What to wear in halter class?

Question

im going to be going to our county fair in a few weeks. im going to show my friesian cross in the saddle and sport type class(along with tenessee walkers, saddlebreds, TB, and other english like horses). should i dress english or western for the class and what exactly should my clothes look like(like tall boots, english jacket, western shirt, matching outfit, etc.)?

Answer 1

I would do a saddle seat outfit myself. Most friesians are shown in a white halter and you can dress whichever way you like best. I would stic to an english type outfit because friesian in general are not western horses and do not move like a stock horse. If you have access to a saddle seat outfit it would be more of a stand out outfit. You can get them in many colors. If your friesian cross is more like a light weight warmblood, I would do a hunt seat outfit. Jacket, tall boots, and breeches.

Answer 2

Since it's the county fair, I would dress up in western attire.... don't go over board though. Just wear something like jeans with western riding boots (if you have them) and maybe a western shirt.

Answer 3

well i always thought whatever you would wear to show(riding).... so if it's a country fair wear what you would wear during a riding class in the halter class. . . i think that in some places (like pony club ect)they like you to even wear a helmet... i wouldnt wear the helmet but a nice riding hat or pulled back hair, you dont want to distract from the horse. so whatever you decide keep it simple

Answer 4

you should wear a flashy western outfit with not to high boots that match it. make sure it goes good with your horse and its halter... good luck

Answer 5

Legally you can do either one.  Whichever one requires you to buy less stuff - do that!

If you choose to do english - you should probably ride saddleseat - which means everything you'd wear for saddleseat (coat, jods, boots, derby, shirt, tie, etc.).  If your horse is flat kneed (doesn't have action - meaning high stepping) and you're showing hunt - then hunt cap, shirt w/choker, coat, breeches, and tall boots).

When showing english - you need to show your horse in the appropriate english bridle - not show halter.  NO MIXING OF WESTERN AND ENGLISH EQUIPMENT - the rule books are very clear about that.

Now - if you want to show western - then you would have your show halter, western hat, shirt (the zip up shirts with the huge collars are really in style) otherwise a slinky with a blazer is great and very professional.  Then wear clean and pressed jeans or show pants.  Boots are of course necessary.

Remember - in showmanship you must show to your breed standard.  Clean and neat is important - your horse should be pathed, clipped, and have hoof polish on.  You need to be able to trot off from the walk and trot.  You must back straight.  Your horse must allow you to switch sides for inspection without moving a muscle.  Your horse should be able to pivot on its hindquarters.  PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE.

Read the rulebook and make sure you fully understand the rules.  I judge and it's amazing how many kids disqualify themselves on little thing - you cannot touch the chain on your show halter, you cannot touch the horse, you must switch sides, don't run over a cone - in riding classes - you can't ride with two hands when riding a horse 5+ years old in a curb bit when riding western, and your horse must pick up both it's leads.  If you meet those basics -  you'll have a good start to being successful at the fair.

Honestly, in a 4H show especially - it'll come down to the class.  What you're wearing will have NOTHING to do with how you place as long as you do'nt disqualify yourself (i.e. wearing a western hat with breeches and a hunt coat!).  So, practice like crazy...it'll all come down to how your pattern goes - not what you're wearing.

Have fun at the fair!

Answer 6

Personally I would wear a solid polo, dark breeches and tall boots. But that is my defauly setting for horses. For a country fair, maybe a pair of dark jeans (not completely fitted but not sagging either), riding/cowboy boots and a long sleeved collared shirt. Good luck!