Posted by Katie To show in english classes, you're going to need: - a hunt / show coat: Many colours are seen in the ring nowadays, but you'll be best to stick with either black or navy. These two will never go out of style. You'll be looking for a jacket with a double-vented back that will lay over the back of your saddle properly.. some jackets come with one vent but these are for dressage riders. Also opt for a jacket that fits properly through your waist and shoulders. If you'll be show jumping, make sure that when you put your arms forward (as if you were releasing over a fence) that your jacket gives enough. Things like sleeve length and jacket length are relatively minor and can be altered at almost any tailor shop. If you're on a budget, as many are, you can try searching your local used tack stores or new tack stores with a used section. You may be lucky enough to find a jacket in decent condition for a reasonable price that fits you well to boot! - a show shirt: Again, I'd stick with plain white. You'll see colours from bright yellow to navy blue in the show ring, but it's best to keep it simple. Especially in the hunters, plain is traditional. Look for a shirt that fits properly through the chest (and check shoulder fit, too, if you're planning on jumping). You'll also need a stock pin. It's a tiny little pin, in either gold or silver plate, that attaches the show collar (chocker) to the show shirt. Pick any design that you like. - gloves: Especially if you're still learning to ride, dark gloves blend in with your show coat (and even some horses!) helping to hide bouncy hands. These are also a traditional item in the english ring. Opt for black well-fitting gloves. Depending on your budget, look for stretchy (nylon?) backed gloves or thin leather ones. - breeches: The most commonly seen breeches are either beige or greenish beige, though other slight variations (paler colours for instance) are also okay. Steer away from white though as it soils easily and the bright colour really accentuates your leg, and would probably look out of place in a hunter / english ring. You'll also need a belt to go with the breeches - any style of leather belt would be fine. Steer away from bright pink plastic ones, for example, as it can provide a distracting flash of colour to a hunter judge. As for paddock boots and half chaps versus regular tall boots, it all depends on local rules. You'll be better off asking a show official (calling ahead) to get a clarification on that. Generally speaking though, at schooling shows and fall fairs, half chaps and paddock boots are perfectly acceptable. It's preferable if the half chaps are made of leather so they blend in better with the overall look (instead of seeing the matte suede of the half chaps and then the shiney paddock boots. Something else worth mentioning, and also very important is your helmet. Do not fall to the pressure of buying a $500 helmet because "everyone else has one". Go for something that fits and is within your price range. Any model will do as long as it's CERTIFIED. Some retailers sell uncertified helmets - you do not need one of these. Ask your tack store rep if you need more information on the properties of whatever helmet you're looking for. Take care and good luck! Katie
on 8/12/2006, 6:42 pm, in reply to "show clothes"
67.70.97.65
Hi Kaya,
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