New Hunter Jumper Coat

[Kat.HJ_E]

Hello!

First post of mine, long time lurker.
I am an adult ammy competing in my first Hunter classes at the end of the month. I am trying to decide between these 2 coats that I purchased, both in black, from Dover:
https://www.doversaddlery.com/dublin-bristol-sftshll-shw-jkt/p/X1-400599/
https://www.doversaddlery.com/dublin-derby-softshell-shw-jkt/p/X1-400601/
The Bristol is a 3 button with no zipper so I have a little gaping between the 1st and 2nd button, and the front skirt/flaps of the coat seem a tad long (I’m only 5’3") The lack of zipper makes my profile view not as good as the Derby - however, I’m willing to sew in a zipper or use velcro to attempt DIY that.
The Derby is a 4 button WITH a zipper, so it fits quite better in my mid section, however it has a button on the back, right above each vent. I think those 2 buttons on the back makes it a dressage coat? The buttons are gun metal, not blingy.
The 4 button fits me better, but I hear 3 buttons are more traditional in the hunter ring.
I also hear that nobody cares about how many buttons your coat has. (My trainer doesn’t care, and so far I show in jumpers with no coat)
I know I have the right sizes after 2 exchanges already.

Am I caring too much about buttons? This is a local LHJA show, but I want something that blends in and that I can use again.

Thank you!

[mmeqcenter]

Yes, you’re caring too much about buttons. Three or four are fine in any ring, wear what you feel best in.

[gottagrey]

It’s double vented in the back is what most hunter jackets are - don’t worry about the buttons, no one is counting. I like the look of the 4 button more based on the catalog pictures. Go with the one that fits you the best

[staceymc]

Agreed that you shouldn’t worry about the buttons - you’ll be fine in either option. Just for the love of all that is holy make sure the coat is long enough. Nothing is less attractive (even on super skinny kids!) than hunt coats that are too short. That fad is flattering to no one. NO ONE.

[hunter51]

If we’re being picky in the sense of traditional, silver buttons aren’t traditional for the hunter ring either but it honestly does not matter in my opinion. Opt for the one that fits better. I wear a four-button coat in the adult amateurs - I see more and more of them because they tend to be more flattering. Have a great show!

[HunterJumperLoverCA]

I thought buttons (3 or 4) would be a big deal, but it turns out as long as the jacket fits nicely and is an appropriate color, the number of buttons isn’t a big deal. Good luck!