SHOW
APPAREL
TRENDS Owning The Show Ring by KARA LARSON
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hether you’re in the show ring or in the real world, fashion trends are constantly evolving, leaving the scene as quickly as they entered, and interpreted differently based on personal taste, style, and situation. In the Arabian show ring, the wide array of classes not only allow for all kinds of people and abilities to join in on the fun of showing, but it also allows for a variety of interpretations of the rules on apparel in the USEF Rulebook for each class in the Arabian division.
beige or brown jacket with matching jodhpurs. Day coat with jodhpurs also permitted. Boots and derby, soft hat or protective headgear required. Protective headgear may be worn without penalty. Contrasting hats, vests and/or ties are acceptable. Richard Wright, a national judge and longtime trainer, offers an interesting point of view about what your show ring outfit might “say” about you as a rider and showman. “I do think that adding a bunch of rhinestones to an outfit can make you look desperate. From a judge’s perspective, garish attire either speaks of insecurity or a lack of confidence in the judge’s ability to see you. And really, neither one is really the impression you want to give. All showing involves unspoken communication.”
Beginning in the rulebook itself, this article references exactly what is said about each division’s rules on appointments in the show ring—specifically show attire. Knowing the rules and regulations and where penalties are warranted should In expanding on this “unspoken communication,” Richard be a vital part of showing, considering how much time, compares showing to a job interview. “You’re applying for the energy, money, and thought goes into choosing outfits, job of first place rider. Your demeanor and your turn out are being properly turned out, and truly dressing the part of a ways to communicate quality and competence to the judge.
“Dress shabbily and they remember the dress;
DRESS IMPECCABLY
and they remember the woman.”- Coco Chanel showman. However, it seldom is. Here to give insight into You want someone to think you’re competent, not flashy, not one of the most important aspects of showing are some overzealous, not cheap. For a job interview, you would wear of the leading trainers, judges, amateurs, and vendors in something fairly conservative and businesslike that gave the Arabian show industry. With their help and advice, the interviewer the impression that you were absolutely you’ll know exactly how to leave a strong impression on capable, but not somebody who was a grandstander. The the judges, while gaining the comfort, know-how, and same principles apply to the show ring because of the confidence every exhibitor should have in the show ring. impression you’re trying to communicate to the judge.” ENGLISH/COUNTRY PLEASURE According to Article 120 in the English pleasure section, “Informal saddle seat attire is required; no hunt attire. Suggested are conservative colors such as black, blue, grey,
Another important consideration is whether you’re dressing for country pleasure, English pleasure, or park. “Based on the criteria for the class you will be showing in, you should choose the type of apparel that will further the overall impression appropriate for that division. If it’s a country pleasure class, you’re trying to look more as one unit and create an impression of quiet symmetry. While in a park class, you could go for a stronger and bolder look.” Yet, for Richard, the English division is just not the place for rhinestones. “I understand that everyone wants to be unique, but to me, you can be unique without going over the top. I think it’s such a distraction from a beautiful horse. But, not everyone feels that way and I have never, regardless of what I felt about the clothing, penalized someone in their placing because of it.”
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For his unique position in center ring, Richard thinks of his role and presentation in a similar way to the horses and riders he is judging. “As a judge, I think about the same things a rider should. I’m trying to show that I take it seriously and respect the exhibitors’ efforts without ever having to say anything. But ultimately, I want my work to speak for itself. And really, that’s the way the competitors should consider their role. They should let their work speak for itself, emphasizing it with a suit of perfect fit and color.”” HUNTER PLEASURE / SHOW HACK According to Article 128 in the hunter pleasure section, “Informal attire is required. It includes a coat of conservative color (black, blue, gray, green, or brown, and conservative shades thereof ) made of materials that are suitable for hunting. Discrete patterns such as tweeds, houndstooth, jacquard, pin-stripes or subtle plaids are allowed. Coats must be darker than the breeches or jodpurs. Brocades, raised patterns, glossy/metallic/shiny fabrics or materials are not suitable for hunting. Ornamentation other than a stock or lapel pin, tie clip or tack, or monogram are not allowed on any item of attire. Gloves are optional, but if worn, must be of conservative color. Boots and conservatively colored hunting cap, derby, or protective headgear are mandatory. Protective headgear may be worn without penalty. Nonconforming exhibitors must be severely penalized.”
and more of a workman’s look, because originally, it was worn on the hunter field.” And in conjunction with hunter pleasure’s utilitarian and athletic beginnings, the principal style remains traditional. “The trend has become more understated, classic, and traditional than the loud, shiny, textured jackets of other disciplines. The rules call for very minimal ornamentation, so, nothing too blingy should be worn on your tie, on your jacket, or in your bun. If the girls are going to wear earrings, they should certainly be conservative.” Although show hack is less strict about its conservatism, Article 132 states that, “acceptable hack attire is required. It consists of conservatively colored coat, breeches and boots. Formal attire consisting of white breeches, top hat and tails may be worn.” Similar in components, the attire of hunt and show hack is classic, straightforward, and clean.
For John, one of the most important elements of hunter pleasure and show hack would be the boots. A good pair of boots is not exactly an inexpensive purchase, but John urges that you consider the mileage of a quality pair. “In addition to well-fitted clothing, people are starting to understand the importance of a good fitting riding boot. There is such an array of styles, and although they are a major purchase, good riding boots, if properly taken care of, are an investment. From this description, it would appear that the key word As long as you keep them in a boot bag with boot trees on to hunter pleasure is conservative. National judge the inside, and keep them clean and polished for the show and trainer, John ring, you won’t regret the purchase.” John continues with a Rannenberg, agrees new option of boot—the semi-custom boot. “Some of the that this conservative, advantages of a semi-custom boot are the look, the fit, and classic look is what the comfort. Many companies are coming out with a boot sets hunter pleasure that has a hidden zipper in the back, which allows you to apart from the other slip in and out easily instead of fighting and pulling them. disciplines. “With For example, Ariat now has an attractive semi-custom boot the hunt clothes, I with a very nice shape that follows the contour of the leg, think there was which is great.” As for the fit of these semi-custom boots, a period where it John explains where they should sit on your leg. They got too showy and should fit a little tall right away—reaching up to the back flashy, and hunt is of the knee—because as you break them in, the leather probably the most bends at the ankle and gets supple, relaxing downward. And conservative class a short pair of boots just doesn’t have quite the finished that we offer. It’s look—hunter is all about being crisp and tight and clean.” very classic and really hasn’t changed As a judge, John notices the overall picture in the first in centuries— impression a horse and rider team conveys, placing weight an understated on its importance. “When I see a horse and rider come
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in that is well turned out—the horse is in proper frame, has a pleasant look on its face, has clean and properly fitting tack, and I can see that someone took the time to condition, groom, and braid the horse, and then I see that rider’s clothes fit well and the boots are clean and polished, it makes a statement. I am big on first impressions.” A big part of this first impression has to do with how a rider feels in their show clothes. Confidence stems from being comfortable, so it only makes sense that show outfits inspire those feelings. “I think putting on clothes that are welltailored, attractive, clean, and feel good is very important to confidence. You also need to make sure that you’re able to move and breathe without the fabric pulling and puckering; when you feel restricted and uncomfortable in your clothes, you all of a sudden feel different than you did from all the hours you spent at home preparing in your practice clothes. That should be a clue to the rider to look at their outfit—no matter what discipline. Because if you feel restricted, you look restricted.” In closing, John shares that, in the end, it’s about fitting horse and rider. “I think you have to look at the horse as an individual and you also have to look at the rider’s physique and body type—the look that you’re trying to portray.” WESTERN PLEASURE According to Article 196 in the western pleasure section, “Riders shall wear a western hat, long-sleeved shirt with any type collar, trousers or pants (one piece long sleeved equitation suit is acceptable provided it includes a collar). Chaps, shotgun chaps, or chinks, and boots required. A vest, jacket, coat, and/or sweater may also be worn. Protective headgear may be worn without penalty.”
light colored hats because it makes them look taller. If you’re tall, do not have your chaps extend below your heel. However, for me, I have some extended chaps for my larger horses, because I’m 5’4” and can look too little on a huge horse.” In the show ring, the judge’s perspective is one that must always be considered. Their opinion can change everything, so where their eye subconsciously stops on your tack and outfit can alter their perception of the overall picture. “When a horse enters the arena, you see the whole front end. As the horse profiles, you see the rider, so you want the judges’ eye to quickly go from the hat straight down the leg and on to the horse’s front end. You want to keep the judge’s eye locked on the horse, not your leg; so many of the outfits that have big designs and shine on the upper leg stop the judge’s eye from locking onto the horse. I always encourage a straight line of studs or small sparkle studs down to the boots. I also insist they sit straight for the very same reason. If the eye is stopped by designs or patterns of bling, it makes the judge have to fight their attention back to the horse, and sooner or later, your judge will subconsciously enjoy judging a smoother picture of horse and rider. On the same note, if you are too plain in dress and tack, you might be too nondescript in today’s show ring in big, competitive classes. Show pads are important as well. In my opinion, you should have a corner piece of leather or silver on the back corner of the pad to stop the judge’s eye from zipping right on to the horse behind you. It shouldn’t be big enough to distract from looking toward the horse’s front end, but a corner is tasteful. The worst pad I’ve seen judging was one that had an arrow pointing away from the rider at the horse behind them.”
Trainer and judge, Liz Bentley, shares her take on the An advocate of polish, poise, and a traditional western look, division of leather, rhinestones, and poise. “I own two pairs Liz enjoys the advancing trends of the western pleasure of chaps, black and tan, so I create tops to go with them. As a professional female western trainer, you don’t want to look or dress like an amateur. It’s very important to keep your look clean and attractive, but not overdone. Amateurs can get away with different colored chaps and more glitz than a pro. My clients have a tendency to dress more traditional western with minimal glitz, perhaps because that’s how I dress. I love strong traditional western clothing.” One of the main considerations in western is finding a balance between what works best for you and what you’re pining to wear. “Size and shape of riders is a big consideration. Always remember, just because it’s in style, that doesn’t always means it’s appropriate for everyone. Tall people should not wear
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division, but does hope for more streamline looks to make their way back into the show ring. “I look forward to just seeing where we go from here. I definitely would like to see cleaner looking outfits, especially with the bling on the hats. Keep it elegant and attractive and western.” WORKING WESTERN The working western section called for the same apparel as the western pleasure (Article 196), but there are different considerations to be made based on the classes that fall under this “working western” umbrella. Reining, working cow horse, trail, and reined cow horse are all included, and considering the type of movement and expectations of the classes, trainer and judge LaRae Fletcher-Powell weighs in on the ever growing and evolving division. “An excessive amount of bling is in the eye of the beholder. Having patterns and bling on the shirt, chaps, and pad, in my opinion, is over the top. In horsemanship and reining seat equitation, I like to see a rider in one color from head to toe. The hat needs to be blocked properly in today’s trend. Boys should be in a solid shirt or a small pin stripe. A pattern is fine if it is subtle. Pants should be high-waist enough so they are above the belt line of the chaps. Chaps should not be baggy and short. They should follow the contour of the leg and fit snugly. Boys can have ties that have some color and they should not hang down more than 2 or 3 inches. Girls can be outfitted in all one color or they can have a variety of design in the upper body. In the working western disciplines, the “less is more” concept holds true.” As you begin your search in choosing a reining seat equitation or horsemanship outfit, LaRae offers some advice on the subject. “Considerations should be a color that goes well with the rider and horse. In most cases, I prefer a darker color for most riders to give them a slender look. It also shows less movement on most horses.” And when a look comes together and adds to the picture, the rider gains confidence. “I believe if you’re dressed to win, then it helps the rider’s confidence and as a judge, you look like you’re there to win. This holds true in any event, not just equitation.” For LaRae, the main difference in dressing for western horsemanship compared to pleasure lies in the details. “The rider is being judged in horsemanship and the outfit needs to be more form fitting and slimming. Again, all one color is more tasteful in my opinion. In
Advice from
Arabian Amateur and Fashion Blogger
Brittney Berget
“Picking out riding suits has always been one of my favorite parts of showing. The clothes you choose can really be a reflection of you and your horse—so I always try to have fun with it. I like to pick colors that not only look good on my horse, but hues that I enjoy wearing. If you feel confident and good about your outfit, that’s going to show in your performance.” Finding your Match “It’s great to take risks with color and textures, like these ladies have, but it’s imperative to remember the basics, and that’s to look neat and presentable. Making sure suits are tailored as well as possible is the first step in ensuring your look is show-ring ready. There are also a handful of tiny little details that I make sure I have completed before trotting through the in-gate.” Trends “I think we are seeing a lot of really fun trends in the show ring right now. People are really stepping out of the box, and it’s so fun to see. One look I’m really loving is the monochromatic trend—like Katie Burr’s all white suit. It looks so fresh and chic and it’s really unexpected. In the past year we’ve also had the return of the day coat—Brooksley Sheehe wore a beautiful red coat when showing Voodoo Child, and it really was stunning. It looked fresh, and updated from day coats of the past and I predict we will be seeing a lot more of them in the Arabian show ring.”
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western pleasure, the horse is being judged and the outfit can be louder and have more design. However, colors still need to go with the rider and horse. Some of the western pleasure outfits are starting to go over the top. Again, at times, less is more!” THE NEXT STEP—FINDING YOUR OUTFIT With the USEF apparel rules laid out and the insight from professionals and judges, it is time to reflect on what options you might have in finding a dynamic show ring look of your own. Bring in your personal eye and style, but remember who is really at the center of it all—our Arabian horse. Always dress to best emphasize your horse, not distract from their inherent beauty.
As far as trends go, what would you say is “in” this show season? The way of the future is the day coat for English. Western is stately elegant with designs from the shirt or jacket carried through to chaps and saddle pieces. What show ring trend are you looking forward to moving away from? Show attire is a part of the street fashion trends. Our fabrics, trims, and concepts come from the offering of the world runways and adapted for riding apparel. So, bold is in and dull is out. Our woolens have taken on a lovely luster, trimmed collars are everywhere, crystals and bling are a hit. Not everyone likes to follow trends—that’s why custom is so wonderful. We are able to satisfy everyone’s taste level and it does vary!
Is it more important to match suit color and Melissa Holmes combinations to horse or rider? Both are equal! You have SHOW SEASON APPAREL What do you think a strong and polished look does to take both the horse’s color and the rider’s complexion into for the whole picture? It makes a winner! In a field account. Again, that is why you do custom—to emphasize of many horses and exhibitors, you need to look the best combination for the picture of horse and rider. confident, skilled, and convey that you are a champion. SADDLE SEAT Do you find that exhibitors have more confidence What are the main considerations when choosing a when they have a suit that truly fits them and saddle seat suit? What looks appropriate on the rider, the horse? Yes, of course. W hen you are well horse, skill level, age, and class entered. Coordinating an dressed in any setting, your confidence level entire outfit takes more than the selection of fabrics. We rises. You are not self-conscious and worried have the knowledge of the show ring, color sense, and about how you look, which allows you to appropriate attire for the class and the ability to lead rider, simply ride your horse and think of nothing more. trainer, and, often parents, through the whole process. A history of the ring and knowing what looks good in different lighting, along with design capability, is paramount. How much bling is too much in saddle seat? When does it go from tasteful to over the top? Riding apparel is on the “fringe” of the fashion runway. Our fabrics, trims, and sequin fabrics are all drawn from street wear. With any trend, some will go too far and others remain conservative, that is why custom is so important to give a client choices. All tastes are not equal and no one wants to look just like another person at any function. This is a show, a stage-like production, and you are viewed by the judge and audience from 20-30 feet away. It is meant to be happy and enticing to show horses. You have people in the audience who have never been to a horse show and know nothing about horses. Give them something more to look at—clothing, beautiful riders, and horses. We want to expand our breed to other people, if it looks dull, boring, and not fun, they may find another sport. The audience looks at the rider and the judge should be looking at the horse!
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As far as trends go, what would you say is “in” this show WESTERN How much bling is season? For the western rider, current trends include too much in a Western incorporating a mix of different textures on the same class? When does it go garment, like using a bold lace over a plain fabric to create from tasteful to over a dramatic effect. Also, the use of sequin fabric as the main the top? Western is a fabric for a shirt was a big hit for us at Scottsdale and wonderful expansion continues to be in strong demand, as well as belted shirts of personality and why that fit over the chaps. We are also using vibrant colored would you want to fabric and trimming them with different shapes and sizes stifle creativity? However, it should be common sense of stones and crystals. On our consignment side, I have an to eliminate dangles and anything that flops or moves ever-increasing request for “plain vest and shirt combos” around. You also need to take into consideration the with white-on-white topping the list; this look is exquisite movement of your horse and do everything you can to when finished with a colorful colorful bling tie and tie bar. make it appear to be a smooth ride. Fringe on the chaps is a hallmark of western and really do not detract unless What show ring trend are you looking forward to very, very long. When coordinating, you want to minimize moving away from? I feel we are over the top with your figure flaws and maximize your best features, which some of the blinged material and color choices for the is why so many designs are available to accomplish the English vests. As echoed by our shoppers, many prefer a best presentation and combination of colors and fabrics. more toned-down look. Also the oversized, bad hanging You can be brilliant and tasteful at the same time! western side saddle skirts—many times they completely overtake the horse and end up covering so much that you only see the head and legs of the horse “peeking” out. HUNT Overall, hunt is considered a more conservative class. Where do you think hunt attire is today?Yes, it is conservative, SADDLE SEAT but a little expansion to allow different fabrics and a range What are the main considerations when choosing a of color would give it a little more spark for the riders. This saddle seat suit? First and foremost, it should be a class seems to have the largest bone of contention about “the well-tailored garment. Even the prettiest suit can look.” Our riders want more expression and that element is become very unflattering if not properly fitted being tamped down. Again, everyone dislikes looking the same, so which way do you go? Everyone has their own How much bling is too much in saddle seat? When opinion and we try to please our clients, as well as walk the does it go from tasteful to over the top? I like to see fine line of rules. Remember, “Getting dressed is half the fun!” a “classic traditional” look for this division, finished off with a bling bright tie and collar bar. The majority of our buyers express a desire for the same. The crisp Venita Proffit white shirt with a red silk vest and bright colored GO N SHOW N AGAIN What do you think a strong, polished, put-together, tie is a great look for any color of suit—timeless! cohesive look does for the whole picture in the arena? It is the finishing touch in your preparation to complete WESTERN the picture. You shopped for the perfect horse, spent How much bling is too much in Western? When does hours practicing, and the outfit just finishes the look. it go from tasteful flash to over the top? When it becomes a distraction or takes the main focus off the Do you find that exhibitors have more confidence performance of the horse, or when it makes you say, “oh when they have a suit that truly fits them and the my gosh,” and not in a good way! Your outfit should be an horse? There is nothing worse than trying to show to “accessory” that compliments your look, not overpowers it. your best ability if you are uncomfortable. An outfit that What are the main considerations when choosing a is tailored and well-fitting presents a finished look, Western outfit? Western is the most fun to shop for with all allowing the rider to be ccomfortable and confident. the different trims and embellishments and fun materials. But
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beware; it doesn’t always look on you like you envisioned it.That is one of the perks of shopping with our ready-to-wear custom line. We take the “guess work” out of your shopping experience. Becky Veltema DEREGNAUCOURT LTD. What do you think a strong and polished look does for the whole picture in the arena? The objective is to create the overall picture for “horse and rider” that is pleasing to the judge’s eye. You want to be able to be seen in a class of 20+, but you don’t need to have your apparel distract them to a point that they don’t notice the quality and performance of the horse. When the horse enters the ring, you want the crowd to say, “Wow, look at that,” referring to the whole picture, rather than being more drawn to the apparel!
that can be coordinated with makeup. If a horse and rider are of similar coloring and tones, that is a bonus! What is the most difficult part of finding the perfect complete outfit for saddle seat? Creating something that is unique and special to the specific horse and rider can be a challenge. If there is a “trend”, go in a different direction— of course, while following the rules and guidelines for your particular division—but remain in good taste.
How much bling is too much in saddle seat? When does it go from tasteful flash to over the top? If you read your rulebook, there are specific sections for each division regarding apparel. Riders and their apparel suppliers should know these rules and conform to them. Hunters have changed their rulings over the past few years regarding Do you find that exhibitors have more confidence when this issue due to extreme violations to the conservative they have a suit that truly fits them and the horse? I think guidelines that were set in that division. The saddle seat well-fitting, beautiful attire makes the rider feel special. For division also has language regarding conservative attire, example, an evening gown that makes you feel gorgeous but it is vague and leaves much for interpretation. Fabrics makes you walk a little taller! Children are probably the with moderate sheen are always going to be popular most important on this issue. If you put a child in something because they look rich and elegant. High gloss fabrics they don’t want to wear, they tend to shrink up in the should be kept for the evening, or possibly a National show ring versus the one that loves what they are wearing. Final class day or night. I don’t feel that rhinestone cowboy or cowgirl has any place in the hunt seat or As far as trends go, what would you say is “in” this show saddle seat venue. If you were going to a polo match, or season? Avoiding a “trend” and staying unique is always a brunch, you would dress different than going to an “in.” Classic, superior fitting apparel will always be popular evening dinner or formal event. The same is for the show in the show ring. I don’t like trends or fads, and dressing ring. Dress appropriately for your division and time of day. appropriately for the time of day and the division you are riding is paramount. You don’t wear a sexy, long sequin gown What is the best part about building a custom suit to a breakfast or lunch gathering; it would be inappropriate from scratch or about finding a great consignment and in poor taste. The same goes for riding apparel—dressier suit that fits a rider beautifully? The consignment suit at night, sporty or casual in the morning and afternoon. that is in “like new” condition, can be taken in to shape your body, and only needs minor hem adjusting is a great purchase. You can reap significant savings. SADDLE SEAT What are the main considerations when choosing a saddle However, riders often purchase consignment that is seat suit? Which division the rider will be showing; the not right for them, expecting a seamstress to work amount of wear and tear the garment will have to withstand; miracles. That is not a good purchase. You will run into the color of the horse (if it is specific to one individual), significant cost, and it will likely not ever be right for you. and the budget that the customer needs to maintain. There is nothing like custom, of course! Building a suit Is it more important to match suit color and for your body—shape, length, etc., is ideal and will make combinations to horse color or to the rider? I always you and your horse look amazing if cut, constructed, and coordinate to the horse. Since it is a “horse show,” it is fit properly. You also have a product that holds significant the horse that we want to showcase, and make them trade in value for up to 3 years and excellent resale value at look their best. The rider is covered from head to toe, all times. It does come with a bigger price tag, but in the long with a small amount of their face being exposed, and run, you have the best with our nickel and dime expenses. ■
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