DRESS TO

Kathy Carter looks at what to wear for the disciplines of eventing, showjumping and dressage.

Bear in mind that these guidelines are for affiliated shows – more informal, local shows will be more relaxed, and you will generally just need to be smart and comfortable, and of course, safe. Check your governing body’s manual and dress code, to be sure.

EVENTING DRESSAGE - HELMET

Protective headwear, meaning a fastened safety helmet meeting current standards, must be worn by anyone mounted at an affiliated eventing competition. If you haven’t got the budget for a multiplehelmet wardrobe, you can use a darkcoloured velvet hat cover over a jockey skull cap for eventing dressage. Or you may choose an entirely different black or blue helmet for the dressage test, such as a traditional velvet-covered hat, or one of the more modern versions with a glossy or matte finish, and fancy trimmings like subtle glitter or sparkles.

EVENTING DRESSAGE - SHIRT

Your show shirt will see you through both the dressage and showjumping phases, if you are competing in a full eventing competition, as opposed to just a cross country contest. These shirts are typically white, however other, more cheerful colours are available, usually with a white ‘bib’ front that’s noticeable beneath a jacket. However, don’t forget that if jackets are waived due to hot weather conditions, you will be wearing your shirt by itself, and the colour will be on show; so a simple, white-coloured show shirt is advised.

Eventing Dressagestock And Tie

If you’re wearing a more formal, plain jacket as opposed to a hacking jacket, you would typically wear a white stock – essentially a long piece of material