Show Ring SwaggeR WHAT TO WEAR IN 2014 by KARA LARSON
You may have the show horse, the trainer, and even the proper tack to be competitive in the show ring, but what about the appropriate show clothes and final touches to bring the whole picture together? For those concerned with giving a judge the impression that you are to be taken seriously, we give you some insight into what judges, trainers, and various clothing outfitters think about each division and how to dress to impress accordingly. As we move into the show ring, there are a few options for the type of show clothes you might want to try. In the custom suit game, DeRegnaucourt Ltd. and President Becky Veltema encourage a classic, signature look. Veltema shares, “DeRegnaucourt Ltd. prides itself in producing garments that create a signature look that becomes unique to a special horse and rider team. This direction has been very successful for us, and we expect that our timeless selections will continue to be popular. The choice of unique, but classic and elegant, will be noticed in the show ring this season, and for all seasons to come.” Another interesting point that Veltema makes is in the selection of one’s outfit. “It is obvious when riders make their apparel selections all about themselves and what they personally like to wear. When the horses color, carriage, and presence in the ring are not considered or made a priority, the horse is lost in the presentation. Many riders way outshine their horse, diminishing the judge’s perception of that horse’s presence 1 | APPAREL 2014
in the ring, rather than noticing the quality the horse brings to the show ring.” She adds, “Additionally, riders who do not take into consideration their build or body type when making color and fabric choices, can make very expensive/beautiful garments look ill fitting, and in poor taste.” Preferring a simple look in terms of the final touches, she adds, “Accessories should be simple and tasteful. There are choices such as a sparkle beret, small flowers, or bows, which are all acceptable. However, more is not better, but rather worse! I know decisions can be tough, but you must decide. It is one of the above, not 2, or 3 or more! Sometimes I see so much going on, it was like everyone in the bar got a shot at putting something in the bun, and it is a disheveled mess. SIMPLIFY!” And if you want to try your hand at some other options outside of custom show apparel, Midwest Saddleseat Consignment Apparel, headed by Jen Nelson and Kristen Dull, might have what you’re looking for. As Nelson considers what 2014 brings, she offers, “In Saddleseat, we have seen a return to navy colored suits. For a while the trend seemed to be away from navy and more towards tan, taupe, and black, but recently the trend has returned to a clean, crisp, and classic navy. Of course the monochromatic look is still holding strong in a shirt/vest/tie combination. Show ring fashion also follows the highly anticipated release of the pantone color of the year. We anticipate that we will see more of the radiant orchid color in the show ring as the year continues, as it is flattering on any skin tone. Bright pops of color and pattern shirts can add to the individuality of a rider. When you switch up a vest and shirt, it can dramatically transform a suit. We believe that the world is a fashion show, and the show ring is your runway, so why not own it!” Nelson shares more on the trends of the 2014 season, offering: “In addition to the return to navy, one trend in 2014 that we have noticed is the number of suits in the gray color family. This color is highly flattering on any age of rider. Charcoals, steel, soft gray with subtle dimension in the fabric have been beautiful. Given the wide variation of tones and shades in gray, it looks good on any color horse.” Nelson adds, “Almost any combination works well as long as the garment is well tailored and it flatters the horse and the rider. When a rider is looking for a new show ring look, at MSCA we
Top TipS Tip 1. Trainer Wendy Potts
does this: “When picking out fabrics for my clients, we usually take swatches out in the sunlight and hold them next to their horse. We will also look at them in a stall (if well lit) to see if the color will show up indoors. One would like to see a nice contrast to the horse's color without being too "loud." It is also important that the color has the right "tone" to go with your horse. For instance, a darker tan coat with gold tones will probably not look good on a grey horse, although it might be beautiful on a chestnut.”
offer an avenue for people to gain a return on their suiting investment.” Another well-established custom outfitter, Show Season, Inc. with Melissa Holmes at the wheel, offers a great deal of options for making a real impact in the show ring. In 2014, Holmes says enjoy the color of the season. “As clients become more open and confident in wearing new colors in the ring, some are going for head to toe color in western. English is also loving the unique shades of taupe, brown, and grey. With the continuing rise of the contrasting coat, the English wardrobe can expand for the rider, giving many options for attire depending on the ring.” The trends that are working for Melissa: “I really love the new paisley fabrics in all shades. They are really showy in the ring and open the door to alternatives to the suit. Equitation riders are stepping up to lighter shades of taupe or grey with monochromatic shirt, vest, and tie in soft hues of pastels.” On the final touches that bring the whole picture together, Melissa shares, “Hats should be cleaned and shaped—remember to pin
o f the
Tip 2. Jen Nelson
for Midwest Consignment shares her pet peeves: “Ill-fitting coats where the shoulders are too large and pants that are too short! The typical trend is having a bell drop of 2-3 inches. Rule of thumb, if you can see the heel of your boot, your pants are too short! Sometimes this occurs because riders are wearing spurs without spur holes in their pants. This is an easy fix that a tailor can do to ensure that your pants are the correct length.” 2 | APPAREL 2014
S e a So n Tip 3. Becky Veltema
of DeRegnaucourt Ltd. says: “Hats. This is where doing everything right and then missing a step makes everything look wrong. Be sure that your hat does not overwhelm your size! Many hats have too large a brim, are too tall, etc. Also be sure that your hat is cleaned and shaped properly at every show.”
Tip 4. Judge Van Jacobsen
offers: “A good analogy comes in the example of a wedding. There’s a reason the bride is dressed in white with all the beautiful sequins and lace— because it’s her day. At a horse show, you’re really there to show your horse, so you should be a part of the wedding party and not draw too much attention to yourself. First and foremost, it’s about the horse.”
them on with bobby pins through the sweat band. Hair should be in a neat bun, secure and size appropriate. A feminine touch of small accessories creates a beautiful image. Lips and eyes must be enhanced for the ring or the rider will appear very washed out from the lights and great distance in the ring.” She adds, “It’s a show! The audience can really get into a beautiful package out in the ring even when they know nothing about horses or showing. It’s fun to show, and after all, getting dressed is half the fun.” However, before a horse and rider team can hit the show ring with swagger, the hours spent in practice are incredibly important as well. For Colleen Rieder of Rider Up Equestrian Wear, practice wear is the game. Rieder shares, “Though trends may come and go, here at Rider Up Equestrian Wear, we have created a "timeless riding pant." We are happy to say that our multi-disciplined design has withstood changes and will stay ahead of the fashion boom in equestrian garments. Our style is simple and to the point—it flatters the figure, whether it be in women’s or children’s sizes. One can never tire of a garment that fits extremely well and is beyond comfortable.”
In the fit that the Rider Up pants adhere to, Reider talks about the semi-custom fit she can offer. “Due to all of our hard work, we obtained a patent here in the U.S.A. and Europe, knowing full well we would be standing among a flood of “fashion minded riding pants” in the industry. But our garment is very unique as we have the original patented V-waistband. So, whatever year, whatever trend, our fit and style keeps up ahead of the game due to it's originality, and of course our price point—it is very affordable!” Rieder adds, “We lend our market to English, (saddleseat, hunter, dressage), western (pleasure, reining, and trail), Polo, fashion, and even for the motorcyclist.” Within all of these avenues and disciplines, 2014 brings bright colors and patterns for the young ones, conservative colors for all ages, and some more individually customizable options. Rieder adds, “That is the fun of fashion and trends too! We design with excitement in mind and it always works no matter what day, what year, as there is a pant for everyone!”
2014 TRendS: D iv iSio n
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Jen Nelson: “Hunt apparel is classic and timeless. The simplicity of the hunt coat requires a well-tailored fit. The trend in hunt has always been traditional. Selecting a fabric that enhances a rider's complexion and hair color is essential!” Wendy Potts: “Hunter attire is still very conservative. Bling really should not be worn. In the hunter seat equitation division at Youth Nationals, it is VERY important that riders not have any bling or even heavy makeup. As far as hunter pleasure, I think the only bling should be on the magnet that holds one's number. Perhaps a couple hairpins could have bling, but I would discourage anyone wearing any bling on their collar or lapel pin.
e n g l iSh
Becky Veltema: “The classic suit with conservative appointments will always be a staple look for the show ring, however, I am excited to see the addition of some beautiful coats in colors and patterns in the pleasure division. This fashionable move toward a more unique look helps not only the rider with variety in their wardrobe, but also helps judges distinguish between exhibitors in very large classes. Keeping in theme with “horse show,” I feel it makes the show ring a more attractive venue to spectators who may become future exhibitors to expand our industry.”
As far as light fabric, it should also remain conservative. I think it is fine as long as we remember the rule that states that your coat must be darker in contrast than your breeches. I also think
Van Jacobsen: “In the rulebook, both English and country English use the word conservative. You will see some outfits and think, “oh that’s too much,” with bling or even with head to toe riding suit that is just so light. Of course, there are beautiful day coat combinations that can be conservative and neatly attired. And I’m all for that as long as it is not over the top.” 4 | APPAREL 2014
it's important that if the fabric has a pattern, one should not be able to discern the pattern from a short distance away. That means you should not be able to see a plaid from across the arena. As far as the sheen of the fabric is concerned, I would also keep it conservative. The hunt coat should certainly not appear to have a satin finish but a light sheen on a conservative coat is certainly acceptable in the Arabian hunter pleasure division.”
W eSter n
Melissa Holmes: “Texture and depth of pattern are strong from shirt or jacket through the design of the chaps. Clients can select designs that are flattering to both horse and rider. The western outfit is truly a “work of art” with tons of personality that shows the confidence of the rider.” Van Jacobsen: “My pet peeve is being over the top. I’ve seen western horses with so much bling on the whole outfit, including the fringe on the chaps. It goes by you and it’s just too much. When the judge’s immediate attention is drawn to you and not the horse because your outfit shows movement and doesn’t compliment the horse, you’re actually defeating the purpose of getting dressed to show. I get to thinking: “what am I supposed to be looking at here—the horse or the rider?” You’re still wanting to show your horse, not yourself.” n
Rider Up Equestrian Wear … The # 1 Fashion Riding Pant! The Arabian rider’s first choice in a practice riding garment and custom stable jod
www.rider-up.com or call Colleen, 505-280-6156 6 | APPAREL 2014