"That" clip job at Finals

I would like this comment a thousand times if I could!

This sport needs to lighten up or the number of people doing dressage will just peter out (faster than it is right now). Within the rules (that could probably be loosened further in some areas), do what you’d like but don’t bash others for doing the same. This woman is clearly a good rider. She doesn’t deserve people knocking her for her fashion choices and clip design. Let her have fun without the negativity!

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People used to have the same negative reactions about hunters who were any color other than bay, chestnut or gray. “It’s not traditional!” or “Look at that Western horse!” etc. Thankfully that attitude changed, just like this one probably will.

After all, horse people often complain that the traditional show ring turnout often implies elitism to casual spectators and can hurt efforts to reach larger audiences. Riders who aren’t afraid to show their personalities a little can help win over non-horsey people.

I say, if it’s legal, then you go, girl!

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Well, you can get away with a less than stellar braiding job.
Usually the braids stand out, but not to my eye, in this picture.

I don’t care for the particular pattern, it’s not symmetrical enough for my taste and the diamonds are too small.

I’d love a lustrous shiny dappled natural coat.

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Well, tastes differ. I think the pattern is unique and awesome, very artistic. I love how it accentuates the horse’s elegant lines. It’s beautiful.

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Is that what it says in the rule book ? :grinning:

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People are having…fun?!

No, that can’t be right.

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What are the rules for what judges are allowed to wear and how they may be permitted to style their hair? Hmm? “Lipstick in conservative shades” and “ties without excessive metallic threads”?

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This is true. And I’m pretty sure judges can look past all this.
'm pretty much in the camp of each to his/her own. I wouldn’t do it because I do not have the patience or skills to clip my own horse,
Re her wardrobe, the boots aren’t for me but I like how she pulled very neutral colors together. And who knew you could buy a white helmet???

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Now that I know they exist, I want a white helmet, mainly for riding in the Florida sun. The black helmets just cook my noggin.

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This is quite the leap. :roll_eyes: :roll_eyes: But I agree with you that white padding is fugly.

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So back to my original question, if she were sponsored by Purina or made up The Chess and Checker Players Federation, would it make a difference?
I can almost see this going the way of the saddle pad logos as far as rules.

That horse went in the ring next to mine and honestly I felt like the white helmet was more distracting than the clip job. But I’m not a white helmet person–in any sport. I probably would have chosen navy to go with a creative clip like that–and also because I just really love navy on a chestnut.

I don’t see it much different than quartermarks–albiet flashier. But it was a fun change up and she was freaking rocking it. And more power to her for doing so!!

I think there’s also a whoooole lot of projection in the comments on the post. Which is a different discussion for another day.

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I had trouble with black helmets in the heat, even getting heat exhaustion, so bought a stretchy helmet cover in green and white. The white part was even reflective.

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The mainstay of the Australian Pony Club in the 90s and 00s: the white “egghead”.
You were a bit flash if you had a black helmet, a ‘hackie’.

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I used to have a white helmet! Jim Graham called me “White Hat” because he could never remember my name.

I think she looks great, and if I didn’t I wouldn’t care anyway.

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And that’s why there is western dressage…
I find it humorous that the dressage purpose and traditions came from the military. Anyone who has ever seen cavalry military uniforms per 1900, will notice that there is nothing subtle or drab about the colors, feathers or frogging.

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Actually they look quite spiffy including the black vests and a tie!!

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Let’s see the peanut gallery crowd consistently break the 70% mark in a white helmet, boots, and jacket and well as a “non-traditional clip job” where every single little thing you and your horse do wrong is glaringly obvious to the judge.

if it is a legal clip and legal outfit - why not?! I personally like traditional tack and attire plenty - but I also like some unique style that others might find gaudy.

Just like clothing. Sometimes I am in a Celine, The Row, or vintage Chanel black dress and sometimes I am in Alexander McQueen or Simone Rocha dresses. Don’t come for me saying one is “nicer” then the other. Both are welcomed at very formal events

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Give them about five minutes in the sun and they turn off-egg colour.

Thank god for Troxel introducing coloured helmets that weren’t black showjumping helmets.

Fun fact: I cooked myself in a black velvet-covered helmet (pre-Troxel). Eight days in and out of hospital with unmanageable migraines. The blood vessels in my brain were so dehydrated. I chucked it and bought my first air-vent helmet, which was like “ooh lah lah” in light brown. I’ve never worn a black or vent-less helmet since.

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I want her boots. Those boots are drool-worthy.

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