I checked the rules for hunter/eq attire and didn’t see anywhere that white breeches were not allowed in regular hunter/eq classes. I dress pretty conservative (no rhinestones or glitter, conservative jacket, helmet, boots, etc. ), but I just never liked the look of tan breeches on myself. Would a hunter or eq judge dock points for a rider wearing white breeches instead of tan in a regular division that is not a classic, assuming the rider puts in a good round?
You can wear white breeches. Plenty of riders do, when they have multiple horses. Even at regionals some of the kids wear their whites (some change, but many don’t).
It is not traditional, and therefore inadvisable, unless you have a legitimate reason, such as showing in a jumper classic on the same day. Otherwise you may give the impression of someone who either doesn’t know or doesn’t respect the traditions of the sport.
7 Likes
I don’t understand all the conventions etc, but does the judge in one class know what else you are competing in?
Sorry just trying to get my head around the thought that it is OK to wear whites if you have other classes, but not if you don’t…just curious…
2 Likes
Well, for starters, the judge might know if there are no jumper classics on the schedule that day.
4 Likes
Good point thanks…
This is incorrect. USEF rule HU128.2 (page 894) states, “Breeches may be buff, canary, tan, rust or white.” I am a USEF R Hunter judge. I would never penalize a hunter competitor for wearing white breeches in the ring. There are bigger problems to worry about while judging. 
In regards to someone who doesn’t know the traditions of the sport, as long as they are following all of the rule and lay down a nice trip worthy of a ribbon in a hunter class, I’m gonna pin them.
35 Likes
You are certainly entitled to your opinion. As I am to mine.
Personally, I would not care to give the impression that I did not know or respect the traditions of the sport, regardless of the quality of the trip.
6 Likes
It’s not an opinion. It’s the rule!
32 Likes
HU 126.3 says: “Standing and running martingales used in the conventional manner are allowed for all over fences classes.”
However, I wouldn’t use a running martingale in a hunter class. Even though it’s allowed under the rules.
5 Likes
But you realize you’re arguing about appropriate attire with an actual hunter judge, right??
32 Likes
I’m not arguing with anyone. I’m stating my opinion.
I am also a USEF R hunter judge, since you mention it.
7 Likes
Well that gives a person confidence…
28 Likes
White breeches are properly worn with pinque coats in the hunter tradition, correct?
1 Like
Traditionally only by men, though, as only they wore pinque coats. That’s evolved, as much of attire traditions and rules have over the years.
OP, white breeches may be legal, but why oh WHY would you want to wear them? Have you shown in whites before? They’re even more unflattering than beige, and are miserable to try to keep clean. After one wear you’ll despair of ever getting them clean enough to show in again.
7 Likes
Yes, by men when the class calls for formal attire.
4 Likes
:lol::lol::lol::lol:
3 Likes
Wow, this thread has gone down a dark rabbit hole. All I can do is continue to abide by the rules and not pre-judge a horse/rider combination before they have even jumped the first fence. It is attitudes like this that prevent new riders from even wanting to compete in the hunter ring and why the sport has such a negative cloud over its head.
31 Likes
I’m over here laughing but yes, I agree with you completely about how the above sounds to neophytes.
10 Likes
Why I never want to ride in the hunters again. Judges like this.
Reed
27 Likes
