I did do a search which yielded every thread containing the word, “coat”.
When are short tail dressage coats appropriate?
who shows in one? Please post pictures. ðŸ˜
They are legal through 4th level and are considered the equivalent of a regular coat/jacket. I’ve seen a few people showing in them, but don’t think they would be flattering on me at all. They seem to look best on a very slender person.
USEF rule language - 1. The dress code for all Dressage tests and classes through Fourth Level
(see .5 below) is a short riding coat of conservative color, with tie, choker, stock tie or integrated stand-up collar, white or light-colored breeches or jodhpurs, boots or jodhpur boots, and protective headgear as defined inDR120.6 and in compliance with GR801. A cutaway coat (modified tailcoat) with short tails is permitted.
If the rider is a novice in the show ring or a beginning rider, I would stay in a traditional frock coat.
I think the cut away coat is more suited to a rider with polish and well established ring craft. I think they can present an elegant forward thinking picture when used at third and fourth level. LIke saying " I will be using my shad before long"
These coats are not as common as frock coats and if you are not presenting a solid picture, best stay conventional
That is very kind of you!! I really do love that coat - definitely a favorite and very comfortable as a bonus.
Oh and for the record, that picture is from a Training level test. I don’t subscribe to the notion that one has to be at the upper levels to wear what they like, as long as it conforms to the rules. My score on that particular day was over 73% so apparently the judge was OK with our turnout.
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I’m with @Lucassb - if you like it and it’s legal, wear it!
I appreciate the fact we have so much flexibility now in dressage and unlike some other disciplines, attire/turnout doesn’t impact scores.
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I had no idea such a thing existed! It seems like they are the white gloves of coats - you can wear them, but you should probably have it together before you draw attention to yourself. I’ll stick to my plain black coat and gloves for now! But they are very fancy, and you look fab @Lucassb!
Cut-away short coats are fine at any level! They look very good on some body types. If you like it, wear it!
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I got by Bronze, third level championship in one, Got my fourth level reserve championship in a slightly longer Kerrits coat because it was soo darned hot.
At the levels fourth and below, judges don’t really care because the rule book doesn’t care.
