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Hunter Show Attire: Getting Ready for Your First Show.

If you are getting prepared for your first horse show season, choosing the correct attire for the Hunter/Jumper Ring can be a bit intimidating! Hunter/Jumper riding is a sport that is steeped in tradition, and much of that tradition has to do with the appropriate attire. While many traditions stay the same, the Hunter/Jumper ring is also very trendy! Here is a guide to help you choose horse show apparel that is both traditional and in fashion.

Show Coat:

You can't go wrong with a traditional navy blue show coat as it is appropriate for hunter, jumper, and equitation classes. Show coats are traditionally made from worsted wool, but are also available in wool blends or in polyester if you are budget conscious. Your hunt coat is the most visible piece of riding apparel you will wear on show day. Invest in the highest quality show coat in your price range. Take the time to take your measurements and use the size charts on our website to ensure a proper fit. Here is an example of a mid-range, wool blend show coat by R.J. Classics.

http://www.equestriancollections.com/product.asp?groupcode=RJ10037

If you want to invest in a 100% Worsted Wool Show Coat, here is a fantastic one made by Ariat.

http://www.equestriancollections.com/product.asp?groupcode=AT00448

Breeches:

The most popular riding breeches in the Hunter/Jumper ring today are beige side-zip breeches. The quintessential show breech is made by Tailored Sportsman.http://www.equestriancollections.com/product.asp?groupcode=TS00020. They are now available in a four way stretch and in a low-rise style http://www.equestriancollections.com/product.asp?groupcode=TS60007 . If Tailored Sportsman Breeches are not in your price range, many of our vendors have less expensive versions of this classic breech. Here are a couple of examples from Ariat.http://www.equestriancollections.com/product.asp?groupcode=AT00527 and Tuff Rider http://www.equestriancollections.com/product.asp?groupcode=JP00190

Show Shirts:

Here is where you can get a little more creative. While the a white show shirt is the classic, today riders are wearing show shirts in every color imaginable. If you are going to be showing in any equitation divisions, stick with white or a light pastel color. Otherwise, just make sure the shirt matches well with you jacket. While show shirts are made out of cotton or cotton blends, many shirts are now being made with Coolmax and/or in a fabric that has a bit of stretch. Here is an example of this trend, with the classic look of a traditional show shirt from Ariat.http://www.equestriancollections.com/product.asp?groupcode=AT90208. If you are just starting out, or if you are on a budget, you can't beat the quality of this shirt from TuffRider:http://www.equestriancollections.com/product.asp?groupcode=JP80099

Boots:

Hunter/Jumper riders wear Tall, leather, field boots in the show ring. They need to fit properly, so take the time to check our size charts and take your measurements. Equestrian Collections has many off the shelf field boots available in various price ranges. We also have semi-custom field boots from Der Dau. Check out our entire collection.http://www.equestriancollections.com/storeitems.asp?department=Ladi.... DO NOT wait until show day to wear your new boots for the first time. Wear them as many times as possible before your show. Boots need time to break in, and you need time to get used to the different feel of riding in a tall boot.

Helmet:

Whether you are riding at home or at a show, an approved riding helmet is a must! Riding helmet styles have changed in the past few years as all major horse shows have required all riders to wear approved helmets. Today you can buy a helmet that is both safe and fashionable. While there is certainly a lot more variety accepted in the show ring today, choose a black helmet in your price range for the show ring.http://www.equestriancollections.com/storeitems.asp?department=Ladi...

A Note For Juniors:

For junior riders showing ponies, it is appropriate to wear paddock boots with jodhpurs and garter straps. As juniors get older or starting showing horses, it is time to move up to tall boots and breeches. Talk to your trainer if you are unsure what to purchase for your junior rider.