=JSON]{“data-align”:“none”,“data-size”:“full”,“src”:"http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/r_beau/2018%20Horse%20Pictures/Watermark%202011-1_zpsvthwqi9c.jpg)

And I guess my next question is: Does my jacket look okay, as far as fit? It’s nothing fancy. I think I just got it from Horse.com Again, I know it should fit nicely and compliment a person. I would hope the judges would look at our performance more than what we are wearing, but I know judges are judges! If it’ll work, I’ll keep it. But if it won’t, then it won’t and I need to find something else.

And lastly, I know my Tipperary Sportage helmet isn’t exactly the headwear of choice for doing AQHA, and that adults seem to wear hunt caps more than helmets. (although required for youth) What brand or style of helmet is acceptable for AQHA hunt classes? I’m assuming my Sportage doesn’t fit the bill.

…I’ve also pondered about breaking the fashion rules in ranch horse and wearing my helmet. The rule book does say a “hard hat with harness” would be allowed, although I find it odd they call it that instead of “helmet”. But that’s a different discussion for another thread!

[MHM]

There is another thread about the current livestream to the AQHA world show, if you want to watch that for a few minutes to see what people are wearing there.

Honestly, if you’re just doing it a few times for fun, the attire in your pictures is probably fine. If you wanted to go for a more traditional look, probably the first thing to replace would be the helmet. But I would definitely go with an actual safety helmet, not a hunt cap. If you’re going to spend money on something to put on your head, I would say get the thing that will protect your brain.

The best advice for buying a helmet is to try on the different brands and go with the one that fits the best. There seems to be a lot of variation, so it’s worth the effort to get the one that’s the most comfortable.

Your horse looks very cute.

[beau159]

Perfect timing then! I will try to tune in and see what people are wearing. I believe the style of helmet is a matte black, currently?

Yes, I agree. Safety comes first and I would definitely go with a helmet (not a hunt cap). Anything I order will have to come online. There’s just nothing available in tack stores in my area that would work for an English helmet.

Does anyone have any suggestions on a helmet that fits like a Tipperary Sportage, that would work for AQHA hunter classes? I know that Troxel does not fit my head shape, for comparison.

[MHM]

@beau159

Anything I order will have to come online. There’s just nothing available in tack stores in my area that would work for an English helmet.

If that’s the case, you might want to buy from SmartPak for their shipping policy. I believe they do free shipping on orders over $75, and free return shipping on things that don’t fit. So you could even order a couple of helmets to try, and just return the ones that don’t work.

[Nuggets]

Your jacket looks fine, any more conservative helmet will be ok - One K is popular on the budget side, but get whatever fits you best and doesn’t make you look like a bobble head doll. The TuffRider Regal tall boots have been really popular - they’re like knockoff Parlantis, very soft and look good, and are only around $200. Probably going to see them go 10-20% off on Black Friday at Smartpak or wherever, too.

If you do any additional hunter classes, there’s been talk of adding an AQHA special event certification to some of the midwest USEF shows. I don’t know the current status, but can try to figure it out. Your horse is lovely… Oops, I mean gross and you need to give him to me.

[Scribbler]

I wouldn’t buy synthetic boots as they will be horribly uncomfortable. The big thing with tall boots is making sure they aren’t too tall, because they will dig into the back of your knees when you ride. Also calf fit as you need to be able to zip then up! Sometimes you get lucky and have perfect fit out of the box, sometimes you need to break them in a bit, sometimes you end up reselling as “lightly used” because they will never work for you. There is calf circumference and length of lower leg heel to knee to consider.

[beau159]

Just watched the Senior Hunter Under Saddle on the AQHA live feed. Well, my grey would certainly stand out as the class is pretty much only bays and blacks! I like to think he has nice movement, and he has pinned well at our local shows. Of course, I have zero desire to qualify for the world show, but it’s nice to see what is showing there.

A bit hard to tell as the video is not close but it looks like every rider is wearing a hunt cap. I don’t see any helmet straps. Well, doesn’t matter to me because I WILL wear a helmet. It’s just safer.

To me, looks like something like this Ovation Competitor helmet would suit a hunter class? SmartPak had some of the One-K helmets Nuggets mentioned but yikes, not what I would consider “budget”, since the cheapest one was still $230. Budget for me is $75 for the ovation. :yes:

[joiedevie99]

Wait for Black Friday sales! Only a few weeks away. IMHO, the Charles Owen Hampton is the most similar to the hunt cap style if you care about blending in perfectly. I don’t show AQHA, so I can’t comment on how important that is.

[JBCool]

I don’t show AQHA, but I agree: everything you have on in those pics looks fine, although I would upgrade the helmet to something like the Charles Owen Hampton or JR8 for a more polished appearance. You also might want to switch your bit from the loose ring to a D-ring to show in (anyone know AQHA rules on that?).

Aside, I LOVE your horse! He looks like a very handsome gentleman!

[jvanrens]

@JBCool

I don’t show AQHA, but I agree: everything you have on in those pics looks fine, although I would upgrade the helmet to something like the Charles Owen Hampton or JR8 for a more polished appearance. You also might want to switch your bit from the loose ring to a D-ring to show in (anyone know AQHA rules on that?).

Aside, I LOVE your horse! He looks like a very handsome gentleman!

Are you talking rules or trends? A loose ring is an acceptable bit by AQHA rules, it’s the mouthpiece you would have to make sure is within the rules. What is trendy right now is likely much the same as USE, D-rings have been big for years.

Beau159, you look great! I’d second the CO JR8. Looks like a cap. I really like mine, I’d suggest trying it.

[BroncoMo]

Personally I love One Ks, but if that’s out as a possibility, as others have said watch the black friday sales for a Charles Owen. They don’t fit me worth a crap, but are certainly acceptable and fairly popular.

If you want to “upgrade” your coat a little, take it to a tailor and have it fitted a little. If I buy anything besides Marigold, I HAVE to have them tailored. It really makes just about any coat flattering and will help you blend a little more. What judges say about well fit clothing is absolutely true. Colored shirts are acceptable in the flat, but you can never go wrong with white, especially since it crosses over for the over fences.

If you want boots on a budget, try lower end Ariats, some places you can still find certain sizes on sale from the “end of season” sales. If you want a little more of an investment, I personally love Mountain Horse Sovereigns. I have yet to successfully get my hands on them due to a major snafu in Smart Pak’s shipping department, but I will try them some day.

Your breeches are fine. If you do not have one already, you will need a saddle pad with the square under the cantle for your number. Loose ring snaffles are fine; mount pieces are what legality will come down to. The rest of your tack looks fine. Hit me up with you have more questions

[MHM]

@BroncoMo

Personally I love One Ks, but if that’s out as a possibility, as others have said watch the black friday sales for a Charles Owen. They don’t fit me worth a crap, but are certainly acceptable and fairly popular.

I’ve been wearing a Charles Owen since the USEF made the rule about approved helmets. They’re the most comfortable for me, and they seem to come closest to what used to be termed a long oval.

[sandsarita]

The hunt caps are really only used in open hus and am hus. Is allowed in an eq but few wear one. Rest of time helmet with strap is required. style wise I would go with plain. You see about every brand but co is most popular.

Boots Ts I would get a lower cost Ariat or mountain horse. I did show and pick up points using my paddocks and half chaps when I had a broken foot and torn ligaments in ankle. Just couldn’t get my boots on.

Clothes otherwise look fine. You do need the number pad (schneiders is usually cheapest place to get one ) but otherwise you’re good. Pretty standard hunter attire

[gottagrey]

a friend watched the World Finals and she said that most of the riders were wearing old hunt caps. So being safety first, fashion second, I would suggest looking the Charles Owen velvet helmets which are also approved. A lot of folks are hunting with them and they look really nice. I think they still make the Hampton and there is a new style which I believe is called “Fiona”. Otherwise, I agree that your turnout is fine. I’m not a huge fan of fleece girths so for me unless there was a reason your horse needs fleece, I’d get one w/o fleece. But that’s just my personal opinion, for all I know the whole QH world shows in them…

Your horse looks lovely by the way

[mrs_beasley]

I compete at some AQHA shows in the hunters and in the Jumpers as well (if it fills, lol), and just came back from The All American Quarter Horse Congress (a super fun experience, look it up!). Most of the English riders for the classes you are talking about (Hunter Under Saddle, Equitation) wear things that are slightly different than what you would wear at a typical H/J show. Tall boots, however, are fairly “universal” when it comes to English stuff, so I would suggest Ariat or Tredstep, which have several nice fit options depending on your build. You can’t go wrong with a navy show coat that fits well (think formfitting and flattering without being snug). Knee patch breeches are also fairly universal, As long as they are tan and fit well. You will see some people in the HUS wearing really beautiful custom coats that are plaid, or have funky collars, but that is not required.

A show shirt and helmet are where things can get a little difference. In the Hunter under saddle, many people ride in an Ascot helmet (think old school helmet with no harness, just presses down onto your head). However, if you choose to wear real show helmet, you would not be penalized and I would highly recommend wearing a real one. Colorful show shirts are also on trend at the QH shows, or shirts with cool designs on the collar (which I happen to think are very pretty), whereas at a H/J show we are all about plain white. If white is what you have, I would not worry about it. In the equitation, I would also stick to white and stick to a real helmet.

For both of these classes, you will require a special saddle pad and will attach your number to either side. I am attaching a link to the official show photographer from The Congress so that you can get a sense for what the participants in your events have been wearing these days, as well as the saddle pad I am referencing. Feel free to message me if you have questions!

http://www.shaneruxphoto.com/proofs/index.php?do=photocart&viewGallery=105192#page=thumbs

[mrs_beasley]

Make sure your AQHA registration is UTD and that you are listed as the owner on the horse’s papers. You MUST have a signed transfer on the original papers and then send them to AQHA to be re-issued in your name. It can be a headache and can take a long time, so start doing it now for next year. I speak from experience, and don’t want anyone to suffer the way I did when I decided to start showing AQHA.

[atl_hunter]

The things that stand out the most to me are your bit, saddle pad, helmet, your coat fit, and position.

If possible, I would:

Swap the loose ring for a D ring

Swap the helmet for a One K, CO, or Samshield. That helmet screams schooling or local show to me

Tailor the coat

You will need a proper AQHA hunter saddle pad for your numbers.

You will need to sit down at the canter in the pleasure classes. Sit back and deep. They don’t two-point in their under saddle. Above all things, two pointing in AQHA would make you stand out more than anything. Your horse is cute - go show level 1 and enjoy the experience!

[Pennywell_Bay]

1. Your horse is adorable
2. I couldn’t tell you were in half chaps in the picture.
3. Don’t spend out of your means for a show.
4. know the rules so you aren’t caught off guard

have fun and good luck

[beau159]

First of all, thank you everyone for the lovely compliments! I am quite partial to my horse as well.

@joiedevie99

Wait for Black Friday sales! Only a few weeks away. IMHO, the Charles Owen Hampton is the most similar to the hunt cap style if you care about blending in perfectly.

It does look like a hunt cap, but the photos on the model make it look rather bobble headed?? Maybe it’s not in real-life. Yes, I am going to scour the black friday sales for sure.

@JBCool

I would upgrade the helmet to something like the Charles Owen Hampton or JR8 for a more polished appearance. You also might want to switch your bit from the loose ring to a D-ring to show in (anyone know AQHA rules on that?).

I really like the look of the JR8 over the Hampton (and it’s a little cheaper!)

I have read the rule book and the bit I am currently using is legal, although I do understand the “trend” right now is a D-ring.

While he will go in just about anything, he goes much better in a O-ring snaffle than a D-ring snaffle, which is why I have stuck with an O-ring thus far.

@BroncoMo

Personally I love One Ks, but if that’s out as a possibility, as others have said watch the black friday sales for a Charles Owen. They don’t fit me worth a crap, but are certainly acceptable and fairly popular.

If you want to “upgrade” your coat a little, take it to a tailor and have it fitted a little.

It won’t be a big deal if the helmet I end up with isn’t super comfortable. After all, I can manage for 15-30 minutes to have it on before a class.

And exactly what I was thinking on my current coat. I may just try to find a seamstress to take it in for me at the waist, to make it fit a bit better.

@BroncoMo

Your breeches are fine. If you do not have one already, you will need a saddle pad with the square under the cantle for your number.

I do actually have a number pad already, but I really like the look of the fitted pad better on him so I’ve been using that for a local shows and just putting my number on my back.

It doesn’t sound like the number pad is REQUIRED for AQHA shows when I read the rule book, but the obvious purpose makes it good for displaying the number for the judges.

@gottagrey

I’m not a huge fan of fleece girths so for me unless there was a reason your horse needs fleece, I’d get one w/o fleece. But that’s just my personal opinion, for all I know the whole QH world shows in them…

My English girth is “faux fleece” but for the little we use it, he does fine. Our regular riding cinch for western is the expensive shearling. He can get a little cinchy sometimes and that girth he goes best in, so I picked something similar (but less expensive) for English and he doesn’t seem to have any problems with it.

@mrs_beasley

Make sure your AQHA registration is UTD and that you are listed as the owner on the horse’s papers.

All my horses are already in my name, so good there! Would just need to renew my AQHA membership.

[Nuggets]

Don’t forget to make sure your Novice / Level 1 status is in order, as well, so you can show in the Level 1 classes! Agree with the others, just have fun and don’t break the bank. If you qualify for the world show or are going to head to Congress, that’s a different story - but at the state-level shows, you’ll be fine, and if all else fails, other competitors are usually super helpful. I’ve loaned many a girth, martingale, hat, coat, bridle, etc. out to others!