Ask the
Fashion Pro
Q.
: Hi, Wendy. My new trainer wants me to ask for approval of every piece of show clothing I purchase. What do you think about this practice?
A.
We get it. There’s a certain picture your trainer wants you to present, especially in events like horsemanship and showmanship, and rightly so, particularly if your trainer is a carded judge. That picture he or she has in mind extends to your attire, and that means caution probably can’t be thrown to the wind when show clothes shopping. So the age-old “I need to get trainer approval before I buy” element of shopping is just part of the process for many riders, and many times we agree it’s a necessity. But just like in the hit show, Say Yes to the Dress, sometimes your opinion is the one that matters most.
THE REASONS 114 August 2022
BEHIND THE RULE
The trainer’s reasons for requesting approval are logical, and even more so when it comes to experienced trainers. They’ve seen it all, including client wardrobes that are not suitable for the event, the horse, or the rider. Speaking of which, if you’ve made
