[QUOTE=MelantheLLC;6485702]
What brand of helmet is Charlotte wearing? I’m gonna be a total fangirl and buy one. Because I want to ride like Charlotte when I grow up! :lol:[/QUOTE]
I think its a Charles Owen in the custom colors.
I just feel bad dor the Dutch. Orange. Blech. Who looks good in orange?
Like:
Steffen’s new jacket
Ear nets with the nation’s flag
Dislike:
Saggy browbands
[QUOTE=Lord Helpus;6485135]
Do NOT like the pins/badges worn on the shadbellies. Makes the rider look like war veteran or boy scout. And it detracts from the horse being the centerpiece of the pair.[/QUOTE]
Exactly. Too “look how important I am !” - ish.
Look how drab and self-effacing the Spanish Riding School uniforms are - it should be all about the horse.
And I hope they never drop the shadbellies. Nothing is more elegant than a slim rider in a tailored shadbelly with long legs in black boots.
I’m anti-bling as well - one of the few instances in which I agree with George Morris.
Charlotte’s helmet looks like a Charles Owen AYR8 in custom colors.
I think orange is a rather flattering color.
[QUOTE=MelantheLLC;6485702]
What brand of helmet is Charlotte wearing? I’m gonna be a total fangirl and buy one. Because I want to ride like Charlotte when I grow up! :lol:[/QUOTE]
Charles Owen AYR8 with leather covering (instead of the more commonly seen microsuede). Smartpak had them after she rode at the WDM in FL- maybe they still do? I don’t think they had the piping though. Charlotte is sponsored by CO & they made te helmet for her.
Speaking of helmets, what is Rodrigo Pessoa wearing? Seems like an AYR8, but way too shiny to be the leather covering?
I have to admit I didn’t notice the fashions too much, which is the best accolade I can give to the clothing/equipment! I’m of that older generation that likes things conservative and traditional (horror of horrors, I do NOT want to see top hats banned outright). That said, I quite like the subtle piping on some of the shadbellies and the slight variations in vest points. I hate blingy bridles (never even like white padding when it was de rigeur in the 80s) and I think the v-shaped browbands make horses look btv. Didn’t notice too much of that though, so I suppose the right balance was struck.
I bet most of them aren’t the flimsy little ones that are supposed to keep flies away. They sell ears that have neoprene in them or really thick fabric to block out noise.
[QUOTE=Denzel;6487237]
Speaking of helmets, what is Rodrigo Pessoa wearing? Seems like an AYR8, but way too shiny to be the leather covering?[/QUOTE]
It looked to me like an Antares.
[QUOTE=Velvet;6486373]
I just feel bad dor the Dutch. Orange. Blech. Who looks good in orange?[/QUOTE]
The Dutch Women’s hockey team, that’s who. They’ve been one of the big hits of this Olympics… well, with guys, and maybe some women too.
Really like the updated coats with touches of color, and surprisingly the helmets! Top hats seem more appropriate for foxhunting somehow, which is right out of the 18th Century anyway, than for a modern Olympic sport. In fact, I’ve always thought they make dressage riders look like the chimney sweeps from Mary Poppins! :lol: Count me in on the new look–and for the rest of us, takes one less worry out of your day when warming up from your test on somebody who gets a little enthusiastic!
As an eventer, I love a lot of color; but it has to match the horse and understated so as to draw attention to HIM (her). If tack/ear nets/bling draw attention to themselves, I find that detracts from a harmonious picture overall.
[QUOTE=Lost_at_C;6487270]
I have to admit I didn’t notice the fashions too much, which is the best accolade I can give to the clothing/equipment! I’m of that older generation that likes things conservative and traditional (horror of horrors, I do NOT want to see top hats banned outright). That said, I quite like the subtle piping on some of the shadbellies and the slight variations in vest points. I hate blingy bridles (never even like white padding when it was de rigeur in the 80s) and I think the v-shaped browbands make horses look btv. Didn’t notice too much of that though, so I suppose the right balance was struck.[/QUOTE]
One thing folks at the entry levels of dressage need to know when they go buy their gear: White draws the eye. I was taught not to wear white gloves unless your hands are absolutely immobile, and not to use a white-padded bridle unless your horse’s head carriage was rock-steady. Of course, why you have to wear white breeches that add 40 lbs. to your thighs is still one of life’s little mysteres . . . I’d wear tails TRAIL-RIDING if I could! 
[QUOTE=CatchMeIfUCan;6487284]
I bet most of them aren’t the flimsy little ones that are supposed to keep flies away. They sell ears that have neoprene in them or really thick fabric to block out noise.[/QUOTE]
I noticed that as soon as the riders left the ring, they had to meet the steward there on a stall mat. They appeared to be checking for blood in the mouth and spur rubs, but they also had the riders remove the ear bonnets, probably to check for any sound muffling device or material. I would think that neoprene would not be allowed for that reason.
Except for the ear bonnet, I loved Rafalca’s turnout.
And another vote for Charlotte’s helmet with the red piping. All of you who had a cow when the new helmet rules were introduced, and who said that helmets might cast doubt in the judges’ minds on the rideability of the horse can just kiss my GPA!
[QUOTE=Velvet;6486373]
I just feel bad dor the Dutch. Orange. Blech. Who looks good in orange?[/QUOTE]
That’s like saying who looks good in red, white and blue!
I’m sure they don’t need your pity.
Thanks for info on Charlotte’s helmet. I watched the replay of the very energetic victory lap in front of the screaming flag-waving crowd, and I must say a few of the other female riders, even Laura B, had moments where they appeared charmingly scared. German girls looked like they just might have to borrow Colbert’s towel. (Which makes me feel sympatico!)
Charlotte was just having fun riding an amazing extended trot in last lap, holding up medal in free hand.
I suppose it wasn’t all because of the helmet but I can buy one and dream, can’t I? 
[QUOTE=Drvmb1ggl3;6487352]
The Dutch Women’s hockey team, that’s who. They’ve been one of the big hits of this Olympics… well, with guys, and maybe some women too.[/QUOTE]
Hockey? I think you have your Olympic seasons mixed up, not mention years. :lol:
And, no, they do not all look good in orange. Orange is a tough color for most people to wear. And especially horses! :yes:
I guess you’ve never shown dressage. They are doing a bit check. Not to look for blood, when they stick their finger in the horse’s mouth. Blood would be secondary to their purpose.
[QUOTE=TheHorseProblem;6487603]
That’s like saying who looks good in red, white and blue!
I’m sure they don’t need your pity.[/QUOTE]
Some people are summer colors, some are winter. At least with red, white and blue, one of them should work for each type. :lol:
Seriously, how can you people miss the point that it’s the COLOR not the country that’s being discussed. Meaning, most people look like death warmed over when they wear orange.
They have my pity for being stuck looking like zombies. :lol:
