I have gotten a little bit, erm, fluffier since I last showed 4 years ago, and will be in need of a new show jacket this year. I had a lovely RJ Classics that no longer fits, but am not sure I want to be in the $400 price range.
I’d like to stay around $250 or less, and am also quite short (5’1"). So I need something that comes in short, has stretch, and can accommodate a large chest (34G). And available in Canada!
Fellow short person here! I love the RJ harmony mesh coats. They come in short and are so comfortable.
I wonder if the AA Motionlite would fit you better than the RJs? I’m a tall person, and found the RJs to fit me better than the AAs, which seemed cut short. So maybe that would be a better fit for you? It’s a bit above your budget, but not by too much.
Alternatively, I actually quite like the very reasonably priced Horsewear Competition coat I picked up–it’s softshell not mesh, so it runs a little hotter, but I like having something in the trailer with a little water resistance if the weather’s bad.
I’m interested in the responses, too, because I’m also looking for the same thing as @Cabaret_SK.
I plan to start showing in some Paint shows, and we usually show in the Phoenix area where it’s godawful hot, so the tech fabrics are appealing. I’m taller with long arms and I’m having trouble finding a good fit at a reasonable price, too.
I have tried…
Ovation Elegance Hybrid: Mix of mesh and solid, stretchy fabric. Nicely tailored; fits me the best. Comes in navy (sometimes can find black).
Kerrit’s version of mesh coats: Tried both the Kompetitor and one other. Both fit me horrible; mesh weave was too open and lacked any structure. I looked like I was wrapped up in a loosely knitted afghan. Just… No.
Smartpak’s Piper Softshell and Piper Classic show coats: For the price, these were nicely tailored, but both were big under the arms; felt like the actual bust was too low (?). Plus, the fabrics had a horrible chemical odor that gave me a headache.
I have an AA Motionlite on order because I just have to try one on because: Popularity.
I have one of these on order, too!
And I’d love to try the RJ Classic, which I always wore when I was showing hunters, but it seems all of the “longs” are on back order.
There isn’t a tack store anywhere near me, so I have to keep ordering, trying on, and returning stuff. Both UPS and my credit card company probably hate me, but oh well.
Have you looked at any of the jackets from EFO? I bought the HKM ladies hunter jacket during their Black Friday sale. For the price I got it at, I am VERY happy with it! It’s $270 on their site, and I think I managed to get 60% off that. If they’re within driving distance of you, it could be worth a trip 
I love my AA motion lite. I was between sizes and sized up. Very happy with the look
Love my MotionLites! Have three colors now and my trainer—originally a hater—even steals them regularly to show in. 
I do like my Kerrits Affinity Aero coat too, especially the grey.
Ebay and Facebook Marketplace may be your friend, too. You can often get a used coat for less than half of retail.
I’m between sizes, too, and decided to size up. I’d rather have it be a tidge too big than squish me. Binding knitwear does not look good on me. 
I’m 5’1” and a 32GG and bought the RJ Harmony mesh jacket in a short size and it seems very comfortable. It zips nicely over my chest and looks reasonably tailored still. I’ve only shown in it once though.
Thanks all!
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