What do i wear in a western pleasure class?

Question

I am getting ready to start showing in western pleasure, what should I wear? I have only shown english and I'm not sure what the appropriate attire is. Thanks

Answer 1

To start with a shirt, you should wear something that is sparkly or brightly colored to get noticed by the judge. A slinky and vest or a classic western shirt would be appropriate. For pants, a pair of chaps is the best choice. Depending on the colors of your shirt, get a pair of suede chaps that matches. As for boots, again go with a color scheme. Accessories would include a belt with a flashy belt buckle, silver or gold earrings and a big necklace. Go with a hat that matches your shirt and chaps (and be sure to pin your hat to your head so it won't blow away!) Have your hair in a bun with a hairnet over the top. Hope this helps. GOOD LUCK!!!!

Answer 2

ok well here is a list of things, most shows require Proper show attire but some shows like schooling shows will allow you to wear just normal jeans and a shirt.

A show shirt ( can be very pricey depending on what you want, i would check ebay)

Boots ( I prefer Ariats)

Jeans ( if you dont like the high rise jeans that most people wear i found a realy nice pair of wranglers jeans that were low rise and very comferatable if you want ill tell you the style.)

Helmet ( most shows will require you to have one if your under 18)

Answer 3

Tops. Midnight blue, deep green, and chocolate offer safe yet distinctive alternatives to the traditional black. "Finally, Western riders seem to have figured out that if they wear black head-to-toe, they are all going to look like each other no matter how much they spend," Drnec points out.

If you're daring, venture into jewel tones, such as red, royal blue, or purple. The new hot top in Western pleasure: slinkies with dramatic accents--such as leather trim, and an abundance of crystals and rhinestones--to help catch the judge's eye. Pair a lightweight slinky with a vest, or opt for a heavier knit that can stand alone. Another trend: "A knit blouse with wide collar and cuff, with or without a vest," notes Sergeant. Babe Woods of Woods Western concurs. "I see a trend toward classy blouses with maybe just some pretty detail on the collar and French cuffs," she says.

Vests/jackets. Vests, which flatter many body types, aren't as popular as they've been in recent years, notes Sergeant, because "there's so much new happening in shirt bodies." Short jackets for rail classes may gain in popularity. "They give you that forgiving waist look," notes Woods. "And they can add width at the shoulders with shoulder pads, which most vests don't have."

Tunics/blazers. Tunics--hip-covering tops with squared-off bottom hems--continue to increase in popularity in showmanship classes, where they provide the desired smooth silhouette. If you're an all-around competitor, look for one designed to tuck in easily so it can double as your rail-class blouse. Blazers remain a showmanship staple--with a twist. "Showmanship has as much variety as the riding classes right now," says Woods. "Short, long, mid-length, front closure, back closure, very understated, or extreme."

Chaps. Think smooth leather, though suede remains a mainstay. Black remains the most popular color, but sand and chocolate are gaining ground. Bright colors, such as red and turquoise, are making a comeback, especially in monochrome outfits. But if you're on a tight budget, simply buy the best pair of chaps you can afford in a neutral color; they'll last you for years.

Hats. High-quality and perfectly shaped hats maintain their hold in the show pen. If you plan to advance to the higher levels, invest in at least a 20x fur-felt hat, and at least a 6-star straw. The traditional cattleman's crease is still most common, and a simple hatband with a silver buckle. Have your fur-felt hat trimmed and shaped to fit your face. "A good hat shaper can make your hat fit your face while keeping a modern crease," says Sergeant. Well-shaped straw hats remain appropriate in summer months, especially in trail, reining, and working cow horse, says Drnec.

Boots. Exotic inlays are hot--but note they won't show under your chaps and stirrups. Leather, double-welted soles are gaining in favor, though crepe soles remain strong.

Belts. Coordinate your belt color with your show pants and chaps for a smooth look. Silver trim remains strong. Crystal-studded belts are big; some top competitors coordinate colored crystals to their outfits, and even add crystals to silver buckle-and-tip sets. But keep in mind that drawing attention to the midsection may not work for all body types. "A solid, plain belt that quietly blends with pants and chaps is far and away the most flattering look for Western pleasure and horsemanship classes," says Drnec.

Accessories. Your crystal-studded show blouse will re-open doors for costume jewelry, such as pendants, pins, and earrings. Another new look: silk scarves, particularly those studded with crystals for extra sparkle.

Answer 4

This depends upon what type of show you're going to.  

For a schooling show, you will need the following:

Hat:  Straw will work

Shirt:  Long sleeved western type

Jeans:  Wranglers will work

Chaps:  Shotgun type, suede

Boots:   Justin ropers work

Belt and buckle:  

Gloves

Western Tie

For the larger circuit shows, what the first poster has listed would be needed.

Answer 5

I'll provide you with links that demonstrate the most up to date fashion you can find in the show pen.  Some of the fabrics used and found in jackets, vests and shirts can be extremely expensive....I'd suggest that you take a look at the links, contact a seamstress and locate a material that will not be as expensive as those shown...you need to determine what colors will look the best on you and will show the best on the rail...remember that you can be some ways away from a judge and you want the patterns and colors to stand out from the rail.

If you are attending schooling shows, or open shows, you'll won't have to be as "serious" about your show clothes as some of the breed shows seem to demand.  Off the rack show clothes and those show clothes "lightly" used will work just fine.   Check with any of your friends that are showing WP and see if they know of any show clothes that are up for sale..i.e., slightly used.

You also want to make sure that you are following the guidelines (requirements) set forth by the show committees, i.e., you may have to wear a scarf; have your long hair pinned up and out of the way, you may have to wear a long sleeved shirt...this is usually required.



You'll want to coordinate your colors between chaps, boots,  show pants, blouses, vests, hats and any jewelry that you may wear.   AND you'll want to coordinate your saddle blanket color with the color of your show clothes.  

Showtime Show Clothing...

http://www.showtimeshowclothing.com/

You will also find used show clothes at this Showtime site.

http://kathysshowequipment.com/index.php...

Kathy's has jewelry, and other up to date equipment for WP riders in the show pen.

http://www.woodswestern.com/

Woods western is having a sale on show blouses....They've got almost everything in women's apparel for the show pen...belts, etc.

In boots, you'll find Anderson Bean, Lucchese, Ariat, and Justin Ropers;  Don't buy a thick rubber soled (Justin Fat Baby) for use in the show pen...

http://www.karenskustoms.com/

Many consigned items at this website.  

http://www.sergeantswestern.com/index.ph...

Great off the rack show clothes...worth a look.

http://www.hobbyhorseinc.com/08_dress_fo...

Great show pen fashions; here's a color wheel that will help you in coordinating colors between  your horse's hair color and yourself.  

If you have the opportunity to head for a large breed show (AQHA) pay attention to the fashions that you see in the WP classes.   California AQHA sets the stage for cutting edge fashion that you'll eventually see in WP classes across the country....