Cream or pale yellow (lemon) jodhpurs or breeches should be worn, again not brightly coloured, with long black leather boots, polished and clean. The boots should have a garter strap, but it is now a more optional addition. The boots should not be high cut to the outside of the knee; these are dressage boots and may detract from the overall show picture.

Your horse should be sufficiently schooled that spurs are not required; the judge is not allowed to wear spurs, as all horses vary in sensitivity. You would not benefit if the horse cannot perform without them as the ride the judge receives from your horse will not be the best it can give. You can however wear ‘dummy’ spurs if preferred to complete the dress, but this could be misinterpreted by the judge when viewing the class of horses on the initial ride round.

dress-for-championship

Suitable dress for a championship

A small discreet lapel badge may be worn. Avoid wearing large brightly coloured lapel rosettes, or badges. You are showing ridden Arabians, lots of colour should be saved for little girls and their pretty ponies.

If you are fortunate enough to go through to a championship then there are a few changes to consider. A top hat is permitted and can replace the velvet show cap, for the ladies this should be a low crown silk top hat, for the gentlemen it should be taller. A blue cutaway show jacket and waistcoat, or black tailcoat can be worn with a well tied hunting stock, and stock pin, in white or cream silk (no bright colours or patterns). Gentlemen may wear ‘Morning Dress’. This consists of a black morning coat and special riding trousers; a collared shirt, tie, waistcoat and black Jodhpur boots. Always remember to wear your prize winning rosette.

Your groom will be required to attend to you in the show-ring. A tweed jacket and smart trousers (not jeans) with suitable footwear (no high heels, sandals or flip-flops) should be worn. Ladies should wear a velvet hunting hat and gentlemen should wear a suitable Trilby or Panama hat. This all adds to the overall presentation and a professional look, and will ensure that you get noticed for the right reasons.

Pages: 1 2