I will stand by this..."You have to look the part to be the part.”
We have talked about the show ring, but what about the day-to-day at the barn for lessons and chores? We have some recommendations here and an exclusive offer at the bottom of the post just for Pony Up, Mom! readers.
Remember: This is a sport. And as such you have to come prepared. Would you show up to a soccer match without cleats? Would you expect to play in the tennis tournament if you rolled out of bed and on to the court in your sweatpants and t-shirt? Equestrian sports require discipline and appropriate attire. End of story. But NOT the end of my post!
I am NOT saying you have to spend tons of money on the most expensive clothes you can find- nope. Not the point.
See my post about FB Marketplace and second-hand scores here.
But, dress appropriately and give the sport, your trainers and coaches, and fellow riders the respect they deserve by putting it all together. Ask about great brands, price points, and quality items if you would like more guidance in the forum section.
Show attire aside for now, but you can read my post on that HERE.
From working at the barn and helping out with chores, to riding in a lesson, here is a guide for some appropriate barn attire to consider for safety, comfort, and sportiness:
Lesson Time
Top: An appropriate, tucked in shirt
Be conscious of your climate and choose accordingly:
Long-sleeved sun shirt, athletic short-sleeved shirt
Opting for a collared shirt: Technical fabrics will help in warm climates
Bottoms: Breeches/riding pants/tights
Feet: Clean riding boots (do your best here!)
Accessories: Belt, hair tie for long hair, riding gloves
Tip: Long hair should always be pulled back before you enter the ring.
Keep jewelry to an absolute minimum for safety reasons.
What to wear for barn work
Top: Long- or short-sleeved shirt
Bottom: Jeans, long work pants or mid-thigh-length shorts
Feet: Mud/rain boots or sneakers
Long socks (to avoid blisters or dirt from getting into shoes)
Here are some favorites:
An equestrian friend of mine recommended these pants to me because they are a great price, wildly comfortable, and look great with a shirt and vest, but totally ready for chores!
Small sizes will fit some older kiddos.
Sunblock will be your friend if you are outside and consider SPF rated tops.
Sun Bum is safe for kiddos and has a great mission!
Don't...
Flip flops or open toed shoes
Inappropriate or revealing tops like sports bras or bralettes as tops
T-shirts with rude or offensive text (that goes for politics, too!)
Short-shorts (enough said)
There are so many options when it comes to riding clothes that you can find something that feels comfortable for your young rider, and fits the price-point you are looking for easily.
Pictured here, Piper Girls Evolution Breeches by SmartPak - Knee Patch, C4 Classic Belt, and Horseware Kids Baselayer Shirt.
RECOMENDATION: For the active kiddo...
We have a favorite when it comes to training shirts - quick-dry, soft material, fun prints, easy on the budget, and a quality product that goes from the riding ring right into the pool! Literally, as you can see in these photos. SPF rated and they wash really well- have handed some down to friends after my daughter grows out of them because they hold up so well! BONUS: Small, woman-owned business...And she's a pony mom, too! Check out Dana Marie Designs
Pictured:
SPECIAL OFFER FOR PONY UP, MOM! READERS: Use the code listed in the picture of Alta and Jackson here below for a discount (10%) and give them a try for yourself! Or, gift them to friends.
What can you share for barn attire? Share the coupon code and share a photo and whatever apparel works for you! We would LOVE to see pics of your adventures in your Dana Marie Designs training shirt! There are adult sizes too *wink*
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