Horse Show Clothes – Know What You Need
When you consider that a single set of horse show clothes could cost you over a thousand dollars, you may want to be careful before you swipe that credit card. The right horseback riding apparel is not as important as the right outfit for showing your horse at a professional show. It is a very real sport that can be very expensive depending on where the show is located and what breeds are being shown.
If you have a tight budget you may want to reconsider trying to show your horse professionally. But there are local shows that can be a great starting point and give you the practice you will need later. Horse show clothes can be something you acquire as you gain more experience. Mankind has been preening and prancing around in ornamental clothing for hundreds of years so if it takes you awhile to acquire the proper wardrobe, do not sweat it.
Most of the ornamental clothing is now gone but depending on which sport you are competing in or showing your horse in will determine what type of clothing is needed. Take for example Quarter Horse shows. The typical outfit would be a pair of jeans or slacks and a button up shirt. The outfit is typically determined by what type of show in which the Quarter Horse is competing. The pedigree shows that showcase the horse’s lines, muscles, coat and mane only require a “nice” outfit. If it is a show in which the horse is competing, then the rider will wear boots, jeans, cowboy hat and button up shirt.
For horse shows such as those in the Thoroughbred, Arabian or rare horse line, a more elegant clothing choice will be the one most typically found. The English riding apparel of high boots, helmet and coat go along with the horse’s main purpose. It is these shows that huge monetary amounts are awarded. A win in some of the more prestigious shows can garner hundreds of thousands of dollars.
There are plenty of websites and retail stores that will gladly sell you horse show clothes. They may, or may not, be steering you in the right direction. Some sellers believe more in the bottom line than ensuring that the customer is educated. It is your responsibility to know what each particular show requires and to make sure you have the right gear for the job.
Pets Editor
Equus Magazine – Equus stands out among the rest for its informative articles and the latest news on horse information and horse healthcare.
