Question on Showing / Show Clothes?

Question

My instructor asked me if I wanted to start participating in showing with the barn. (:D!! I must be doing something right lol)

and of course I want to! But, my only problem is, I don't have show clothes. (English) Aaand, I'm not really sure if what I ride in is appropriate for showing. I know I'm going to ask my trainer next week, but I just wanted to see what everyone else has to say.

So, I have black leather riding boots with black leather halfchaps, that light tan or beige colored riding pants (not full seat, no zipper, just elastic waist) and they have the special material on the inside of your leg. that goes a little above my knee. I have a black velvet helmet with a ribbon on the back, too.

I have no idea what kind of show shirt or jacket I would need, and if I would need something else, like riding gloves. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! :)

Answer 1

in local shows, you could probably get away with a nice turtleneck shirt to show in, although technically you should have a show blouse and dark colored show jacket

also, you should technically have tall field boots for english, but black paddock boots with half chaps should be fine locally

your pants and helmet will both be fine

you should wear gloves, but you need to ride in them before you show with them, it gives a different feeling of the reins

good luck!!

EDIT

cdolcefd-dont sound like an idiot, please. the reason ive told her she can wear a turtleneck and chaps is because at local shows, it is completely acceptable to do it! i rode in a polo and unmatching half chaps in most of my shows, and guess what? I WON THEM ALL...even grand champion. if you are new to showing, blowing hundreds of dollars on a pair of ariats is ridiculous. no, i dont think that wearing polos and half chaps is the prettiest nor the correct way to go, but spending hundreds upon hundreds for show gear when you're new is worse. if you ride better than your competition instead of just dressing better, you win at local shows

Answer 2

if its a schooling show, dont worry about it. but if its a rated show, find a show coat. (do not use tuff rider) their sizing is really messed up. go to a local tack shop and try some jackets, and show shirts on. trust me, its well worth the money! :)

Answer 3

take the first person's list to the good will and you will find 90% of the clothing there for a better price.most to all my show jackets came from the goodwill, anyway. . . gloves are good to have, but not every show requires them, but have them just incase, you can get a good looking set for 5-10 bucks.

Answer 4

not trying to single anyone out but amanda and banwell are wrongwrongwrong. you can't get away with wearing a turtleneck nor can you get away with wearing half chaps and  paddock boots. you NEED to buy a nice pair of breeches... tailored sportsmans or ariat. you also need a nice show jacket. rj classics are popular and very nice. ariat also makes nice ones. you need tall boots. i have derdau's which are custom, but you could buy ariat's and be fine. you also need a show shirt, it should match the jacket you buy. you need black leather gloves... hair nets. and i would honestly buy a new helmet unless the one you have right now is a charles owen. buy the charles owen gr8 or wellington or a gpa.

this attires pretty expensive but you'll feel like the bomb when you wear it at the show.

Answer 5

That is great news and you must feel great about being asked to join the show team at your barn.

Depending upon the type of show...would be the criteria for the type of clothing required.  Talk it over with your instructor.  But, I would think that you might want to start looking into getting a pair of breeches, and a pair of field boots and proper shirt.  Not that what you have isn't good for lessons but showing is something else and turnout is important and I'm sure you would want to have your dress up outfit and your work outfit!!

I'm sure your instructor will advise you as to the appropriate attire based on what she has planned for you!!  I would say if you have attended some of the shows as a spectator, you might have some idea how they turn-out their riders and what you are going to have to get to be a part of your barns show team!!

Good luck to you!!  And, yes, I would say you are definitely doing "something" right!! lol

Answer 6

white/beige breeches/jods

riding hat

white shirt

tie

fitted riding jacket

black/brown short length boots

no chaps!!

short whip

good luck x