Is a rat catcher anything like a mouse trap? Is there really a difference between a field boot and a dress boot? Are you POSITIVE that I don't need a top hat?
When it comes to outfitting yourself for competition, there are invariably a heap of peculiar questions that arise. Whether you're new to the sport, new to the discipline, or just new to showing, the crazy combinations of obscure equipment jargon and strange wardrobe conventions can be off-putting at best. Top it off with the usual tack store price tags, and most people are already running for the hills. Can you blame them?
Without detailed (and borderline unsettling) knowledge of the equestrian retail world, most show garb looks out of reach at first glance. Anxiety and confusion are understandable. But don't bust out the Xanax just yet. Believe it or not, it's entirely possible to get set for show day without a. taking out another student loan or b. lookin' like a fool.
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| Exhibit A: Fool |
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The basic show wardrobe consists of a few key elements:
- Helmet
- Breeches
- Tall boots
- Show shirt
- Hunt coat
- Gloves
Though something of a matter of personal preference, there are always some items you can afford to skimp on (without sacrificing quality or utility), whereas there are others that you should really splurge on if you can.
So let's break it down...
1. Helmet - skimp or splurge
Range: $60 - $800+
Target: $100 - $150
Basic parameters:
- Velvet-like texture or matte plastic
- No visible styrofoam!
- Black (or some other dark, conservative color)
Arguably the most important piece of any equestrian's outfit, your helmet is your best friend. While its biggest job is to protect what's in your head, when it comes to the show ring, it needs to look good on your head, too. Since you use your helmet in every ride (whether showing or schooling), it's worth making a small investment in. Make sure it's ASTM/SEI certified before buying.
Our favorites:
Troxel Intrepid - $59.99 @ Dover Saddlery
IRH ATS - $89.99 @ State Line Tack
Charles Owen JR8 - $147.95 @ SmartPak
$30 - $300+
Target: $40 - $70
Basic parameters:
- Beige (or similar color, like tan or olive)
- Knee patch style
If you haven't bought them before, a lot of breeches kind of look the same, but it's important to pay attention to a few details (namely, the seat and leg). In this style of competition, you need the kind of breeches that have leather patches on the inside knees. If you're not sure which kind of breeches you're looking at, check the butt. If it's covered in suede, get rid of it. This is also a good general guideline for everyday pants shopping.
Besides that, standards on breeches are fairly lax, aside from color. Try to find a pair with a smooth leg closure (i.e. no velcro, buttons, or other fanciness) to avoid having to smoosh the extra bulk into your tall boots. Your ankles will thank you.
Finally, if at all possible, go for the buttoned / zippered type (instead of the pull ons). They're significantly less likely to give you MC Hammer crotch.
Our favorites:
3. Tall boots - splurge
Range: $100 - $900+
Target: $200 - $300
Basic parameters:
- Black
- Field boot (versus dress boot)
As the anchor to your ride, and the longest-wearing piece of any show ensemble, tall boots are one piece of your outfit definitely worth investing in. You want to make sure that you buy
field boots, or, the ones that have laces at the ankle.
If there's no way you can spring for tall boots just yet, try looking for a clean, neat looking combination of paddock boots and leather half chaps - preferably ones that look like tall boots when they're on. (Suede is no bueno!) But keep in mind that this option's price point can often run as high as new boots.
PS: Don't forget about the option of used boots. Not only do used boots save you some cash, but they also save you the (very literal) pain of breaking in new boots. Check a local tack shop or eBay.
Our favorites:
Ariat Heritage Select Field Boot - $223 @ SmartPak
Tredstep Donatello Field Boot - $289.95 @ SmartPak
4. Show shirt - skimp
Range: $30 - $200
Target: $40 - $60
Basic parameters:
- Conservative color (like white or blue)
- Long sleeve
Important as it may be, there isn't much to say about the show shirt. Virtually any long sleeve show shirt will do, but try to look for a 'wrap collar' shirt if you can. That is, unless you'd rather button on an extra collar every time you go to a show. To each their own.
Our favorites:
Ovation UltraLite Show Shirt - $39.99 @ Dover Saddlery
RJ Classics Essential Ladies Wrap Collar Show Shirt - $58.00 @ SmartPak
5. Hunt coat - skimp
Range: $70 - $800+
Target: $70 - $100
Basic parameters:
- Conservative color (like navy or black)
- Basic styling (i.e. no shiny metal buttons, velvet collars, questionable piping, etc.)
The jacket, too, is a fairly basic component that's hard to mess up. Just make sure that it's fitted, but that it still allows you plenty of movement in the arms and shoulders. Subtle plaids, stripes, and tweed-y patterns are perfectly acceptable.
Our favorites:
Devon-Aire USPC Concour Elite - $84.99 @ Dover Saddlery
6. Gloves - skimp or splurge
Range: $10 - $60
Target: $20 - $30
Basic parameters:
- Black
- Comfy (seriously!)
Gloves can be cumbersome, but they're an absolute must have. While competitors in disciplines like jumpers often go without, when it comes to hunt seat, competing without gloves is borderline sin.
Luckily, gloves are relatively low cost and easy to obtain. So long as they're black, made for riding, and don't compromise your feel, they're good to go.
Our favorites:
Ariat Air Grip - $29.95 @ SmartPak
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Questions? On the fence about an item?
Email us!
In the mean time, here are a few places you might check out...
Online Shops
Local Shops
And a few guides you might find helpful...
