It’s hard to get a straight answer when you just want to know what to buy so your kid looks appropriate for the show ring…And maybe a little better! Again, it depends on your discipline and classes you plan on competing in, but I made some costly errors and I wish someone had told me BEFORE I spent the money. So, here's what's going on…
At hunter/jumper shows, there are 3 disciplines: Hunters, Jumpers, and Equitation.
The Hunter ring is steeped in tradition, as such, riders must be correctly turned out. Permissible attire differs slightly between conventional and formal classes. Always double-check with your trainer on what their preferences are because while some colors are acceptable under the rule, this is often not the case with individual trainers – like I found out!
Play it safe – Blue/Black.
It is typically recommended that you opt for a well-fitted navy coat free from adornments that may be construed as “distracting” paired with tan breeches and a white show shirt, black gloves, black helmet, black boots (paddock or tall), and black garters.
Let’s break it down:
Kids under 13 riding pony will wear jods and garters and their hair (girls) in two braids with show bows.
Kids on horses and older than 13 years, wear breeches and (girls) their hair up in a hairnet inside their helmet with a hairnet matching hair color.
Helmet – Just buy a black one! For both Hunters and Jumpers, requirements are only that all competitors have a properly fitted helmet on, when mounted, that meets or exceeds ASTM/SEI safety standards. I call BS – Every trainer I know and every judge I have asked prefers a black helmet.
My daughter (age 7) in the show ring 2022 in our first year of competition, first show and I got a few things wrong because no one told me...notice the blue helmet (now her schooling helmet because we bought a black one), and the brown paddock boots and garters...Not a deal breaker, but on a green pony with a young rider every point counts! Tipperary MIPS helmet, Tailored Sportsman jods, and RJ Classics Maddie show shirt in white, Roekle gloves in blue because...Who knew!
Show Coat - For lower level Jumpers coats are required but any color is acceptable. Again – Stick with blue or black. Any other color and you’ll run into trouble. Seriously.
Show Shirt – Just buy white! That is all.
Jods/Breeches - In the Hunter ring, tan or beige breeches are required. Your breeches should be clean and in good condition. If your breeches have belt loops, you should wear a belt that matches your boots. Your jacket SHOULD cover your belt.
In the Jumper ring, for formal classes, you should choose breeches in white or tan.
TIP -You cannot go wrong with Tailored Sportsman. Save yourself the $$$ and try to get some second-hand on facebook marketplace, or PONY UP and buy them new. They are worth the money.
Boots - In the Jumper ring you can wear tall field boots or half chaps and paddock boots, as long as they match in color. In the Hunter ring you should always wear tall black boots (age appropriate) or black paddock boots (under 13 yoa) and garters.
Gloves – Wear them. Black.
TIP - Roekle gloves. Just buy these. I’m telling you – save yourself the Google searches.
Getting your kids dressed to impress is part of the game! Presentation and first impressions are important in this sport, and entering the ring without the “look” is not an option if you want to compete.
Getting closer in this pic!
KNOW THIS: Overall, a neat, clean and traditional appearance will give you an edge in the ring, so stick on the safe side when possible.
In most Jumper rings, competitors will receive a warning for any issues with their attire.
In the Hunter ring, especially at higher levels, competitors may be eliminated if judges find their attire unacceptable or distracting.
Do yourself a favor and get these on Amazon and give the boots and anything else leather that got dusty a quick wipe before they go in to the ring.
And Baby Wipes (any brand) are essential for hands, face, and clothes that have dust, dirt, and pony slobber.
I have found success shopping these sites online for show wear - they sometimes offer specials, coupons, and Smartpak offers discounts for their products when you subscribe to Smartpaks for your pony.
And DON'T FORGET Facebook Marketplace and some of the groups on Facebook for second -hand items (kids grow so fast!) like:
Just Ponies - Kids and Pony Equipment and Clothes (copy and paste in to your FB browser)
Kids Equestrian Clothing /Saddles For Sale/Trade/ISO (copy and paste in to your FB browser)
And we haven't even touched on the tack and equipment...That will be another segment on WHAT IS POPULAR IN THE 2023 SHOW RING - Stay tuned.
Have anything to add? Success with your purchases or attire that you would like to share? Add to the conversation!
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