Horse Show classes require certain clothing and appointments. Always refer to your horse show rules if they are posted. Horse clothing and tack catalogs, riding magazines are another good alternative to see what people are wearing. Whether you ride Western or English all shows, especially 4H shows require a hard hat ASTM approved if you are 18 years of age and under. Click on the links below the explanations to see pictures of the various styles of show clothes. These pictures may not be correct for your specific show, so always refer to your show's rules and regulations.
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For the Western Rider:
Hard soled boots are required for all classes. Western riding pants should be worn along with a western belt with a buckle. Chaps can be worn in riding classes, and come in a variety of colors. Long sleeved shirts or a knit slinky tucked into pants are usually worn with a western pin, tie, or bolo. Any color can be used. Depending on which, you can also add a vest or a western riding jacket. (no jacket shown.) Gloves are required in Fitting & Showmanship and Equitation classes; they can be black or tan. Hair should be put in a hair net and worn under an ASTM approved helmet in riding classes, or under a western cowboy hat for in-hand classes.
To see what colors go best with your horse, check out the Hobby Horse Color Wheel.
For the English Youth Rider:
English junior (8-13 years old) riders should wear paddock (short) boots, and garters- the straps that go below the knees. Depending on the show; beige, white, or green riding pants should be worn with a belt. A rider should wear a white show shirt tucked into their pants with a rat catcher (neck collar) and a stock pin should be pinned to the rat catcher. The rider should wear a navy, hunter, or black show coat and matching show gloves. The helmet must be ASTM approved, and should preferably be a neutral color or black velvet. For the younger junior riders (8 and 9 years) hair can be worn in braids or pigtails. For the older junior riders (10 to 13 years) hair must be worn in a hair net, so no loose strands are visible.
For the Senior English Rider:
An English show shirt with ratcatcher and stock pin should be worn, tucked in to English riding pants with a belt. The shirt can be any color, but white is most common. Check with your show's rule book to see which color pants are allowed, most shows allow beige, tan, white, and green. English riding gloves and English show jacket (navy, black, or hunter green are usually the accepted colors) should be worn in all classes, but are not required for timed events. Tall boots are required once the rider passes age 13. Hair should be completely hidden from view and under an ASTM approved helmet in all classes (mounted, in-hand, and timed). Remember: Lost strands = lost points!
