Show Ring Attire

Posted on August 27, 2009 by jns767

Since we’re on the topic of show ring clothes I thought I’d ask a question I’ve been wondering for a while. Generally I’m not a Saddleseat rider, but a few years ago, I was showing a gelding in the Classic division. I was borrowing Saddle Seat Suits from a Tennessee Walking Horse Owner friend of mine, which was fine accept at that time, they wore alot of colorful day coats. So, that being said  I finally had a coat custom made *by my mom – ha ha. The coat is actually pretty nice, but the fabric I chose is a pinky/peach color (it’s not irredescent)! I know it sounds hideous, but paired with a nice vest (grey)? shirt and coordinating jods, I think it would look fine.  My question to you is – am I delusional? What colors and trends are popular in Saddle Seat classes these days? I’m noticing alot of non-colors  like grey, blue and black. Could I get away with my peach/pink coat if I decide to show SS again?

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4 Responses to Show Ring Attire

  1. colwilrin says:
    August 27, 2009 at 10:08 am

    Morgan trends in SS follow the Saddlebred world. After the loud daycoats of the 80-90′s, there was a backlash of conservativism. People once again started wearing full suits, rather than daycoat and jods. A few years of very conservative has been followed by the trend of staying with a suit but adding bright ties, colored shirts, and fancier vests. The daycoats that are worn aren’t as loud, are usually fabrics that could be made into full suits, and are paired with very plain solid jods and vests. Personally I think this has been a nice compromise and like the look of a full suit with accented pieces.

    The show itself can also dictate clothing. Some shows typically have riders in more flambouyant outfits, others are understated. It may depend on the level of competition or part of the country the show is in. Watch what others are wearing and dress accordingly.

    Then you have to take the judge into consideration. For example, in the western rules ladies are to wear a neck scarf or pin. There is a certain western judge that looks for that. When I show under her, I leave the western necklaces at home and bring my collection of scarves. Ask around, usually there are some equitation trainers who know what the judge’s pet peeves may be.

    Not having seen your coat, it is hard to tell is it would look dated. Sometimes the type of material can make a huge difference. If you do wear it, I would pair it with a solid dark (chocolate, black, dark gray) jod and matching vest. Let the coat be the accent, and keep everything else very understated.

    My personal thought…if you have any doubts, it probably shouldn’t be worn.

  2. IED says:
    August 28, 2009 at 12:35 am

    I think Colwilrin put it about as well as it can be put.

    I would look around at what everyone else is wearing and take note. It is not good to stand out by looking out of date or wearing something slightly frightening. Having not seen your coat, it’s difficult to say whether or not it WOULD look out of date, but chances are good… It sounds like it might look nice paired with chocolate jods and a dark vest/shirt/tie combination, if you decide you must wear it. However, keep in mind that many of the riders showing at the OKC level are wearing suits or the more conservatively colored daycoats.

    As Colwinrin said… if you have any doubts, it probably shouldn’t be worn.

  3. leslie says:
    August 28, 2009 at 10:05 am

    I went to New England a couple of years ago, and there was a rider in an English class who wore a formal coat in a metallic gold pattern. It’s best to err on the side of conservatism, but you can probably get away with just about anything.

    For all the money people spend on buying brand new custom suits every season, I have a whole lot of trouble believing that judges really notice or care what your suit looks like in a performance class. If you wore a peach color coat with a bright chestnut or buckskin horse I imagine it might be a bit abrasive on the eyes, but in general, is your suit going to affect your placing? I seriously, seriously doubt it.

    But then again, I’m not a judge.

  4. mrsfire says:
    September 4, 2009 at 10:50 pm

    The important thing is the overall picture. You want to complement your horse rather than draw attention away from it. Therefore, less is more. This is why you see so many people in conservative colors.

    Having said that, a light colored jacket (assuming is a mild color) can make a beautiful day coat. I wouldn’t wear a light colored jacket at night.

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