Summer Show Riders - The Proper Equestrian Show Apparel That Scores Points

The high heat and humidity of summer in the show ring can leave you looking wilted and performing less than your best. Instead of the fresh, crisp, elegant look you were striving for, you and your horse can lose that winning edge. The right equestrian riding apparel makes all the difference in how well you ride and how good you look in the show ring.

Of course, looking and feeling your best doesn't start in the show ring. As athletes, you and your horse must train regularly, stay hydrated and eat properly. Assuming you have done all of the necessary homework, it is then up to you to acquire the proper equestrian riding apparel to ensure that you and your horse leave the ring as winners.

Show Clothes & Dressage Essentials

The components of classic equestrian show clothes can vary somewhat, according to your riding specialty. Hunt seat is slightly more casual than dressage, but both require elegance and classiness about them that expresses the cool, calm confidence the judges are looking for in the show ring. Regardless of the brand of your show shirt or show jacket, be sure that they are clean and neatly pressed.

Show coats should be dark or a shade of beige or gray, while show breeches are always light colored, usually white, tan or beige. Brands such as Tuffrider, Equine Couture and The Tailored Sportsman are all safe bets. Equine Athletics, Equine Couture and The Tailored Sportsman offer fine show shirts. Ladies should wear a ratcatcher and choker or stock tie while the gentlemen wear button-down shirts with a tie or stock tie. Your Tuffrider tall boots will either be field or dress style and always black. Black gloves will add a touch of elegance to your overall presentation. Additionally, you must wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet with a harness. Colors are usually black or charcoal-hued.

Details Make The Difference

Once you are dressed in your equestrian riding apparel, you need to take a second look and ask yourself what details could be added to your equestrian show clothes to make you stand out in the judge's eyes as the next Champion. Little touches, such as discrete make-up, neatly coiffed and beribboned hair or a crop that matches your gloves may not seem like important components of your equestrian show clothes, but the subconscious mind picks up many more details than the conscious mind is aware of, and judge's minds are quite discerning. These little touches can mean the difference between winning and placing second or third.

Cleanliness, neatness, style and decorum are all important aspects of the way you present yourself in the show ring. Be sure to bring extras of your equestrian show clothes, just in case something becomes dirty or torn. It is always a good idea to protect your equestrian riding apparel prior to entering the ring. One big horse sneeze and your immaculate presentation may look more like a barn brawl. Baggy T-shirts pulled over the top of everything can save you frantic moments of stress and grief just prior to entering the show ring.

Online Shopping For Show Clothes

There are many online equestrian riding apparel providers to choose from. To ensure that you receive the best service possible while shopping for your equestrian show clothes, look for interactive and informational services, extensive search and delivery options, easy to read sizing charts and products made with high quality materials and expert craftsmanship.

Your online supplier should provide you with information regarding the fabric, fit and style of your purchases. Online shopping offers the convenience of shopping from home, but be sure to stick with well known and highly respected equestrian riding apparel brands to ensure your satisfaction.

Looking And Performing Your Best

When you look good, you feel good, in or out of the show ring. When you look and feel good, and you carry yourself better with shoulders back, chin tucked and elbows in, giving you overall a better riding position as well basic good posture. Wearing high quality equestrian riding apparel will make you feel more comfortable, look and ride better and earn you higher points in the show ring.

You can be the greatest rider in the world and still do poorly in the ring if you are not dressed in the appropriate equestrian riding apparel. Each item of equestrian apparel should be carefully considered for its fit, look and feel. It is far better to pay a bit extra for something well made. Quality equestrian show clothing will help you to feel, look and perform your very best.

First impressions are powerful tools in your show arena. When you enter the ring, the judge will observe the overall image you and your horse create. The judge will look for neatness, balance, elegance and controlled athleticism. You can add to this crucial first impression by carefully considering each piece of equestrian riding apparel and riding equipment you will be using. Purchasing high quality equestrian show clothes and ensuring that you look your best in the show ring will significantly increase your likelihood of placing at the top of your class.

Anne Coyle is a writer for The Equestrian Corner. They provide high quality equestrian riding apparel and equipment featuring premier equestrian show clothes brands Equine Couture, The Tailored Sportsman, and Tuffrider.

Proper Equestrian Riding Techniques

Proper equestrian riding techniques vary depending upon the type of riding you are doing, whether it is English, Western, jumping, dressage, or eventing. Overall, proper equestrian riding techniques are largely a matter of correct body position, clear communication, appropriate equipment and equestrian riding apparel, and being aware of your surroundings. No one is born with the knowledge or ability to ride properly. It takes years of training and dedicated practice.

As a novice rider, you have much to learn. It is far easier to learn the proper ways first, rather than having to spend years unlearning bad habits and replacing them with proper riding techniques. That's why taking lessons for the novice rider is such a great idea.

Take Lessons from a Reputable Trainer

Regardless of the type of riding you are interested in, riding lessons are always a good idea -- especially for the novice. It is too easy to learn bad habits and put yourself in danger by simply jumping on the first available horse. This is especially true when jumping horses.

Even experienced riders must regularly rely upon basic riding techniques to maintain their safety as well as the safety of their horse. Your trainer should be able to provide you with an outside perspective. It's amazing how many times you will be absolutely positive that your heels are down when, in fact, they are not. A reputable trainer can help you to fulfill your potential as a skilled horseman or horsewoman.

Riding lessons will teach you how to tack your horse up in the proper equestrian equipment, how to tighten the girth on English saddles to prevent slipping, how to select the equestrian riding apparel that is appropriate for your style of riding, how to develop the correct body position, and the best communication methods for interacting with your horse. Riding lessons will also educate you about the common rules of riding etiquette.

Proper Body Position and Riding Etiquette

For generations, young children and adults have been admonished to keep their chin up, shoulders back, and eyes forward. All you have to do is add heels down, elbows in, and hands quiet so that you will have a superior body position for horseback riding. As a rider, your job is to maintain control over your horse without appearing to do anything. Loud cues, abrupt movements, and lost tempers are never appropriate.

In the English riding world, there are specific rules of ring etiquette in place to ensure everyone's safety. Generally, this means that everyone should be travelling in the same direction and working basically on the same skills. Slower traffic keeps to the inside of the arena while faster moving riders stay to the outer edge of the ring. A full horse length should be maintained between riders. If passing is necessary, one is expected to inform the other rider quietly and to give a wide berth. If horses are moving in both directions, the general rule of thumb is to pass -- left shoulder to left shoulder -- just as though you were driving a car. These courtesies work to prevent countless accidents and emergencies and should be followed at all times.

Use Appropriate Equestrian Riding Apparel and Equipment

Appropriate equestrian riding apparel means you are wearing an approved helmet, riding boots, a well-fitting shirt that allows enough freedom of movement, and riding breeches. Jeans are not appropriate for English riding. English saddles will rub on the seams, causing chaffing, and the material will slip and risk a fall. Loose and baggy clothing is never considered appropriate equestrian riding apparel. It can snag, bunch, and interfere with your movement that may risk injury.

English saddles will help you to maintain the correct body position for flat work and jumping, just as an event a saddle will help a rider maneuver hills, waterways, and other obstacles and help a rider to maintain their seat safely. Being lightweight and relatively flat, English saddles provide you with a greater range of motion than a heavier, bulkier Western saddle. However, they also require a strong leg to help you maintain contact and communicate with your horse. There are many varieties of English saddles available. Before buying English saddles, discuss your options with your trainer.

Every step of your training will help you to develop the skills and habits necessary to ride safely and effectively. Wearing appropriate equestrian riding apparel, finding the correct style English saddles, and working regularly with a reputable trainer will all help you to develop proper riding techniques.

Anne Coyle is a writer for The Equestrian Corner. They provide high quality equestrian riding apparel and English saddles that will help you to ride safely and make the most of your time in the saddle.