Can you make do with a black polo at a recognized show?
ive looked in the rules, and all it says is shirt of a SOLID color with a collar that can be undone…
If I do a black polo, am I committing a dressage fashion faux pas? Do I have to go buy myself a shudders pastel official show shirt?
also, does it HAVE to be tucked in if it’s well fitted? (Cause you know, muffin top here!)
thanks so much!
You should buy a shirt and tuck it in.
I was just looking at pics from a show, and a trainer wore either a black or dark blue shirt with white trim in her FEI classes. So I think you should be fine.
Not sure about the tucked in/out question. If well fitted, and not flapping/riding up, might be ok. Rules do NOT specify that it has to be tucked in.
At any size tucked in is better.
You can wear basically any color shirt and it no longer has to be a solid color even. I recently researched this. Here is what the rule book says: Dress code DR120:
This is what it says in regards to shirts:
In locations with high average heat and humidity on the date of a competition, management can publish in their prize list that jackets will be waived for the duration of the competition. Alternatively, management can announce prior to or during a competition that competitors can show without jackets when extreme heat and/or humidity is forecast. This waiver applies to all classes including FEI classes at National Competitions. However, competitors must wear protective headgear and a shirt with sleeves and collar, without neckwear, and without decoration except as described under .14 below. T-shirts are not permitted. Members of the Armed Services or police units may wear summer uniforms.
Cooling vests may be worn underneath a riding jacket. If coats are waived, a solid-colored cooling or lightweight vest may be worn over a riding shirt as specified in DR120.7.
I will share with you that one of my students had a judge comment because her shirt wasn’t tucked in and she wasn’t wearing a belt. While I thought the comment was inappropriate. It does show that at least one judge thinks your shirt should be tucked in.
Ignorant as I am, I would love to know what a cooling vest is.
I have a short sleeved white show shirt that is dress shirt fabric on the front and stretchy technical fabric on the back/sides/sleeves, and wear it under a suit vest on jacketless days. Shirt is tucked in, vest is lightweight but hides my awkward pudge nd masks the fact that I have not yet found a belt that fits me and my breeches’ belt loops…
[QUOTE=Ambitious Kate;8205624]
Ignorant as I am, I would love to know what a cooling vest is.[/QUOTE]
One of these I guess: http://www.ridingwarehouse.com/HyperKewl_Evaporative_Cooling_Female_Deluxe_Sport_Vest/descpage-HKECFD.html
I saw them when I was checking out the Riding Warehouse recommended in Off Course. It’s mid-winter here or I’d be tempted to order one.
The short answer (opinions and fashion advice aside) is yes, you can wear a black polo and no, it doesn’t have to be tucked in.
Hmm I like this idea Ceylon Star. Thanks!
i do have a dark grey best that I could wear overtop of a white shirt to help hide the bulge…
thanks everyone!
[QUOTE=high hat;8205611]
You can wear basically any color shirt and it no longer has to be a solid color even. I recently researched this. Here is what the rule book says: Dress code DR120:
This is what it says in regards to shirts:
In locations with high average heat and humidity on the date of a competition, management can publish in their prize list that jackets will be waived for the duration of the competition. Alternatively, management can announce prior to or during a competition that competitors can show without jackets when extreme heat and/or humidity is forecast. This waiver applies to all classes including FEI classes at National Competitions. However, competitors must wear protective headgear and a shirt with sleeves and collar, without neckwear, and without decoration except as described under .14 below. T-shirts are not permitted. Members of the Armed Services or police units may wear summer uniforms.
Cooling vests may be worn underneath a riding jacket. If coats are waived, a solid-colored cooling or lightweight vest may be worn over a riding shirt as specified in DR120.7.
I will share with you that one of my students had a judge comment because her shirt wasn’t tucked in and she wasn’t wearing a belt. While I thought the comment was inappropriate. It does show that at least one judge thinks your shirt should be tucked in.[/QUOTE]
Everyone, please take note of this!
A few weeks ago we had a show where temps were expected to be over 100 each day. We were in a cooled arena for competition, but warmup wasn’t, and the arena wasn’t much cooler than outside. Jackets were waived, and I discussed what could be worn with the TD. A few years ago we were all very clear on the fact no designs or anything were allowed, it had to be solid in color and have a collar which could be unfastened from the very top. When I discussed the current rule with the TD, she said basically you have to wear a shirt, and it can’t be a t-shirt, and that’s about it. I work long sleeved technical shirts with collars (I think from Dover, but one of the various ice-fil type shirts), but people wore polos, and the new shirts with the tuxedo shirt type stitching/design on the front were popular.
[QUOTE=Dreamwalker;8205662]
One of these I guess: http://www.ridingwarehouse.com/HyperKewl_Evaporative_Cooling_Female_Deluxe_Sport_Vest/descpage-HKECFD.html
I saw them when I was checking out the Riding Warehouse recommended in Off Course. It’s mid-winter here or I’d be tempted to order one.[/QUOTE]
They also have a lightweight Ariat vest that I would consider if I showed.
I am overweight, short waisted and even after breast reduction surgery I have big boobs. The less attention paid to my midsection the better.
Also, when it’s really hot, untucked is cooler
I love those show vests I’ve seen around. Not sure if I could ever justify the purchase, but I still think they are really pretty.
I don’t think it is specifically against the rules to compete with your shirt untucked, but I would’t do it. Seems very sloppy, you know?
But I’m kind of a stick in the mud about that stuff, I wouldn’t take a lesson with my shirt untucked 
OP - I am also not a fan of tucking things in - never have been, hate the feeling.
Last weekend at a stinkin’ hot show here in the south, I did two things:
Day 1 - Navy shirt, white piping, farm logo. Its a bit long so I tucked it in about an inch, and let it kind of blouse over the waistband. (I do not own a belt). That worked fine.
Day 2 - dug out an old very dark grey vest I bought years ago for schooling show attire. It is some funky lightweight fabric; water rolls off the back and front, but the stretchy side panels will stay wet. Just before getting on, I put said vest in the sink with cold water. Stuck the sort of wet vest over my white short sleeved show shirt (untucked!) and away I went. Those wet panels were great!.
I saw shirts with varying colored panels, I saw bright blue, and a host of other things. No one got dinged for wardrobe so far as I heard.
Well I disagree with the shirt tucked in under all circumstances. I think if the shirt is cut the right way it can be worn out- and for some that is just more flattering. At present I am fine with tucking my shirt in…. but I never know at what point my diet of nachos and beer may change that 
The right length, a polo not tucked in is more flattering for those of us with pudges. If it’s too hot to wear a jacket, I wear a grey polo with cooling vest over. I think it looks much better with the vest.
Just curious coming from another discipline… what do you all do if you have to show in the rain?
Unless it’s a super high end show, ss people will wear a windbreaker type jacket and ball cap to avoid getting $$$ wool suits and derbies ruined.
[QUOTE=shakeytails;8206500]
Just curious coming from another discipline… what do you all do if you have to show in the rain?
Unless it’s a super high end show, ss people will wear a windbreaker type jacket and ball cap to avoid getting $$$ wool suits and derbies ruined.[/QUOTE]
Mostly, we get wet. I just watched a video of my trainer riding at a show a week or so ago. Pouring rain, she was in helmet, show coat, gloves. I’ve also done it.
I’m in the always tucked in camp, with a belt. And yes, I’ve shown in black and pastel colored polos, as well as Kerrits shirts.
Attire doesn’t change in the rain. Some people put a clear or black fitted rain slicker or poncho over their coat- but most just go on as is. Some of the newer fabrics are water repellant, which makes it pleasant for a little while at least.
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