Even
Cinderella needed help getting dressed for a special occasion
- here are suggestions from the experts at Hobby Horse
for show ring presentation. Always review the association
rules for the shows or breed you compete in, and try to
observe your competition before you invest in show apparel.
The show ring is a traditional place, but there's always
room for a new look, as long as it's legal and in good
taste. Have fun and good luck!
EVENT
WOMEN
MEN
Local/Regional
National
/ World /
Futurities
Local/Regional
National
/ World /
Futurities
HALTER
/ LONGE LINE
horse only is judged on ideal conformation,
movement, beauty. Horses are shown in hand,
not ridden.
Starched
jeans or show pants; blouse with pin or tie;
western hat; western boots, belt and buckle.
Simple vests, blazers, short jackets also
appropriate.
Same
for local/regional levels, with dressier vest,
blazer, or jacket. Take care to color coordinate
with the horse, but don't overshadow the horse
with glitz.
Starched
jeans; pressed, starched shirt; long tie or
scarf; western hat; western boots; belt and
buckle.
Starched
jeans or pleated front pants; starched shirt
with tie; sport coat or blazer; western hat;
western boots; belt and buckle.
SHOWMANSHIP
handler only is judged on ability to fit and
present halter horse. Horses are shown in
hand, not ridden.
Starched
jeans or show pants; blouse or slinky top
with vest, blazer, or jacket; gloves; western
hat; western boots; belt and buckle. Pay extra
attention to makeup; it's an up-close class.
Poly
dress-style show pants (a must); blouse or
slinky top with a short jacket or longer blazer;
gloves; western hat; western boots; belt and
buckle. (Be careful of high contrast at hips.)
Starched
jeans or pleated front pants; starched shirt
with tie or scarf; sport coat or blazer; western
hat; western boots; belt and buckle.
Starched
jeans or pleated front pants; starched shirt
with tie; sport coat or blazer; western hat;
western boots; belt and buckle.
HORSEMANSHIP
/ EQUITATION
rider only is judged on correct riding form
and ability to handle horse.
Chaps;
fitted blouse (horsemanship style with leotard
bottom is popular), with or without vest;
gloves; western hat; western boots; belt and
buckle.
Chaps;
fitted blouse (horsemanship style with leotard
bottom is popular), with or without vest;
gloves; western hat; western boots; belt and
buckle. Form fitted garments critical.
Chaps;
starched jeans to coordinate with saddle blanket;
scarf in square knot; western hat; western
boots; belt and buckle.
Chaps;
starched jeans to coordinate with saddle blanket;
scarf in square knot; western hat; western
boots; belt and buckle.
WESTERN
PLEASURE
horse is ridden and judged on manners, movement,
beauty.
Chaps;
blouse or slinky top, with or without vest
or short jacket; gloves; western hat; western
boots; belt and buckle. Color coordinate clothing
with horse and saddle blanket.
Same
for local/ regional level. More elaborate
garments with rhinestones, sequins, beads,
fancy trims appropriate.
Chaps;
starched jeans to coordinate with saddle blanket;
scarf in square knot; western hat; western
boots; belt and buckle.
Chaps;
starched jeans to coordinate with saddle blanket;
scarf in square knot; western hat; western
boots; belt and buckle. Perhaps add crew neck,
trim fitting sweater in cool weather.
TRAIL
horse is ridden and judged on ability to maneuver
over and through obstacles.
Chaps;
blouse or slinky top, with or without vest
or short jacket; gloves; western hat; western
boots; belt and buckle. Color coordinate clothing
with horse and saddle blanket.
Same
for local/ regional level. More elaborate
garments with rhinestones, sequins, beads,
fancy trims appropriate.
Chaps;
starched jeans to coordinate with saddle blanket;
scarf in square knot; western hat; western
boots; belt and buckle.
Chaps;
starched jeans to coordinate with saddle blanket;
scarf in square knot; western hat; western
boots; belt and buckle. Perhaps add crew neck,
trim fitting sweater in cool weather.
*Remember
that freedom of movement (to open gates, for
instance) makes vests or other less restrictive
apparel a great trail look.
REINING,
CUTTING & COWHORSE
horse is ridden and judged on speed, accuracy,
and degree of difficulty in performing maneuvers
derived from ranch work.
More
casual. See WESTERN PLEASURE; looser
fitting garments for movement; coordinate
clothing to saddle blanket.
Same
for local/ regional level. At upper levels
(if you're good!) a great place to show off
fuller sleeves, rhinestone or beaded trims.
More
casual. See WESTERN PLEASURE for men,
but scarves are optional.
