Is a black saddle pad appropriate for a TL schooling show?

[southhillstables]

Would you recommend sticking with a white pad or is black acceptable?

[fernie fox]

I have the same thoughts for black saddle pads as I do black breeches.;)

No,,,,White sqaure pad is more professional.

[southhillstables]

On the same note, is embroidery in the corners of a white pad too much...

[hoopoe]

black is fine for a schooling show

don't run out and buy a white pad special. I save my white pads for rated shows.

embroidery is a no in my book. There are rules about logos and symbols on saddle pads. stick to piping

[Heinz 57]

I'd say for a schooling show it would be just fine.

The only time I'd use black anywhere other than a schooling show, is on a white horse.

For example: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/erin7264/pony%20slideshow/EM_FC3C4934.jpg

[ponyjumper4]

My old trainer used to use black pads on her horse at Prix St. George and in the I's, she also had a grey lippy.

[Anine]

my friend competes her gelding in a black pad at rates shows.
he's very dark bay and slightly croup high and she feels a white pad emphasises his high croup and 'cuts him in half'.

i agree with her. the black pad is much more flattering.

my mare is a caramelly chestnut with a big irregular white blaze and the white is just too harsh and busy on her. so her pad is ivory coloured and my breeches are beige.

[ESG]

The USEF rules say a pad of "conservative color" is appropriate, for all levels. I would consider black, brown, navy, and white to be conservative. Logos/embroidery are also allowed, and the permitted dimensions of these are also listed in the rules.

Carry on. :cool:

[friesian4me]

I show rated shows with a black pad for a short backed black horse.

[southhillstables]

Can he have a nicely pulled mane or do I have to braid?

[ESG]

IMO, a schooling show is practice for a recognized show. So, I braid and show in white for everything. With my conservatively colored pad. :winkgrin:

[lwk]

Braiding is always optional, even for recognized shows. And black pads are acceptable.

[ESG]

You are quite right - there is no rule that states that horses must be braided. But if you want to present "the picture" (and who wants to spend all that money to show, and schlep around untidy?), you braid. ;)

[honeydoozy]

I show rated shows with a black pad for a short backed black horse.

All of the friesians in our barn go with black pads, as do the white/grey horses. Everyone else gets bright white. I'd say you should go with whichever looks best on your horse.

Saw a friesian at a rated show go in with a *red* pad. :no:

Now that's a bold choice.