I wore a navy hunt coat through 2nd level 
I am very short-waisted and most “dressage” coats, which are cut a bit longer, look ridiculous on me, they fall much too low, like I am a kid trying on Mom’s clothes, and get all bunchy instead of looking elegant as intended.
I read an turnout article written by a judge that said if you wear black gloves it’s like a red flag saying that you are worried about your hands and makes them pay more attention. White blends in more 
[QUOTE=Dramapony_misty;8532991]
At training level, I would stick with black gloves. IMHO, white gloves are sort of earned when you get a bit more experienced and have really steady hands. But that is just me and my ideology.[/QUOTE]I read an turnout article written by a judge that said if you wear black gloves it’s like a red flag saying that you are worried about your hands and makes them pay more attention. White actually blends in more
Do not be concerned about the number of vents in the coat either. I have a Pikeur Skarlett; it has four buttons and two vents. Many of the newer coats seem to have two vents.
You will be fine!! (one work of caution, though - in hunters, I think you can ride in monogrammed pads. BIG no-no in dressage.
You’re fine to ride in monogrammed pads in dressage. It just can’t be more than 2 inches square.
No one cares what color your gloves are. If your hands are being obvious, they will be whatever color gloves they are.
My .02…
I think a “complete uniform” looks best. So, if you’re wearing a 3-button navy coat meant for the hunter ring, stick with beige breeches, white shirt without stock, black gloves. If you invest in a 4-button dressage coat, go with a white shirt/stock, white gloves, white breeches. The dress boots can go to either ring at this point in fashion-time.
Since your horse is now dressed for dressage, I would suggest Door No. 2 (the dressage uniform) to best complete the look of the partnership.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on any of it. Just make sure it all fits well.
[QUOTE=Dutchmare433;8533603]
Love it, it looks so sharp! Especially on your lovely grey! I love that color is getting more popular in dressage. I like that color in particular, but not sure it would look right on my blood bay. (The problems we must face :lol:)[/QUOTE]
Ha! I have a screaming red Selle F. He is a standout in any thing green. I am thinking we could wear dark forest green coats with green pads . Oh my!
[QUOTE=Melissa.Van Doren;8540650]
My .02…
I think a “complete uniform” looks best. So, if you’re wearing a 3-button navy coat meant for the hunter ring, stick with beige breeches, white shirt without stock, black gloves. If you invest in a 4-button dressage coat, go with a white shirt/stock, white gloves, white breeches. The dress boots can go to either ring at this point in fashion-time.
Since your horse is now dressed for dressage, I would suggest Door No. 2 (the dressage uniform) to best complete the look of the partnership.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on any of it. Just make sure it all fits well.[/QUOTE]
I was wondering when the switchover from only tan breeches, dressage jacket,
field or just regular dress boots (not the 1,000$ ones), black gloves if any, were the show style for all lower level dressage classes. White breeches were only worn at the more formal upper levels. And then the shad was part of the dress code then.
Does anyone remember?
[QUOTE=Lexie55;8537477]
Try ebay. Lots of dressage coats in every size, new and used, at all price points. I believe if you pay with paypal and there is a problem with the transaction, paypal will issue a refund. I have never had a bad experience on ebay so I don’t know if they will really do this, i’m just repeating what the website says.
BigMama1 - Good to know the frock coat is going out, thanks for the intel. Explains why there are so many frock style coats on ebay right now. I was thinking maybe I should buy this style when I get ready to show, since my fanny needs covering, but I guess I will just have to lose weight [ha, ha].[/QUOTE]
I forgot about Ebay! I got dress boots on Ebay. Didn’t think about all the other
stuff! omg! new shopping destination, AND new place for my blanket hoarding obsession.
[QUOTE=lorilu;8540488]
Do not be concerned about the number of vents in the coat either. I have a Pikeur Skarlett; it has four buttons and two vents. Many of the newer coats seem to have two vents.
You will be fine!! (one work of caution, though - in hunters, I think you can ride in monogrammed pads. BIG no-no in dressage.[/QUOTE]
lol this reminded me one of my sponsors was Goodrich Tires and they put their logos on everything, I had zeppelins on my coolers. I got a few waffle white pads with their logo, but it had to be in small letters, etc so the logo read BFG. Everyone
stared. lol. Now BFG is that delightful Roald Dahl book, BFG the Big Friendly Giant.
Not then!!! :eek:
[QUOTE=Beentheredonethat;8540531]
You’re fine to ride in monogrammed pads in dressage. It just can’t be more than 2 inches square.
No one cares what color your gloves are. If your hands are being obvious, they will be whatever color gloves they are.[/QUOTE]
Unless they changed this rule THIS year, it is not permitted.
DR212:Saddle pads are optional, but should be white or of conservative color.English-style stirrups, without attachments, or safety stirrups are compulsory. Safety stirrups must have closedbranches of metal or other breakaway material. While present in the competition area and during prize-giving ceremonies,and when sponsorship is permitted in accordance with GR1306, the name and/or logo of the individual’ssponsor(s) may appear on a surface area not exceeding 200 cm2 on each side of the saddle cloth. Breed logos(for horses registered with that breed), national flags (for citizens of that country), riding club/business/farm namesor logos (used with permission of riding club/farm/business owner) and USEF or USDF names or logos (used withpermission of USEF or USDF, respectively) are also permitted and must have the same specifications as sponsorlogos. No other advertisement or publicity is permitted on saddle cloths or horses.
Monograms are not mentioned, so not allowed. This is how I remember the discussion at the convention.
Please correct me if I am wrong.
L
Monogrammed pads are fine. I had a long talk with a TD about this. They are just rolling their eyes about all of the hullaballoo. No one cares. Putting your initials on a pad, or the association, or anyone else’s. This only came up because they were getting so big it was like advertising.
[QUOTE=SarahandSam;8528129]
I’m going to be attempting my first rated show or shows this year. For schooling shows, I’ve worn my hunter breeches, shirts, and coats, though at least I do have a dressage saddle and bridle now as well as dress boots. For training level, what should I focus on buying to fit in and look like I know what I’m doing, at least until I ride?
I have a navy hunt coat. Got a white competition shirt with stock loop for Christmas, so I assume I should acquire a stock tie. White breeches? Must they be full seat? Any colour faux pas with the patches? Should I get a coat if the rest of me is looking less hunter-y and more dressage-y?
Sorry to do another fashion thread, but it’s too cold to ride and I’m dreaming of summer. :)[/QUOTE]
I can assure you that actual judges (i.e. recognized shows) don’t care what you’re wearing as long as you are reasonably close to the rule book. No judge cares if you’re in fashion, and no judge is extra-hard because you’re wearing black gloves. In fact, more judges will notice your bouncing white hands than your bouncing black hands. This is all because they CAN’T care if you’re if fashion or not. If you are reasonably close to the rule book, they CAN’T comment. Nor do they want to.
I won Third Level regional championships in Field boots and a navy hunt coat. No one cared.
You only need light colored breeches, tall boots, a conservative coat, and a stock tie (yes, a stock tie) to show at the lower levels. You can show in everything you already own. Ask me how I know. No judge is looking at your knee patch versus full seat breeches. In fact, several high level riders have ridden in knee patch breeches becuase they like the flexibility in the seat. The judge isn’t straining to see what’s under your coat.
In fact, your more hunter-y look can be a benefit because you stand out from the sea of white breeches in dress boots and black dressage coats. The judge will notice you and if you can deliver the goods, they’ll want to reward you. Especially if you are one of 30 people in your training level class.
No you do not NEED a stock tie. The requirement is a tie, not a stock tie, at any level.
There’s also something about an integrated stand-up collar being allowed. Depending what that looks like you wouldn’t even need a tie at all.
Thanks everyone! I’ll keep an eye out for deals going into show season, but it’s good to know that I don’t really need to rush out and buy anything.
(“Need to.”)
